The first hints of fall are already starting to creep up on the Twin Cities, so it’s a good time to get some fall maintenance tasks done before the colder weather sets in. Here’s a quick checklist of HVAC maintenance to look into while the weather’s still nice:
- Check your home’s foundation for cracks or gaps and seal air leaks with caulk or spray foam.
- Check anywhere pipes, vents or wiring enter your house for cracks and gaps and seal those as well.
- Check around doors and windows for air leaks, and seal with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Look for damaged, blistered or peeling paint and apply a new coat. If left alone, the peeling paint will allow moisture and weather to damage your home’s siding.
- Install storm windows for extra heat retention and energy savings. You can also remove, clean and store window screens for the winter.
- Inspect your roof for missing or loose shingles, and make any necessary repairs before rain, snow and ice can damage your roof.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts. If your home has deciduous trees nearby, inspect the gutters regularly during the fall to remove accumulated leaves. They can clog up downspouts quickly.
- Double check your home’s insulation and make sure it is up to current standards in the walls, ceiling and attic. You’ll likely need a professional to undertake a comprehensive inspection.
- Consider sealing off your attic space from your home living space for better energy savings.
- Have your furnace inspected and maintained to make sure it’s ready to go for the heating season.
- If you have a fireplace, make sure the flue works correctly and have the chimney cleaned by a professional. Keep the flue shut when it is not in use, and consider installing tempered glass doors and an air handler to keep your home’s heat from accidentally going up the chimney.
For more tips and advice on fall HVAC maintenance and other energy-saving strategies for your Twin Cities area home, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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