Fall is here, which means your heating system will soon become one of the most valuable commodities in your home. You will want to make sure everything is in working order before the temperature outside starts to fall, so here are some tips that will help you do exactly that.

Schedule a Maintenance Visit

Before you do anything else, contact a St Charles heating and cooling company to inspect your home and your HVAC system. This kind of inspection should be done every fall and winter to make sure things are in working order. You might be able to find some issues that need to be fixed on your own, but you don’t have the same kind of training as a licensed HVAC professional who can identify and fix small problems before they become costly repairs in the middle of winter.

Replace Your Air Filters

Your HVAC system’s air filters should at the very least be checked every month if not replaced altogether, but many homeowners neglect this small but crucial bit of maintenance. You’re already getting your home ready for the coming winter, so use that as a reminder to replace your air filters. Continue to check your filters every month throughout the winter, especially since you will be using your furnace much more.

Reprogram Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can save you lots of time, effort, and money, but it won’t do you much good if you don’t reprogram it for the fall and winter. Program your thermostat so your home is warmer when people are home and awake and cooler when everyone is away or asleep. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, buy one. It is well worth the investment.

Insulate Your Attic

If you haven’t replaced the insulation in your attic recently, have it inspected by a professional to make sure everything is in good shape. Good insulation will lighten the load on your HVAC system by keeping warm air in your home and cool air out.

Replace Your HVAC System

If your HVAC system is over 15 years old and isn’t working as well as it once did, consider buying a replacement. It will cost money to buy a new system, but it will be worth it in the long run. You won’t have to worry about a brand new system breaking down in the middle of winter, and you won’t have to spend too much on having an older system repaired.