When pumpkin spice becomes the dominant flavor of almost everything, you know it’s just about fall. So, in addition to getting your palate ready for the holiday season, it’s also time to get your home’s plumbing and HVAC system ready for fall, y’all.
Here’s your 10-point checklist for fall HVAC and plumbing maintenance:
1. Drain & Store Garden Hoses
Water left inside your hose can freeze and expand, making your hose more of a sprinkler when you hook it up next spring.
2. Insulate & Cover Outdoor Faucets
Turn off the water access to your outdoor faucets before winter sets in. Low temperatures will freeze water in the faucet, causing it to crack and possibly damage your interior plumbing.
3. Inspect Your Water Heater
A cold shower in August might be unpleasant, but a cold shower in January is unbearable!
We recommend annual water heater maintenance to ensure there isn’t sediment buildup or any mechanical issue that might cause your unit to malfunction.
Fall is a great time to flush your water heater to increase energy efficiency and save money on utility bills.
4. Inspect Your Sewer Line
Roots and other blockages can cause major damage to your home’s sewer line and set you up for costly repairs.
A preventative inspection can identify any blockage that a skilled plumber can remove before it becomes a major issue.
5. Maintain Your Sump Pump
Summer storms have likely had your sump pump active. Now is a great time to ensure it’s weathered the summer storms.
Inspect your sump pump’s electrical system and ensure the drain and pit are free of sediment and debris.
6. Check Your Thermostat
If you have a programmable thermostat, consider adjusting pre-set temperatures as outside temperatures get cooler.
If you don’t have a programmable system, consider upgrading to help your HVAC system run more efficiently and help you save money.
7. Change Air Filters
Your HVAC system has worked hard to cool your home all summer. Your air filter has collected dust and airborne debris to keep it from continuously circulating through your system.
Fall is a great time to start the season with clean air filters before you start up your furnace.
8. Clear Your Condenser
Check your outdoor AC unit for fallen limbs or other debris that might result from summer storms.
Your condenser unit needs at least 3 feet of space around it to ensure it works most effectively.
Use this time to cut back bushes or high grass that might have flourished during the spring and summer.
9. Insulate Your Attic
To help ease the burden on your HVAC system, ensure your home has the proper insulation.
Check attic insulation levels by determining the type of insulation and total R-value. Pennsylvania is in zone 6, meaning:
- Uninsulated attics need R49 to R60
- Attics that already have 3 to 4 inches of insulation need R38 to R49
10. Enroll in an Annual HVAC & Plumbing Maintenance Program
Having your plumbing and HVAC system expertly inspected means there’s no guessing if it’s working most efficiently.
An annual inspection can identify early issues with your plumbing and HVAC systems, saving you from making an emergency call later.
Choose Neffsville Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services for Reliable Service
Fall is the perfect time to reset, inspect, clean and upgrade your plumbing and HVAC systems.
Our award-winning plumbing and HVAC experts at Neffsville Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services can provide annual maintenance to help you avoid costly emergency repairs and extend the service life of your plumbing and HVAC equipment.
Call (717) 625-1000 or contact us online to sign up for our Customer Care Maintenance Program!
