How to Prep Your Home for Cooler Fall Temperatures

September 08, 2017

It’s time to say goodbye to the hot weather. Some of you may begrudgingly drag your sweatshirts out of storage, while others have spent weeks trying to figure out which hoodie will go best with your first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Regardless of how you feel about fall, it’s coming—and winter is just around the corner. Connolly Electric & Mechanical has some tips for you that will allow you to enjoy the fall and keep your home cozy until next spring. Along with booking your regular air conditioner service from Connolly Electric & Mechanical, use this checklist to prepare for the change in season.

Take Care of Your Air Filter.
Your AC worked hard for you through the hot Cottonwood & Prescott season. Before you give your AC a break for the colder months, check your air filter and change it if it’s dirty. This will help your air conditioner run more efficiently and keep dust and pollutants from moving through your indoor space as the seasons change.

Let Some Fresh Air In.
With the temperatures dropping, open up your windows and give your indoor air quality a boost. The air within your house can be several times more polluted than outdoor air, so take this time to let in some fresh air before winter’s chill arrives.

Be Sure Vents and Registers are Clear.
Sometimes furniture gets shifted around as you transition from outdoor living in the nice weather to being inside more as the days get cooler and shorter. Make sure none of your vents or registers are blocked as you rearrange. This will make it more difficult for your HVAC system to do what it needs to do and could cause an unwelcomed hike in your energy costs.

Check for Air Leaks.
The heat of summer can take a toll on weather-stripping. Look around your windows and doors for leaks that could end up allowing heated air out of your home this winter. Air leaks are responsible for reducing heating efficiency and driving up your heating bills. Stop leaks by replacing caulking and weather-stripping where needed.

Schedule a Furnace Checkup.
Once your AC is ready to step aside for the winter, it’s time to focus on your winter workhorse: your furnace. Call Connolly Electric & Mechanical to schedule a preventive maintenance checkup. We’ll make sure your furnace is clean and working smoothly before winter rolls in. During your preventive maintenance, we’ll also detect and let you know what needs to be done to fix any potential issues that may come up when your furnace is in regular use.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector.
Before heating season kicks off, test your carbon monoxide detector. It pays to be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are operating properly and have a new set of batteries installed.

Once this simple checklist is done, you can sit back and take in all the beauty and fun that fall brings. Reach out to Connolly Electric & Mechanical and we’ll take care of some of this checklist for you. Together, we’ll ensure you head into winter confident about staying warm and cozy. You can call us at 928-251-4327.