Fall in New Jersey can arrive quickly. One week the air conditioner is still running, and the next, you have your thermostat calling for heat.

That short transition between cooling and heating season is the perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the months ahead. A few simple checks around the house can help improve airflow, catch potential problems early, and make sure your heating system is ready when temperatures drop.

Some of these steps are easy to handle on your own. Others are best left to a qualified HVAC professional.

Here are some of the most important things to check before heating season begins.

1. Change Your Air Filter Before You Turn On the Heat

If there is one simple HVAC task homeowners should stay on top of, it is changing the air filter.

Your filter catches dust, dirt, pet hair, and other airborne particles before they can circulate through your HVAC system. As the filter becomes loaded with debris, airflow can become restricted. Your heating system then has to work harder to move air throughout the home, which can affect comfort, efficiency, and equipment performance.

For many homes, a standard 1-inch filter should be checked regularly and replaced about every 30 to 90 days. The right replacement schedule depends on the filter itself, the home, pets, indoor air quality, and how frequently the system operates.

If the filter was last changed during the spring, fall is a good time to check it again before heating season begins.

A simple test is to hold the filter up to a light. If it is visibly dirty or difficult to see through, it is time for a replacement.

Be Careful With High-MERV Filters

A higher MERV rating does not automatically mean a filter is better for every HVAC system.

High-efficiency filters can capture smaller particles, but they can also create greater resistance to airflow. If a filter is too restrictive for a particular system, it can negatively affect performance.

Always use the filter size and type recommended for your equipment. If you are unsure which filter is appropriate, an HVAC professional can help determine the best option.

2. Test Your Heating System Before You Need It

One of the easiest ways to avoid discovering a heating problem on the first freezing night of the year is to test the system ahead of time.

Set your thermostat to Heat and raise the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature. Give the system several minutes to respond.

As it starts, pay attention to how it sounds, smells, and operates.

Watch for unusual smells

A brief dusty or slightly musty smell when the heat is first turned on can happen after the system has been sitting unused for months. Dust that has accumulated on components can burn off during the first few heating cycles.

The smell should fade as the system operates.

If you notice a strong burning odor, an electrical or plastic smell, or an odor that persists, turn the system off and contact an HVAC professional.

Listen for unusual sounds

Heating systems make some noise during normal operation, but new or unusual sounds should not be ignored.

Banging, grinding, rattling, squealing, or persistent buzzing can indicate a problem with a component inside the system. Catching these issues early may help prevent a minor repair from becoming a larger one.

Check the thermostat

If the system does not start, first make sure the thermostat is set to Heat and the temperature is set above the current room temperature.

For battery-powered thermostats, replacing the batteries is another simple thing to check.

If the system still does not respond, avoid repeatedly resetting it or attempting repairs yourself. A qualified technician can determine whether the issue is related to the thermostat, electrical system, airflow, ignition, or another component.

Testing your system in early fall gives you time to address problems before the first major cold snap, when heating systems throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties are working overtime.

3. Check Your Vents and Registers

Take a few minutes to walk through the house and look at each supply register and return vent.

Supply registers distribute conditioned air into the rooms, while return vents pull air back into the HVAC system. Both need adequate airflow to do their jobs properly.

Make sure vents are not blocked by:

• Furniture
• Curtains
• Rugs
• Boxes or storage
• Other household items

Blocked vents can contribute to uneven heating and make it more difficult for warm air to circulate throughout the home.

It can also be tempting to close vents in rooms that are rarely used. However, closing a large number of registers can affect the pressure and airflow within the duct system. In most homes, it is better to keep the system's registers open and address persistent room-to-room temperature differences at the source.

If certain rooms are consistently colder than others, there may be an underlying airflow, ductwork, insulation, or equipment issue worth having evaluated.

4. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home uses a gas furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace, or another fuel-burning appliance, carbon monoxide safety should be part of your heating season preparation.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, which means it cannot be detected without a working alarm.

Before heating season begins, test every carbon monoxide detector in the home. Replace batteries as needed and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacing the detector itself.

It is also important to have fuel-burning heating equipment professionally inspected on a regular basis. During a heating tune-up, a qualified technician can inspect components such as the heat exchanger, burners, and venting system to help identify potential safety concerns.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the home and follow the alarm manufacturer's and local emergency guidance. Do not assume the alarm is a false alarm.

5. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Heat Pump

For homeowners with heat pumps, heating season does not mean the outdoor unit gets a break.

A heat pump uses the outdoor unit year-round, including during the winter. Before temperatures drop, check the area around the unit and remove leaves, sticks, grass, and other debris that could interfere with airflow.

Keep plants and other obstructions trimmed back from the equipment.

The outdoor coil also needs to remain reasonably clean and unobstructed. If it needs more than basic homeowner cleaning, it is best to have the work performed by a qualified HVAC professional. The coil contains refrigerant tubing that can be damaged by improper cleaning methods.

And while it may seem logical to cover an outdoor heat pump for winter, do not cover the unit unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it. Heat pumps are designed to operate outdoors throughout the heating season.

6. Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up

Homeowner maintenance is important, but it cannot replace a professional inspection.

A heating system contains electrical, mechanical, combustion, and, in the case of heat pumps, refrigerant components that require specialized knowledge and equipment to properly evaluate.

A professional heating tune-up can help identify worn components, airflow problems, electrical issues, combustion concerns, and other problems before they become larger repairs.

Depending on the type of system, a heating maintenance visit may include:

Heat Exchanger Inspection

In a gas furnace, the heat exchanger separates combustion gases from the air being circulated throughout the home.

A technician can inspect the heat exchanger for signs of damage or deterioration. This is an important part of ensuring the furnace is operating safely.

Burner and Combustion Inspection

Gas burners need to operate properly to produce safe and efficient combustion.

A technician can inspect and clean the burners, evaluate the flame, and perform combustion testing as appropriate for the equipment.

Electrical Inspection

Heating equipment relies on electrical components, wiring, motors, controls, and connections.

A technician can inspect electrical connections, test system components, and look for signs of wear or potential problems.

Blower and Moving Components

The blower is responsible for moving conditioned air through the home's ductwork.

A professional inspection can check the blower, motor, and other moving components for proper operation, cleanliness, and signs of wear.

Flue and Venting Inspection

For fuel-burning equipment, combustion gases need a safe path out of the home.

A technician can inspect the flue and venting system for damage, corrosion, improper connections, or obstructions that could interfere with safe operation.

Thermostat Operation

The thermostat controls when the heating system starts and stops.

During maintenance, a technician can verify that the thermostat is communicating properly with the system and that the equipment is responding as expected.

Heat Pump Inspection

Heat pumps require a somewhat different maintenance approach than gas furnaces.

A technician can inspect the outdoor coil, electrical components, refrigerant system, airflow, controls, and overall heating performance. If refrigerant levels are low, the system should also be checked for possible leaks rather than simply adding refrigerant without identifying the cause.

7. Do Not Ignore Persistent Cold Rooms

If one room in the house always seems colder than the rest, turning up the thermostat may not solve the problem.

Uneven temperatures can be caused by several factors, including blocked registers, insufficient airflow, ductwork problems, insulation issues, or an HVAC system that is not properly distributing conditioned air.

Ductwork is particularly important in homes where supply ducts travel through attics, crawlspaces, garages, or other unconditioned areas.

Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can allow heated air to escape before it reaches the rooms where it is needed. A professional can evaluate the duct system and, when appropriate, use testing to identify significant airflow losses.

If the same rooms have been uncomfortable for years, mention the issue during your next HVAC service visit. It may point to a problem that is not immediately visible from the thermostat.

The Best Time to Prepare Is Before the First Cold Snap

The goal of fall HVAC preparation is not simply to turn the heat on and hope it works.

It is about giving your system a chance to perform at its best before it has to work through weeks of cold weather.

Start with the simple things: replace the filter, check the vents, test the thermostat, clear the area around an outdoor heat pump, and test your carbon monoxide detectors.

Then consider scheduling professional heating maintenance before the weather turns cold.

In Monmouth and Ocean Counties, September and early October are a good time to get ahead of the heating season. Once temperatures drop and heating systems throughout New Jersey begin running regularly, HVAC service schedules can fill quickly.

A little preparation now can help prevent an unexpected no-heat call later.

Ready for Heating Season?

Environmental Air Systems has been serving homeowners and businesses throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties since 1993. If your heating system needs a professional inspection, repair, or seasonal tune-up, our team is here to help.

Call (866) 339-4822 or visit our Contact Page to get started.

Environmental Air Systems | Serving Monmouth & Ocean Counties Since 1993 | Emergency Service Available

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