Regular HVAC Maintenance Tips for Fall

As fall rolls into Salt Lake County, temperatures start to dip and that blast of cold air in the morning becomes a little more frequent. It’s the season when people start switching from cooling to heating, sometimes overnight. That sudden change is when HVAC systems are put to the test. If you haven’t taken a good look at your system since summer, fall is a great time to get it ready. It’s a lot easier to prevent a breakdown than to deal with one during a chilly night.

Regular maintenance can help keep your system running without weird noises, uneven warmth, or surprise shut-offs. A quick check now can prevent bigger issues later like clogged filters that mess with air quality or outdoor units getting bogged down with leaves. Keeping things clean and tuned not only brings comfort, but also takes stress off the system. Here’s where to start.

Check and Replace Air Filters

Air filters are one of the most overlooked parts of any HVAC system, yet they’re at the front line of keeping indoor air clean. As they trap dust, dirt, and allergens, they slowly get clogged. When the filter's full, airflow gets restricted, and the system has to work much harder just to do a basic job.

Keeping filters clean helps your HVAC system heat your home more evenly. It also stops dust from floating around, which matters more than usual during the cooler months, when windows stay shut and everyone is indoors more often.

Here’s a simple way to stay on top of filter changes:

• Find your HVAC filter, usually behind a return air vent or inside the unit
• Check the filter for visible dust or discoloration
• If it looks gray or dusty, it’s time to replace it
• Most homes need a new filter every 1 to 3 months depending on usage and pets
• Choose the right size and rating, don’t try to trim filters to fit

One Salt Lake County homeowner shared that they weren’t feeling warm air in one room even though the thermostat was set correctly. After checking a few basic things, the issue turned out to be a clogged filter. Once they replaced it, airflow returned and the heat kicked in properly. Something that small made all the difference.

Don’t wait until the unit struggles to push air through. Running a system with a dirty filter doesn’t just hurt performance, it can push dust into the components and shorten the system’s lifespan in the long run.

Clean and Inspect the Outdoor Unit

During summer, your outdoor HVAC unit works hard to keep things cool, and fall is when it needs a little attention in return. Leaves, twigs, dirt, and even grass clippings can build up around the unit and block airflow. When the unit is crowded or covered with debris, it may run louder or less efficiently.

A clear space around the unit ensures the fan and coils stay cool and keep airflow moving freely. It also allows easier access if you need a technician to give it a closer look later on.

Here are a few steps to get your outdoor unit ready for the season:

• Power off the unit before cleaning
• Use a garden hose with light pressure to rinse off dirt and dust, don’t use a pressure washer
• Gently clear away leaves, weeds, and grass around the base of the unit
• Trim back any nearby shrubs or branches at least 2 feet from the unit
• Check for rust, bent fins, or any signs the casing might be loose

If you’re seeing any unusual wear or if debris has made its way inside, it’s best to call a professional. Deeper issues shouldn't be ignored, especially as the system moves from cooling to heating.

By clearing the area now, you’ll save yourself from frost blockage or water trapping in the colder weeks ahead. A clean setup now makes sure the unit will run smoothly when you switch from fan mode to heat mode.

Check and Calibrate Your Thermostat

Thermostats are often taken for granted, but they directly control how your HVAC system performs. If your thermostat isn’t calibrated properly or the settings are wrong, your system might run longer than needed, heat at the wrong times, or leave parts of the house colder than others.

The first thing to do is confirm it’s set to “heat” mode as the season shifts. If it’s programmable, check the schedule to match your current daily routine. When the house is empty during the day, it helps to lower the temperature a bit, then warm things back up just before people return home. This keeps comfort high and prevents wasted heating.

If your home still feels off even with the right settings, the thermostat might need calibration. A few signs include:

• The temperature doesn’t match how the house feels
• The system turns off too soon or runs too long
• One area of the home is always warmer or colder than the others

Some thermostats allow basic adjustments, but deeper issues usually require checking wiring and temperature sensors. That’s better handled by a trained technician with the tools to do it right.

Shifting weather between summer and fall makes smaller issues more obvious. One Salt Lake County family noticed their baby's nursery was too warm even after lowering the temperature. A technician found the thermostat was off by several degrees and recalibrated it. That small fix helped balance temperatures through the house.

If it’s been a while since your last thermostat check, this season is a great time to do it before winter sets in.

Book a Professional HVAC Maintenance Visit

Even if you’ve done the basics like changing the filter and cleaning the outdoor unit, there’s more a professional can do. A trained HVAC technician can test things the average homeowner can’t safely reach, like burners, pilot lights, heat exchangers, electrical connections, and internal system pressure. These are the parts that keep your system steady as temperatures drop in Salt Lake County.

Fall is a smart time to schedule service because it comes before the heavy demands of winter. Many heating issues happen during the first really cold days, especially when systems have gone unused for months. Getting a maintenance check now helps catch small concerns before they grow into costly repairs.

Here’s what’s often included in a seasonal HVAC maintenance visit:

• Testing the thermostat for accuracy and proper scheduling
• Inspecting interior system components for wear, debris, or corrosion
• Cleaning burners, coils, and drain lines thoroughly
• Checking gas lines or electrical systems for safety
• Verifying airflow remains strong and consistent across rooms

These items don’t just help with heating performance. They prevent uneven warmth, strange noises, foul smells, and unexpected shutdowns. Even if your system seems fine now, a tune-up gives peace of mind once snow starts to fall.

Waiting until a cold snap to call for help means longer wait times and stress. Preventative service is a simple way to keep comfort steady all season long.

Keep Your HVAC Running Strong This Fall

Tuning up your HVAC system doesn’t have to be a hassle. It really just takes a handful of smart steps. Clean filters, a tidy outdoor unit, a well-set thermostat, and one well-timed professional visit all work together to keep you warm when the weather shifts.

Salt Lake County homes go through big changes with the seasons. Fall is the perfect in-between time to prep your HVAC system before winter settles in. By taking care of it now, you avoid surprise repairs and save stress later. Even small things, like swapping out a dusty filter or trimming back plants outside, make a big difference.

Taking a few of these steps today can help make sure you’re not left with cold rooms, loud noises, or sudden shutdowns as the holidays approach. Give your system a little TLC this fall and you’ll feel the difference all season long.


For a stress-free fall and winter, set up regular checks to keep your HVAC system at its best. By staying current with HVAC maintenance in Salt Lake County, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home no matter how cold it gets. At Comfort Pros Heating & Air, we’re here to make sure your system runs smoothly when you need it most. Schedule your maintenance with us today to keep things simple and reliable.