Spring cleaning seems like just yesterday, yet it’s already time for fall maintenance around the house. Seasonal upkeep is a fact of life, particularly when it comes to HVAC components and related items. The good news is, getting this done now prepares your system for the transition from cooling to heating and helps ensure optimum performance and efficiency.
Not all fall maintenance is do-it-yourself, however. Remember to schedule an annual furnace tune-up at this time of the year with your HVAC contractor. The professional service includes critical preventive maintenance procedures as well as an up-close inspection to detect issues that might cause problems later on.
Now, here’s some DIY stuff to tackle:
- Change the system air filter. Don’t start the heating season with last summer’s dirty air filter. For the remainder of the winter, continue to change the filter at least every other month.
- Vacuum the furnace closet or area. Make sure flammable materials are moved away from the furnace and stored elsewhere before furnace start-up.
- Check supply and return vents in every room to cofirm they’re all open and unobstructed. Use a vacuum with a hand tool to clean any dust out of the vent grilles.
- Outside, clear away any vegetation growing close to the heat pump unit, if you have one. Clear at least two feet of space on all sides for adequate air circulation.
- If your central air conditioner is already shut down for the winter, consider purchasing a commercially available cover for the outside unit to protect it from cold weather hazards like ice and falling limbs.
- Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent overflow due to clogs and possible water infiltration into the house.
- Feel for drafts around doors and windows and check the weatherstripping for proper sealing. If it’s deteriorated or missing, install new weatherstripping.
- Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the house and install new batteries, if required.
For professional furnace tune-up and any other fall maintenance issues, contact Paitson Bros. In the Wabash Valley, we’ve been your go-to source for trusted HVAC service since 1922.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922