September is the perfect time to shift your home maintenance focus from cooling to heating – before you actually need that furnace to work.
It’s like switching your wardrobe from shorts to sweaters, except way more important for your comfort. Your home systems also need a seasonal makeover, and September offers a sweet spot where it’s not blazing hot anymore but not freezing cold yet.
Getting ahead of the game now means you won’t be one of those people frantically calling for heat repair when the first cold snap hits!!
Why September Prep Matters More Than You Think
Here’s the thing about Iowa weather – it can go from 75°F to 35°F faster than you can say “where did I put my winter coat?” Your furnace has been sitting idle all summer, collecting dust and maybe some spiders, while your AC did all the heavy lifting.
Now it’s time to wake up your heating system and make sure it’s ready for action. Waiting until the first cold morning is like waiting until you’re starving to grocery shop; you’re not going to make the best decisions under pressure.
Plus, HVAC companies get crazy busy once temperatures start dropping. Get your maintenance done in September, and you’ll have your pick of appointment times instead of waiting in line behind everyone else who procrastinated.
The September Home Systems Checklist
Test Your Furnace Early: Turn on your heat for a few minutes to make sure it fires up. Don’t worry if it smells a little dusty at first…that’s normal after sitting unused all summer. But if you smell gas, hear weird noises, or it doesn’t start at all, call for professional help right away.
Switch Out Those Filters. Your furnace filter has been sitting there all summer doing nothing. Even if it looks clean, swap it out for a fresh one. A clean filter helps your system run efficiently and maintains good air quality when you start closing up the house for winter.
Check Your Thermostat Make sure your thermostat switches from cooling to heating mode properly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, now’s the time to adjust those schedules for shorter days and cooler nights.
Inspect Your Ductwork: Summer settling and critters seeking warm places can compromise your ducts. Take a peek in your basement or crawl space for any obvious damage, loose connections, or unwanted guests.
Don’t Forget About Your AC
Just because summer’s winding down doesn’t mean you should ignore your air conditioner. A little end-of-season AC maintenance goes a long way toward making sure it starts up strong next year.
Turn off the power to your outdoor unit and give it a good cleaning. Remove any leaves, grass, or debris that has built up over the summer. Cover it if you want, but make sure to use a breathable cover. Completely sealing it can trap moisture and cause problems.
If your AC had issues this summer that you’ve been putting off, now’s the time to get them fixed. AC repair costs and scheduling are usually better in the off-season.
Plan Ahead for Iowa Winter
Iowa winters don’t mess around, and neither should your heating system. Getting everything checked and ready in September means you can actually enjoy the beautiful fall weather instead of worrying about what happens when the cold weather arrives.
September may feel early for winter preparation, but it’s the perfect timing. Your systems get the attention they need, you get the peace of mind you deserve, and everyone wins when the cold weather arrives.
Contact TMI at 563.900.8788 or schedule on our website to ensure your home stays comfortable no matter what Iowa weather throws your way!