Fall HVAC Tips for Bay Area Homeowners
Bay Area fall brings cooling nights and the shift to heating. Prepare your furnace, clean up from summer, and get ready for winter.
Fall in the Bay Area brings beautiful weather—and the transition from occasional AC use to heating season. Here's your fall HVAC checklist.
Fall HVAC Priorities
1. Switch from Cooling to Heating Prep Before cold nights arrive: - Schedule furnace maintenance - Test your heating system - Replace the air filter - Clear the area around the furnace
2. End-of-Season AC Care As cooling season ends: - Run AC one last time to check for issues (address before next summer) - Remove any debris from around the outdoor unit - Consider covering the outdoor unit (optional, opinions vary)
3. Test Your Heating Early Run your furnace before you actually need it: - Set thermostat to heat - Let it run a full cycle - Expect a slight burning smell initially (dust burning off) - Listen for unusual sounds - Check that all rooms receive warm air
4. Prepare for Fire Season Fall often brings wildfire smoke to the Bay Area: - Have MERV 13 filters on hand - Know how to set your system to recirculate - Consider a portable HEPA air purifier
Energy Efficiency
Fall is a great time to improve efficiency before heating bills start: - Seal gaps around windows and doors - Check attic insulation - Ensure heating vents are open and unobstructed - Program thermostat for heating season
Indoor Air Quality
As you close up the house for cooler weather: - Change filters regularly - Address any musty smells before they worsen - Ensure exhaust fans are working
The Mild Season Advantage
Bay Area fall weather is often perfect—minimal HVAC use. Use this time to: - Schedule any needed repairs (before heating rush) - Consider upgrades - Get quotes for future work
Prepare for PG&E Rate Changes
Fall often brings time-of-use rate changes. Know your rate schedule and program your thermostat to minimize heating during peak hours when possible.