As the cooler mornings start rolling into Sonoma County, it’s a good time to check in with your HVAC system. After a long summer of keeping your home cool, your equipment needs some attention before it switches gears for the fall. If you wait until the first cold night to turn on the heat, you might end up discovering a problem at the least convenient time. Seasonal maintenance makes all the difference. Fall is the perfect time to prepare your system for the months ahead. You can discover any potential issues before temperatures drop, and repair schedules fill up. Whether you’ve got a traditional furnace, a heat pump, or a hybrid setup, a few preventive steps now can help you stay warm, safe, and energy efficient all season.
At Valley Comfort Heating and Air, we’re here to guide you through the essentials of fall HVAC maintenance in Sonoma. From quick filter swaps to full-system inspections, here’s how to make sure your system is ready for a smooth transition into fall.
Schedule Your Fall Furnace Tune-Up
If your heating system hasn’t been looked at since last year, scheduling a fall furnace tune-up should be at the top of your to-do list. Regular tune-ups give your equipment a clean start and prevent bigger problems later in the season. During a professional maintenance visit, we’ll inspect every major component of your system, including:
- Heat exchanger and burners
- Electrical wiring and safety controls
- Airflow and fan operation
- Thermostat communication
We also clean key components, tighten loose connections, lubricate moving parts, and check for any warning signs that could lead to breakdowns during colder weather. Our fall HVAC maintenance for Sonoma homes keeps your system efficient, responsive, and reliable. When you schedule in the fall, you’ll beat the winter rush and head into the season with confidence.
Replace the Air Filter
Your HVAC filter works hard all summer long to keep out allergens and any smoke from fire season. By the time fall arrives, it’s usually overdue for a change, even if your system seems to be running fine. A dirty filter blocks airflow, causes your furnace to overheat, and reduces efficiency right when you need steady performance.
Replacing your air filter is simple but has a big impact. A clean filter helps your system breathe, improves indoor air quality, and lowers energy use by reducing strain on your fan motor. If you have pets, allergies, or a dusty home, you may need to replace filters as often as every 30 days.
Start the heating season fresh by swapping in a new filter before your first fall furnace cycle. It’s a low-cost way to protect your equipment and avoid unnecessary repairs down the road.
If you need help finding the right size or MERV rating, an HVAC professional can check your current set up and recommend a filter that fits your system and air quality needs as part of your fall furnace tune-up.
Clean and Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
Whether you use a heat pump year-round or have a separate AC condenser, your outdoor unit needs attention before fall settles in. Summer debris like leaves, grass clippings, and dust can build up around the unit and block airflow. As a result, you end up with reduced efficiency and it may even cause the system to overheat or short cycle. Here’s the steps we recommend:
- Clear at least two feet of space around the entire unit
- Gently rinse the coil fins with a hose (not a pressure washer)
- Brush off built-up dirt and remove any visible debris
- Cut back overgrown bushes, vines, or tree limbs
- Check for signs of rust, damage, or unusual noises
If your system has a heat pump, we’ll also make sure it’s ready to switch from cooling to heating mode. That includes checking the reversing valve, inspecting refrigerant lines, and verifying defrost operation. As part of our fall HVAC maintenance in Sonoma, we’ll clean your outdoor unit and make sure it’s prepared for changing weather. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your energy bills in check and avoid performance issues when winter arrives.
Check Vents and Airflow Inside
Blocked vents, dusty returns, and poor airflow are often the hidden causes of uneven heating and cold spots during fall and winter. Before you start using your heat every day, take a walk through your home and inspect all registers and returns. Make sure:
- All vents are open and unblocked by rugs, curtains, or furniture
- Return grilles aren’t clogged with dust or pet hair
- Registers are secured tightly to the wall or floor
- Air is flowing freely when the system turns on
If you notice a room heating unevenly or slower than others, let us know. We can check your ductwork for leaks, restrictions, or insulation problems that are affecting performance.
Improving airflow is one of the fastest ways to boost efficiency and get more consistent comfort throughout your home. We include these checks during every fall furnace tune-up, and we’ll walk you through anything that might need follow-up. A little airflow adjustment now can save you from big frustrations later when temperatures drop.
Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation
If your home has air leaks or under-insulated areas, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain the right temperature. That means higher energy bills and less consistent comfort as cooler air moves in. Start by checking for drafts:
- Feel around windows and doors for cold air
- Inspect old caulk or weatherstripping for cracks or gaps
- Look for daylight peeking through seals or frame edges
Replacing worn weatherstripping or applying fresh caulk is a quick fix with a big payoff during the fall and winter. For older homes, attic insulation can also make a big difference. If heat is escaping through the ceiling, your furnace needs to run longer to maintain the set temperature.
Even small leaks can add up over time. Addressing these issues now helps your HVAC run more efficiently and keeps your home comfortable through the colder months ahead.
Test Your Thermostat
A lot of HVAC performance problems start with your thermostat rather than the equipment itself. Before you switch over to heating mode, take a minute to test your system’s response.
Here’s how to check it:
- Set the temperature a few degrees higher than the room temp
- Wait for the furnace to turn on and confirm warm air is blowing
- Make sure the fan turns off after it reaches the target temperature
If your thermostat is outdated, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These models help you fine-tune your schedule, cut energy costs, and avoid running the heat when you don’t need it.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Finally, your safety checklist isn’t complete without testing your carbon monoxide detectors. This odorless gas can be deadly if it leaks into your living space.
- Test each detector using the “test” button
- Replace batteries or the whole unit if it’s not responding
- Make sure you have at least one detector on each floor
Your fall HVAC maintenance check is the perfect time to check all this equipment so you can head into the season with peace of mind.
Book Your Fall HVAC Maintenance Appointment
Fall is the best time to get your system in shape before the cold weather kicks in. A quick call now means fewer surprises later and better comfort all season. At Valley Comfort Heating and Air, we make fall HVAC maintenance in Sonoma easy and stress-free. From full fall furnace tune-ups to airflow balancing and filter changes, we’ll help you get the most out of your system. Call us today or book online to schedule your maintenance visit. We’ll make sure your heating is ready when you need it.
