Preparing Your HVAC System for Fall

September 19, 2025

As summer winds down and cooler weather begins to settle into Gastonia, Charlotte, and the surrounding areas, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for fall. Taking a few proactive steps now will help ensure your home stays comfortable, your system runs efficiently, and you avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need heat the most.

Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up

Before temperatures drop, schedule a fall HVAC tune-up with a certified technician. During this service, your system will be inspected, cleaned, and adjusted for optimal performance. A professional tune-up helps:

Prevent costly repairs by catching issues early
Extend the lifespan of your HVAC system
Improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills

Learn more about why seasonal maintenance matters from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Replace or Clean Your Air Filters

Air filters can become clogged with pollen, dust, and summer debris. Replacing or cleaning your filter improves airflow, keeps your indoor air cleaner, and prevents your system from working harder than necessary. For Gastonia and Charlotte homeowners, changing filters every 1–3 months is a smart habit. Need help? Our HVAC maintenance services make it simple.

Check Your Thermostat Settings

With fall comes fluctuating temperatures. Now is the time to adjust your thermostat settings for cooler weather. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it to automatically lower the temperature while you’re away and warm up before you return home. This helps balance comfort and energy savings. Check out Energy.gov’s thermostat guide for additional tips.

Clear Around Outdoor Units

Leaves, branches, and other debris can accumulate around your outdoor unit in the fall. Be sure to clear at least two feet of space around the unit to keep air circulating properly and reduce strain on your system. If you notice damage or performance issues, schedule HVAC repair services.

Seal Drafts and Insulate

Fall in the Carolinas can be unpredictable, but sealing gaps around doors and windows helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Proper insulation keeps warm air inside, meaning your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program has great resources on sealing and insulation.

Test Your System Early

Don’t wait for the first cold night to turn on your heat. Test your system now to make sure it’s working properly. If you notice unusual noises, weak airflow, or cool air when the heat is on, schedule a service appointment right away with our heating repair team.

Stay Comfortable This Fall with Unique Air

At Unique Air, we’ve been helping homeowners in Gastonia, Charlotte, and nearby communities prepare their homes for every season. Our expert HVAC team is here to provide reliable tune-ups, repairs, and system replacements so you can enjoy worry-free comfort all fall and winter.