For most of the country, September signals the end of summer’s dog days and a return to fuzzy sweaters, chilly evenings, and, of course, pumpkin spice everything (this is America, after all). But before those first autumn leaves begin to fall, it’s crucial to take a few steps to stave off any cold weather home breakdowns. These quick, relatively painless tasks can potentially save you major repair costs down the road.
One super quick and easy to-do is changing your air filter. As Realtor.com points out, this simple task can save you money down the road.
“This one really should be a maintenance task you do every month,” says Chris Granger, vice president and general manager of Sears Home Services. Dirty air filters can lead to higher energy bills and irreparably damage your HVAC system.
If you prefer to DIY: Changing your air filter is a fairly straightforward task—just be sure to check the size of your existing filter before you hit the hardware store. Pros also recommend removing all vent covers and vacuuming pet dander, hair, and other debris that can accumulate and gunk up your HVAC system.
When to call in the pros: Take things a step further by hiring a professional to tune up your unit before winter arrives. A good contractor will ensure your thermostat is working properly, fix loose electrical connections and gas connections, and check your unit’s blower motor and heat exchanger. Home Advisor says you can expect to spend $150 to $500.
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