As the crisp Edmonton air signals the arrival of fall, it’s time to think about home comfort systems. Thermo-Tech Mechanical, Edmonton’s trusted HVAC experts, knows the importance of keeping your heating and cooling systems in peak condition year-round. Regular fall HVAC maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns during Alberta’s frigid winter months and save homeowners money on energy bills. Why Fall Maintenance Matters for Your HVAC System: Fall is the ideal time for HVAC maintenance as it allows homeowners to prepare their systems for the demands of winter. A well-maintained furnace or boiler operates more efficiently, providing better comfort and using less energy. In Edmonton, where winters can be long and harsh, ensuring your system is ready is essential for both comfort and safety. Top HVAC Maintenance Tips from Thermo-Tech Mechanical: Schedule a Professional Inspection Booking a fall inspection with Thermo-Tech Mechanical is the most effective way to identify any issues before the cold weather sets in. Our technicians inspect, clean, and tune up your system for optimal performance. Replace Air Filters Regularly Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Changing your filters every 1-3 months keeps your system efficient and improves indoor air quality. Check Your Thermostat Programmable thermostats can save energy by adjusting the temperature when you're not home. If you don’t have one, consider an upgrade to maximize energy savings and comfort. Clean Air Vents and Registers Dust, debris, and even furniture can block air vents, reducing your system’s efficiency. Make sure vents are clean and unblocked for proper airflow throughout your home. Inspect and Seal Ductwork Leaky ductwork can cause up to 30% of energy loss in your HVAC system. Thermo-Tech Mechanical offers duct inspection and sealing services to help Edmonton homeowners reduce energy waste. Why Choose Thermo-Tech Mechanical for Your Fall HVAC Needs? With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Thermo-Tech Mechanical has become Edmonton’s go-to HVAC provider. Our expert technicians are trained to handle all aspects of HVAC maintenance, from furnaces to air filtration systems. Our preventative maintenance services ensure you’ll have reliable, efficient heating throughout the winter. Book Your Fall HVAC Maintenance Today! Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to check on your HVAC system. Contact Thermo-Tech Mechanical to schedule your fall maintenance service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home will stay warm and comfortable all winter long.

As Edmonton’s winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home for the colder months. Your HVAC system plays a vital role in maintaining comfort and energy efficiency, so now is the perfect time to ensure everything is in top shape. Regular HVAC maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also helps lower energy bills and improve indoor air quality. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential HVAC maintenance tasks Edmonton homeowners should tackle before winter fully sets in. Let’s make sure you and your family stay warm and comfortable all season long. 1. Schedule a Furnace Inspection and Tune-Up A well-functioning furnace is critical for surviving Edmonton’s harsh winters. Scheduling a professional inspection and tune-up will help ensure your furnace runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Here’s what an inspection should typically cover: Thermostat calibration : Ensures accurate temperature readings and prevents overuse of the furnace. Safety checks : Includes inspecting the heat exchanger and other key components for potential issues. Filter replacement : Clean or replace the furnace filter to improve airflow and system efficiency. Lubrication and adjustments : Technicians will lubricate moving parts and make necessary adjustments to optimize performance. Regular tune-ups can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, so don’t skip this step! 2. Clean and Seal Ductwork Ducts are responsible for carrying warm air throughout your home, but they can become clogged with dust, debris, and even mold, which affects air quality and heating efficiency. Clean and seal your ductwork to enhance HVAC efficiency and prevent heat loss. Here’s how: Inspect ducts  for visible signs of dust, dirt, or mold, and consider a professional duct cleaning service if they are heavily soiled. Seal leaks  using aluminum tape or duct sealant to prevent heat from escaping. Insulate ducts  in unheated areas, like basements or crawl spaces, to retain heat within the ductwork. Having clean, sealed ducts means warmer rooms and lower heating bills, which is especially helpful during Edmonton’s cold season. 3. Test and Upgrade Your Thermostat If you’re still using a manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. Modern thermostats allow you to set temperature schedules, ensuring efficient heating only when you need it. Testing your thermostat is easy: Set your desired temperature  and monitor how quickly and accurately your HVAC responds. Look for inconsistencies : If your thermostat doesn’t seem to respond, it may need recalibration or replacement. Thermostats programmed to lower the temperature at night or while you’re away can significantly reduce heating costs. Many smart models can even detect patterns, automatically adjusting based on your routine, making them ideal for energy-conscious Edmonton homeowners. 4. Inspect the Outdoor Unit If you have a heat pump as part of your HVAC system, don’t forget to inspect the outdoor unit. Here’s what to do: Clear away debris : Leaves, dirt, and other debris can obstruct airflow around the unit. Trim nearby plants : Maintain at least two feet of clearance around the outdoor unit to ensure efficient operation. Check for signs of damage : Cracks or rust on the outdoor unit can impact efficiency. Contact a professional if you notice any issues. Ensuring proper airflow around the unit improves performance, helping your heat pump work optimally even in the winter chill. 5. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters Dirty air filters restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and increasing energy consumption. Changing or cleaning filters is one of the simplest ways to keep your system running efficiently. Here’s how often you should change your filters: Monthly  for basic, cheaper filters during heavy usage months. Every 3-6 months  for high-quality filters designed for longer use. Clean filters can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens in your home, which is especially beneficial during the winter months when windows stay shut. 6. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors During the winter, when heating systems run frequently, the risk of carbon monoxide leaks increases. Carbon monoxide detectors are essential for keeping your family safe from this colorless, odorless gas. Make sure to: Test each detector  by pressing the "test" button. Replace batteries  if needed and ensure detectors are installed in key areas, such as near bedrooms and on each floor. Replace outdated units  (usually after 5-7 years). If your furnace or heating system produces even a small amount of carbon monoxide, it’s crucial to have a functional detector. 7. Inspect Insulation and Weatherstripping Finally, inspect your home’s insulation and weatherstripping. Proper insulation reduces the workload on your HVAC system, saving energy and money. Key areas to check include: Windows and doors : Replace or add weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts. Attic and basement : Ensure sufficient insulation to prevent heat loss. Crawl spaces : If accessible, make sure crawl spaces are properly insulated to avoid heat loss. These simple fixes can go a long way in keeping your home warm and reducing strain on your HVAC system. Conclusion By following this HVAC maintenance checklist, Edmonton homeowners can prepare their homes for a comfortable, efficient winter. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also ensures that it operates safely and efficiently during the colder months. If you need assistance with any of these steps, Thermo-Tech Mechanical Services is here to help. Our experienced technicians provide comprehensive HVAC maintenance, ensuring your system runs optimally all winter long. Contact us today for a professional HVAC tune-up and enjoy a cozy, worry-free winter!