As the crisp air of fall sets in, many homeowners turn their attention to cozying up their homes — but often overlook critical HVAC maintenance. Autumn is a pivotal season for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Fixing small issues now can prevent breakdowns during winter’s coldest months. At Infinity Heating & Cooling, a trusted expert in HVAC Las Vegas services, we help homeowners avoid common mistakes that compromise efficiency, increase costs, or cause system failure. In this article, we’ll explore the pitfalls to avoid this fall, best practices for preparation, and tips for extending the life of your HVAC system.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Fall HVAC Inspection
One of the biggest errors homeowners make is neglecting a professional inspection ahead of the heating season. What many don’t realize is that summer’s wear and tear — dust, debris, heat stress — can leave your system vulnerable. An inspection ensures that all components are working properly, filters are clean, and any minor damage is addressed before it becomes a major problem.
At Infinity Heating & Cooling, we recommend scheduling your fall inspection by early October. We check your thermostat settings, blower motors, refrigerant levels (if your system has dual modes), ductwork seals, and more. You’ll find more info on our HVAC maintenance services page.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Change or Clean Filters
Sometimes the simplest oversight causes the biggest issues. Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to overwork and reducing efficiency. This not only increases energy bills, but also accelerates wear on the blower motor and heat exchanger.
In the fall, many homeowners forget to change out their summer filters before switching to heating mode. Make it a habit: check your filters monthly, especially during seasonal transitions, and replace them with high-quality filters suited to your indoor air quality needs. Infinity Heating & Cooling offers filter recommendations and replacement services tailored to your system.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Outdoor Units and Vents
Your outdoor HVAC unit and vents are exposed to the elements year-round, and in the fall they face falling leaves, pine needles, and debris that can clog the condenser coils or restrict airflow. If left unchecked, this buildup forces your system to run harder, potentially leading to system failure.
Clean around the outdoor unit by removing debris and gently washing the fins with a garden hose (low pressure). Also inspect intake vents and exterior louvers to be sure they’re clear. Infinity Heating & Cooling technicians can include coil cleaning and outdoor unit check-ups as part of your fall maintenance service.
Mistake #4: Not Sealing or Insulating Ducts
Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork is a silent efficiency killer, especially in cooler months. If your ducts run through unconditioned spaces like attics or crawlspaces, heat loss through leaks or uninsulated sections can undo much of your heating efforts.
In the fall, many homeowners forget to inspect duct seals or add insulation. A small tear or loose joint can let warm air escape into the attic instead of your living space. Infinity Heating & Cooling specializes in duct sealing, insulation, and testing. Check our Duct Services page for more information.
Mistake #5: Delaying Minor Repairs
Have you noticed a strange noise, weak airflow, or a heating cycle that’s too short or too long? Many people dismiss these signs as minor annoyances. But what starts small can quickly evolve into a significant failure — especially when winter is in full swing.
Fall is the perfect time to address any unusual symptoms. Our technicians can diagnose issues like failing motors, cracked heat exchangers, refrigerant leaks, or sensor malfunctions before they lead to emergency breakdowns. Don’t wait until you’re left in the cold.
Mistake #6: Incorrect Thermostat Settings and Scheduling
A proper thermostat schedule can save energy, but many homeowners fall into patterns that work against efficiency. For example, setting the thermostat very low at night or forgetting to program sleep settings can cause the system to work harder during warm-up periods.
In the fall, when temperatures fluctuate, it’s important to adjust your thermostat schedule intelligently. Use programmable or smart thermostats that adapt to changing conditions. Infinity Heating & Cooling can help you choose and install the right thermostat for your system and lifestyle, optimizing comfort and efficiency.
Mistake #7: Skipping Maintenance Agreements
Some homeowners hesitate to purchase a seasonal maintenance agreement, thinking it’s an unnecessary expense. In reality, these agreements often pay for themselves through lower repair costs, improved energy efficiency, and priority service during peak seasons.
Having a preventive agreement with a trusted provider like Infinity Heating & Cooling ensures you get scheduled maintenance, safety inspections, and early detection of problems — protecting your system all season long.
Fall HVAC Preparation Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to get your system fall-ready:
- Schedule a professional fall HVAC inspection
- Replace or clean air filters
- Clean around your outdoor unit and remove debris.
- Seal and insulate ductwork.k
- Address any minor noises or performance issues.
- Adjust thermostat programming for cooler weather.
- Consider enrolling in a maintenance agreement.
Following this list with the help of Infinity Heating & Cooling ensures you’re ready for the colder weather ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I have my HVAC system inspected?
You should schedule professional inspections twice a year — once in the spring for the cooling season and once in the fall before the heating season. - Can I clean the outdoor unit myself?
Yes — gently remove leaves and debris and use a garden hose on low pressure. But avoid internal access; leave coil cleaning and internal inspections to licensed technicians. - Will sealing ducts really make a difference?
Yes. Properly sealed and insulated ducts can improve system efficiency by 10–30% by reducing heat losses. - When should I replace my HVAC system instead of repairing it?
If your system is over 15 years old, requires frequent major repairs, or has low efficiency (resulting in high energy bills), it may be more cost-effective to replace it. - What kind of thermostat is best for fall and winter use?
Programmable or smart thermostats that can adapt to variable temperatures are ideal. They help reduce energy use while maintaining comfort.
Conclusion
Fall is a critical season for preparing your HVAC system for the colder months ahead. Avoiding common mistakes — such as skipping inspections, neglecting filter changes, or ignoring duct leaks — can save you money, extend equipment life, and ensure your home stays comfortably warm.
At Infinity Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to helping homeowners maintain efficient, reliable HVAC systems year-round. From inspections and repairs to filter services and thermostat upgrades, our team is ready to help.
Visit our Contact page today to schedule your fall HVAC checkup and set your system up for success through the winter.
