Fall can feel like a welcome break from the summer heat, but your indoor air quality can quickly get worse once the temperatures drop. It doesn’t take long before everyone starts closing up the windows, running their heating systems, and spending more time indoors. It sounds cozy, but all of that dust, pollen, and pet dander has fewer places to go. Before you start blaming your furnace, take a look at a few of the things that change around the house in fall. Here’s what to check and when it may be time to call Premier HVAC Services.
Why Does My Furnace Smell When I Turn It On?
The first time you turn on the heat in the fall, it’s normal to notice a dusty or slightly burning smell coming from the vents. It’s probably dust that settled on your heating components during the summer months and is burning off once the system heats up again. The burning odor should fade quickly, but if it keeps coming back, gets stronger, smells electrical or like melting plastic, or you see smoke, turn off your system and have it checked.
How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filter During Heating Season?
A dirty air filter makes your heating system work overtime to move the air through your home and can allow more particles to circulate. We recommend checking your air filter monthly during the fall, especially if you have pets, have recently renovated your home, or have family members with allergies. Instead of relying on the calendar, hold your filter up to a light. If light barely passes through it, it’s probably time for a replacement. Make sure it matches the dimensions listed for your system, or you could end up with gaps around the frame.
Can Turning on the Heat Make Fall Allergies Worse?
Running the heater could make your fall allergies worse if pollen has already made its way into your home on clothing, shoes, and pets. Once all of those allergens are inside, they can stay trapped indoors once your windows are closed. The airflow from your furnace can keep those particles moving through your home. Try vacuuming high-traffic areas near your doors and windows, washing your bedding regularly, and keeping your return vents clear. If your allergy symptoms keep getting worse whenever your HVAC system runs, give us a call and we’ll talk through the best indoor air quality solutions.
Why Does Indoor Air Get So Dry in the Fall?
When the outdoor temperatures drop, indoor humidity can fall, too. All of that dry air can eventually make your nose, throat, skin, and eyes feel irritated and may make airborne dust more noticeable. A simple humidity monitor can help you see what’s happening instead of guessing. We can also help with humidity-control options that work alongside your HVAC system.
Should You Get HVAC Maintenance Before Turning on the Heat?
Taking care of your fall maintenance now can catch things like a dirty filter, weak airflow, or a small performance issue before they start affecting comfort or turn into a bigger problem once colder weather settles in. If the air in your home feels dustier, drier, or just not as comfortable once the heat comes on, it may be time to have the system checked.
Contact us at Premier HVAC Services to schedule your fall HVAC maintenance or indoor air quality service in Chambersburg, PA. We’re there when you need us most.