Fall Heating System Tune-Up Checklist
Fall Heating System Tune-Up Checklist: Is Your Indiana Home Ready for Cooler Temperatures?
September 2, 2025
Fall is in the air, which means winter isn’t far behind in the Goshen area. Will it be another mild winter? Or will frigid temperatures take up residence here in northern Indiana? Mechanical Man recommends an annual heating system tune-up for all our customers, but we also encourage homeowners to take on a few of the fall tasks as well. What’s in our fall heating system tune-up checklist? Read on.
Fall tune-up tasks – the homeowner edition
Take advantage of a September weekend to knock off some chores around the house. You’ll be rewarded with a more efficient heating system and, potentially, lower energy bills. It’s a winning proposal!
- Change your air filter. If your heating system relies on forced air, it also includes an air filter that is tasked with catching the dirt, dust, pollen and other debris trying to make its way indoors. As the filter becomes dirtier, it also loses some of its efficiency, forcing your system to work harder to bring in the outdoor air. Change your filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s always a good idea to have a fresh filter for the new season.
- Clean the area around the furnace. Ths tune-up tip applies to anyone who tends to let stuff accumulate around their furnace or utility closet. Go ahead and use your vacuum attachment to remove the dirt and dust bunnies that are hanging around the area. Keep the area around your furnace clear so you can access it quickly in an emergency.
- Adjust your programmable thermostat. The settings that kept you cool all summer aren’t the same ones you’ll want for the winter months. A 72°F setting in the summer may feel fine, because you’re wearing light clothing and have excess humidity in the air. That same setting in the winter can be stifling, especially if you’re bundled up in winter clothing. Find the temperature that works for your family and make sure your settings account for the family’s new fall and winter schedule. You don’t need to pay for extra heat when the home is empty.
- Check the ductwork. Your home’s ductwork keeps the air flowing to every room and corner. If there’s damage or loose connections, your heating system won’t work as well. Grab a flashlight and check for any gaps or strange noises while the fan is running. While you’re at it, remove your vent covers and use your vacuum to grab as much dust and debris as you can near the opening. Start the new season with clean ductwork.
- Clean the exterior AC unit. Before you turn off the AC for the winter, make sure the area around the outdoor unit is clean and free of debris. One winter storm is all you need to send broken branches soaring and potentially damaging the unit.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Now that you’re switching to heat, it’s imperative that you make sure these alarms are ready to do their job in the event of a heating or carbon monoxide emergency. Give them a fresh set of batteries and replace them if they’re more than a decade old.
Fall tune-up – let the professionals take over
Even though an average homeowner can manage a lot of the fall prep tasks, the actual equipment tune-up should be left to a trained professional. During a fall tune-up, your Mechanical Man technician will thoroughly inspect and service your heating system. We’ll inspect all wires, checking for loose connections, and make sure the thermostat is ready to heat your home in the winter. We clean the moving parts and try to diagnose problems while they’re small and easy to fix. As a result, you have peace of mind knowing you’re doing all you can to keep your heating system efficient and safe for your family.
Want to stay on top of your home’s heating and cooling system maintenance? Check out our cost-effective maintenance plans, which include two yearly tune-ups and specific services depending on which plan you choose. You may even enjoy a discount on repairs for covered systems!
Are you ready to schedule that important fall tune-up? Call Mechanical Man at (574) 301-5748 or request an appointment online at https://www.mech-man.com/. Proper maintenance pays you back in better heating and cooling efficiency and a potentially longer lifespan for your equipment. Mechanical Man is your trusted partner for all your heating, cooling, air quality, electrical and plumbing needs. Trust your home to Mechanical Man.