The first cool nights in autumn are a welcome break from the long desert summer. But as temperatures dip, those chilly evenings can remind you that comfort depends on more than an extra blanket. Your furnace is about to step back into the spotlight—and the last thing you want is to discover a problem when you finally need it.
Fall is the perfect time to give your furnace a little attention. A little furnace maintenance now can make sure your system runs smoothly all season, keeping your home cozy and your energy bills under control. Here are four ways to prepare your furnace for fall in Chandler:
1. Swap Out Your Air Filter
Think of your furnace filter as a protector for the lungs of your HVAC system. Air passes through the filter and into your HVAC system before it passes through the vents and ductwork into your home. The filter catches dust, pet hair, and other airborne particulates—but over time, that dirt and dust build up. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder than it should, driving up energy use and wearing down parts faster.
To keep your system running efficiently, it’s important to choose the right type of filter for your home’s air quality needs. There are many kinds of air filters, and factors like filtration needs, filter lifespan, and airflow efficiency can help determine which filter is best. For example, filters with higher MERV ratings trap finer particles, protecting your system and giving your family cleaner air to breathe.
For more guidance, see our guide to selecting the best type of air filter for your home.
Timing Tip:
In most Chandler homes, a 1-inch furnace filter should be cleaned or replaced every 30–90 days. If you have pets, allergies, or live near new construction, monthly checks are a smart idea.
And when one of those desert haboobs rolls in—like the towering wall of dust that swept through Phoenix in August—it’s best to check right away. Storms like that can pack your filter with dust in just hours, forcing your furnace to work harder and lowering your indoor air quality.
2. Keep Vents Open
It may seem smart to close off vents in unused rooms, but doing so actually puts more strain on your furnace. Blocked airflow can create pressure in the ductwork, leading to uneven heating, hot and cold spots, and wasted energy.
Keep all vents open and unobstructed so warm air can circulate freely. You’ll get more consistent comfort in every room and a furnace that doesn’t have to fight against itself.
3. Check Your Thermostat
Before you need steady heat, test whether your thermostat is operational. Switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode and set the fan to “auto.” Adjust the temperature to your family’s comfort level—you may find that temperatures in the mid- to upper-60s at night and low-70s during the day feel just right.
If you want to take the guesswork out of it, consider a smart thermostat. These devices can adapt to your schedule, fine-tune heating patterns, and even adjust automatically when you’re away—helping you save on energy without lifting a finger.
4. Book a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
Even when your furnace has been off all summer, Arizona’s dry, dusty air can sneak inside. Dust can enter through return vents, leaky ducts, small gaps in the furnace casing, or a missing or clogged filter. Once it settles on key components like the heat exchanger, blower, and burners, your furnace has to work harder to keep your home warm. That extra effort can raise energy costs and wear down parts faster.
Dust can also mask serious issues. Signs of a dirty furnace—like uneven heating or reduced airflow—can hide problems such as a cracked heat exchanger, a dangerous safety hazard that could let carbon monoxide into your home.
A professional tune-up addresses these risks. Technicians clear away dust, inspect components for wear or damage, and fine-tune your system for peak efficiency. Combined with proper insulation and air sealing, regular furnace maintenance can boost efficiency by up to 30% and catch hidden hazards before they become emergencies.
The result: a furnace that runs safely, uses less energy, avoids surprise breakdowns, and keeps your home cozy all winter long.
Trust Your Furnace Maintenance to Chandler’s Local Experts
October is the perfect time to give your furnace some attention before the cooler nights arrive. A quick filter change, vent check, and professional tune-up can prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your home warm and efficient.
At Chandler Air, our NATE-certified technicians combine local expertise with over 40 years of experience to ensure your furnace is ready for whatever the season brings. Don’t wait for a chilly night to find out there’s a problem—schedule your inspection today and enjoy reliable heating all winter long. Call or schedule online to get your home ready for the cooler nights ahead!
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