The changing leaves and cooling air mean only one thing, it’s time for pumpkin-flavored everything! Or, for those lucky enough to live in Twin Falls, it’s the time of year to take a scenic drive to enjoy southern Idaho’s beautiful fall foliage or even to visit the Worswick Hot Springs!

While southern Idaho is usually very comfortable in the fall, the cold weather has a way of sneaking up on us very quickly. If you want to keep your home comfortable this fall season without cranking up the heat, and your electric bill, follow these home comfort tips for fall!

Home Comfort Hacks

The transition into winter is an excellent opportunity to take care of some home maintenance items that may have fallen by the wayside while you were enjoying the summer! 

Change the Air Filters

To keep your home comfortable in the fall, start by replacing the air filters in your HVAC system. Summer pollen has likely clogged up your filters, and changing to fresh filters will improve the airflow and air quality in your home. An efficient system won’t have to work as hard, and it won’t cost you as much money to keep your family comfortable when the weather gets cooler.

While you’re changing your air filters, be sure to take a look at the ductwork in your home. Ensure the ducts are clean and free of any debris that might have built up during the summer months. Your ducts might even have picked up a few unwanted critters sheltering from the summer heat. Since squirrels and raccoons aren’t too keen on paying rent or splitting the electricity bill. So make sure you kick them out of your ducts while you’re cleaning.

Check Your Home’s Insulation

Once you know your HVAC system is working efficiently, you can give the cold a one-two punch by ensuring your home is properly insulated. Insulation slows down how quickly the heat inside your home diffuses to the outside of your home. This way, your home stays at the temperature you set your thermostat to. Without proper insulation, the heat inside your home will leak right out, and your HVAC system will just be costing you money without keeping you warm.

Unfortunately, insulation doesn’t last forever and needs regular attention to ensure it’s in good shape. Insulation can fall apart, and it’s not uncommon for some summer critters to get inside your house’s walls to knock insulation out of place or tear holes into it. By inspecting your home’s insulation, you can catch any issues and repair them with a relatively low-cost insulation repair.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

By utilizing a programmable, smart thermostat, you can save money and more efficiently heat your home all season long. Not to mention, smart home devices are just downright cool. A product like the Nest smart thermostat will let you program your heating system right from your phone to set heating routines to get the most efficiency from your HVAC system.

If you are installing a new smart thermostat, make sure you install it away from any HVAC vents! You don’t want warm air to blow directly onto the thermostat as that will heat the thermostat and make it think that your home is warmer than it is. Unfortunately, even though it’s a smart device, it’s not that smart, not yet, anyway. 

Get Some Greens

Did you know plants can act as a natural air conditioner? If the summer heat persists a little longer than usual, some new plants can help you keep your home cool without having to use the air conditioner! Even if the cool fall air is arriving on schedule, the real value of plants is their ability to act as nature’s original air filters. In fact, they’re so good at their job that NASA looked at different plant species to clean the air on the International Space Station.

Having enough green plants can help take the load off your air filters and ducts and provide another mechanism for keeping the air in your home clean. Clean air means less strain on your HVAC system and lower energy bills. Plus, plants are fun to look at and even improve your home’s value if you’re ever looking to sell. Seriously, plants work wonders!

Stay Warm With IMHVAC

These hacks will help you keep your home comfortable throughout fall, but if you really want to get the most from your HVAC system, give IMHVAC a call for an inspection and HVAC repair! We will make sure your HVAC system is up to the task throughout every season and through all of southern Idaho’s weather!