If you live in Colorado Springs, you know the drill.
Shorts and a T-shirt at 2 p.m. Furnace on by bedtime.
Maybe the windows are open Monday, the air conditioner is running Tuesday, and by Thursday morning you’re wondering where you put the snow shovel.
Welcome to fall in Colorado!
While the changing weather keeps life interesting, it can also be a workout for your home’s heating and cooling system. This time of year is actually one of the best times to give your HVAC system a little attention—before that first truly cold Colorado night arrives.
Your AC Has Been Working Hard All Summer
After months of keeping your home comfortable, your air conditioner deserves a little credit.
Colorado Springs summers bring heat, afternoon storms, dust, pollen, and plenty of days when the AC seems to run nonstop. By late summer and early fall, your system may have accumulated dirt and debris or developed a small problem you haven’t noticed yet.
Before shutting the AC down for the season, pay attention to things like:
- Strange noises when the system starts or stops
- Weak airflow from vents
- Rooms that aren’t cooling evenly
- Unusual odors
- Water around the indoor unit
- Utility bills that suddenly seem higher than normal
A small issue discovered now may be much easier to address than waiting until next summer’s first 90-degree day.
Meanwhile, Your Furnace Is About to Clock In
Your furnace has probably enjoyed a nice summer vacation.
Unfortunately, Colorado doesn’t always give much notice before heating season begins.
The first really cold night is not the ideal time to discover that your furnace won’t start, is making a mysterious banging noise, or is blowing cool air instead of heat.
Before you’re depending on it every day, turn your furnace on and make sure everything appears to be working properly.
A few things you can check yourself:
Change or inspect your filter.
A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your system work harder than necessary.
Check your thermostat.
Switch it to heat and make sure the furnace responds appropriately.
Take a look at your vents.
Furniture, rugs, toys, pet beds, and other household items have a funny way of migrating in front of vents during the summer.
Listen to your furnace.
You know your house. If something suddenly sounds different, don’t ignore it.
Schedule a professional furnace inspection.
A professional inspection can identify potential problems before your furnace is working overtime during the coldest part of winter.
The Great Colorado Thermostat Debate
Fall can be confusing for your thermostat, too.
Heat in the morning? AC in the afternoon? Windows open at dinner?
There’s no rule saying you can’t switch between heating and cooling when Colorado weather demands it. The important thing is to give the system time to complete a cycle rather than rapidly switching back and forth.
And if your thermostat seems to have a mind of its own, isn’t maintaining the temperature you’ve selected, or your HVAC system is constantly cycling on and off, it may be worth having it checked.
Don’t Forget About Your Plumbing
Your HVAC system isn’t the only part of your house preparing for colder weather.
Fall is also a great time to give your plumbing a quick once-over.
Look for dripping faucets, slow drains, leaking pipes, or other small problems you’ve been meaning to deal with. As freezing temperatures get closer, you’ll also want to disconnect outdoor hoses and make sure vulnerable plumbing is properly protected.
Colorado’s first hard freeze has a way of turning “I’ll get to that later” into “Why is there water everywhere?”
A little preparation goes a long way.
What Should You Have Checked Before Winter?
You don’t need to turn your house into a home-improvement project every fall.
Focus on the basics:
- Furnace operation and safety
- HVAC filter
- Thermostat operation
- Unusual HVAC noises or odors
- Visible plumbing leaks
- Outdoor faucets and hoses
- Water heater performance
- Any repair you’ve been putting off since summer
If something doesn’t seem right, getting it checked before winter can save you from dealing with a much less convenient problem later.
Your Home Doesn’t Need to Be Surprised by Colorado Weather
You might not be able to predict whether you’ll need flip-flops or a winter coat next week.
But you can make sure your home is ready for either one.
Allright Plumbing & Heating has been serving families and businesses along the Front Range for more than 35 years. From furnace inspections and HVAC repairs to plumbing problems and AC service, our team focuses on finding the right solution—not selling you something you don’t need.
We’re local, family-owned, and we understand Colorado weather because we live here too.
Need to Get Your Home Ready for the Next Season?
Whether your furnace needs attention, your AC made a strange noise all summer, or there’s a plumbing project you’ve been putting off, give Allright Plumbing & Heating a call.
Colorado weather may be unpredictable. Your home’s comfort doesn’t have to be.
Call (719) 597-1099 to schedule service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I have my furnace checked in Colorado Springs?
Late summer or early fall is a great time to schedule a furnace inspection, before you’re relying on your heating system every day. However, if you notice unusual noises, odors, inconsistent heating, or other problems, don’t wait for a particular season to have it checked.
Is it okay to switch between AC and heat during Colorado’s fall weather?
Yes. Colorado temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day. Give your HVAC system time to complete its cycle and avoid rapidly switching between heating and cooling.
How often should I change my HVAC filter?
It depends on the type of filter, your HVAC system, pets, household conditions, and other factors. Check your filter regularly and follow your system and filter manufacturer’s recommendations.
What are signs my furnace may need repair?
Common warning signs include unusual noises, strange odors, weak airflow, inconsistent temperatures, frequent cycling, difficulty starting, or a furnace that isn’t producing enough heat.
Does Allright Plumbing & Heating provide both plumbing and HVAC service?
Yes. Allright Plumbing & Heating provides residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.