Fall HVAC Preparation: 5 Key Maintenance Tips for Denver Metro Homes

As the leaves turn golden and the crisp fall air settles over the Denver Metro area, it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Denver’s unpredictable fall weather, with warm September days giving way to chilly October nights, puts your HVAC system to the test. Without proper maintenance, you could face costly breakdowns, higher energy bills, or uncomfortable indoor temperatures. That’s where Ascent Multifamily HVAC and Home Solutions comes in. Serving residential and multifamily homes across Denver, Aurora, Westminster, and beyond, we specialize in HVAC installation, maintenance, and repairs to keep your systems running smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll share five essential HVAC maintenance tips to ensure your home or multifamily property stays warm, efficient, and comfortable this fall. From professional inspections to simple DIY tasks, these steps will help you avoid winter woes and save money. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and prepare your HVAC system for Denver’s changing seasons.

Tip 1: Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection

A professional HVAC inspection is the cornerstone of fall maintenance. Catching small issues early—before they turn into major repairs—saves you time, money, and stress. In the Denver Metro area, where high altitude and dry air can strain heating and cooling systems, a thorough inspection is especially critical. At Ascent Multifamily HVAC and Home Solutions, our certified technicians perform comprehensive checks to ensure your system is ready for winter.

During an inspection, we examine key components like your furnace, thermostat, ductwork, and electrical connections. We look for signs of wear, leaks, or inefficiencies that could lead to breakdowns. For multifamily properties, regular inspections also ensure tenant comfort and reduce emergency maintenance calls. A well-maintained system can cut energy costs by up to 20%, according to industry studies, making this a smart investment for homeowners and property managers alike.

Don’t wait until the first cold snap hits Arvada or Lakewood. Schedule your HVAC inspection with Ascent in September or early October to beat the rush. Our team tailors services to both residential homes and multifamily buildings, ensuring peak performance.

Tip 2: Replace or Clean Air Filters for Optimal Airflow

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your HVAC system is by keeping air filters clean. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder, which increases energy bills and wears out components faster. In Denver’s dry climate, dust and allergens can quickly accumulate, making regular filter maintenance a must for both residential and multifamily homes.

Check your air filters monthly and replace them every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type. For a standard 1-inch filter, hold it up to a light—if you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it. In multifamily properties, clean filters improve indoor air quality, keeping tenants healthier and happier. Stock up on the correct filter size (check your HVAC manual or existing filter) to stay prepared for the season.

Ascent’s maintenance plans include filter replacements, taking the hassle out of this essential task. Our technicians can also recommend high-efficiency filters for homes in dusty areas like Aurora or Westminster. For a quick DIY fix, turn off your HVAC system, remove the old filter, and slide in a new one. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in system performance and air quality.

Tip 3: Test and Calibrate Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, and a poorly calibrated one can lead to uneven heating or skyrocketing utility bills. In Denver Metro, where fall temperatures can swing from 70°F to below freezing in a single day, a reliable thermostat is crucial for consistent comfort. Testing and calibrating your thermostat now ensures your home or multifamily property stays cozy without wasting energy. Here’s how to optimize your thermostat for fall:

Why It Matters:

A miscalibrated thermostat causes inefficient heating, leading to higher energy costs and uncomfortable indoor temperatures. In multifamily properties, this can result in tenant complaints, especially during Colorado’s unpredictable fall weather.

DIY Testing:

Set your thermostat to a specific temperature and compare it to a secondary thermometer placed nearby. A discrepancy of more than 1-2°F indicates a need for recalibration or replacement.

Smart Thermostat Benefits:

Upgrading to a smart thermostat, like Nest or Ecobee, offers remote control and scheduling features, potentially saving up to 15% on heating costs by optimizing run times.

Programming for Savings:

Set your thermostat to lower temperatures at night (e.g., 62°F) or when you’re away (e.g., 60°F), and maintain 68°F during active hours to balance comfort and efficiency.

Ascent’s Expertise:

Our technicians specialize in thermostat installation and calibration for homes and multifamily buildings across Boulder, Lakewood, and beyond, ensuring precise performance.

Ascent Multifamily HVAC and Home Solutions ensures your thermostat responds accurately to your settings, maximizing comfort and efficiency.

Tip 4: Clean and Inspect Ductwork for Efficiency

Dirty or leaky ductwork is a hidden culprit behind inefficient HVAC performance. Dust, debris, and allergens can build up in ducts, reducing airflow and circulating pollutants throughout your home. In Denver Metro’s dry climate, where construction dust and pollen are common, this is especially problematic for both residential and multifamily properties. Clean ducts improve air quality, reduce system strain, and lower energy costs.

For a DIY check, inspect visible ductwork in your basement or attic for dust buildup or small leaks. Seal minor leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape (not duct tape, which degrades over time). However, professional cleaning is recommended every 3-5 years to thoroughly remove debris. In multifamily buildings, clean ducts also reduce tenant complaints about allergies or uneven heating.

Ascent’s duct cleaning and inspection services are tailored for Denver Metro homes and properties, from Arvada to Golden. Our team uses advanced tools to ensure your ductwork is clear and efficient.

Tip 5: Check and Maintain Your Furnace for Winter Readiness

Your furnace is the heart of your heating system, and fall is the perfect time to ensure it’s ready for Denver’s cold winter months. A neglected furnace can fail during a cold snap, leaving you or your tenants shivering. Denver’s high-altitude conditions and frequent temperature drops put extra strain on furnaces, making professional maintenance a must.

For a basic DIY check, listen for unusual noises (e.g., banging or rattling) and ensure the pilot light or ignition system is functioning. However, tasks like cleaning burners, checking the heat exchanger, or inspecting gas connections require professional expertise to avoid safety risks. Ascent’s furnace tune-ups cover these critical steps, ensuring your system runs safely and efficiently.

For multifamily properties in Westminster or Aurora, regular furnace maintenance prevents costly emergency repairs and keeps tenants comfortable. A well-maintained furnace can last 15-20 years and save up to 10% on energy bills. Schedule your furnace tune-up with Ascent before heavy winter use to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Our team is ready to serve homes and properties across the Denver Metro area.

Get Your HVAC Winter-Ready with Ascent

With Denver’s fall weather bringing cooler temperatures and unpredictable swings, now is the time to prep your HVAC system for winter. By following these five essential tips—scheduling a professional inspection, replacing air filters, calibrating your thermostat, cleaning ductwork, and maintaining your furnace—you’ll ensure comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a homeowner in Boulder or a property manager in Lakewood, Ascent Multifamily HVAC and Home Solutions is here to help with expert HVAC installation, maintenance, and repairs.

Don’t let a poorly maintained system disrupt your fall or winter. Contact Ascent Multifamily HVAC and Home Solutions today at (720) 209-1156 to schedule your fall HVAC maintenance. Serving Denver, Aurora, Westminster, Arvada, and beyond, we’re your trusted partner for keeping homes and multifamily properties warm and efficient. Take action now and enjoy a cozy, cost-effective winter with Ascent!