Rushed mornings, drop-off traffic, and the other challenges of the back-to-school season can be easier to handle with the right preparation at home, and that includes plumbing and HVAC maintenance. A back-to-school home maintenance checklist can help your household enjoy reliable home comfort, from energy-efficient heating to consistent hot showers and better water quality.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist: Prepare Your Heating & Cooling System
Periodic HVAC maintenance addresses normal wear, ensures proper airflow, and keeps your home comfortable. The back-to-school season is a great reminder for homeowners to complete preventative home maintenance. Completing a heating and air conditioner maintenance checklist before fall ensures reliable performance before the seasonal rush.
Replace your HVAC Filter
Between heavy air conditioning demand, airborne dust, pollen, and wildfire smoke, HVAC filters accumulate dirt quickly during the summer. Replace your HVAC filter to clear out summer pollutants, reduce allergy symptoms, and keep your system running efficiently as your household heads toward Denver’s cooler months.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-up
A professional HVAC tune-up before school starts lowers the risk of sudden breakdowns that can disrupt a busy family schedule. The professional HVAC technicians at Horizon Services check the entire system and identify wear, inefficiencies, or safety concerns before they escalate and cause more damage.
Check Thermostat Performance
The thermostat is your HVAC’s control center, and its performance enables precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and system longevity. Check temperature calibration by comparing its readings to a thermometer. If you have a programmable thermostat, update its manual schedule to adjust temperatures based on when your household is home or at school. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, which can detect occupancy and automatically adjust temperatures.
Inspect Outdoor Equipment
Denver’s environment subjects outdoor AC and heat pump equipment to intense UV radiation, and the lower-density and daily temperature swings can stress components and cause the compressor to overheat. To prevent further strain and overheating, clean away wind-blown dust and cottonwood seeds, overgrown landscaping, and other debris from around the unit.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist: Prevent Problems Before They Start
Back to school means busy mornings with households rushing to shower, brush teeth, and get ready for the day at the same time, not to mention heavy use on kitchen and laundry fixtures and appliances during the rest of the week. These home maintenance tips for Colorado plumbing help avoid leaks and costly emergency repairs and prepare the system for higher household demand.
Inspect Faucets, Toilets, and Visible Pipes
Inspections for faucets, toilets, and pipes often show wear or damage from heavy demand and environmental conditions. Check sink and bathtub faucets for proper flow and temperature, and look for leaks or signs of water damage near pipes inside the cabinets. Next, check for leaks, corrosion, sagging, or other signs of damage at the other visible pipes in your basement, utility room, or near the laundry machines or water heater.
At each toilet in your home, look for leaks around the base, constantly running water, a weak flush, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant smells. These signs can stem from problems like bad flapper valves, blockages, or a failed wax ring.
Test your Water Heater
A back-to-school water heater inspection checks for wear from the extra showers, laundry, scale buildup, and other post-summer issues. Look for leaks, puddles, or rust around the water heater’s tank, fittings, and temperature and pressure valve. Confirm that the thermostat is set to a safe temperature, usually about 120°F, and clear the area around the unit.
Check Drains Throughout the Home
During the summer, high water usage, water-seeking tree roots, and hard water in some Denver neighborhoods contribute to buildup and clogs. Check bathroom, kitchen, utility, and floor drains throughout your home. Look for signs of obstructions, such as slow-draining or standing water, gurgling sounds, or sewage odors.
Inspect Outdoor Plumbing
Check that your outdoor plumbing is ready for potential freezes in the fall. Look for leaks or pooling water around hose bibs, cracked or clogged sprinkler heads, and patches of your yard with soggy grass or standing water.
Simple Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Can Do
Follow this HVAC and plumbing fall home maintenance checklist before school starts:
- Flush the condensate line: Pour a vinegar-and-water solution down the AC drain line to clear away algae and debris.
- Clean faucet aerators: Unscrew the aerators from indoor faucets, rinse away debris, and soak them in vinegar to remove scale if necessary.
- Winterize outdoor plumbing: Turn off the supply valve to the outside, disconnect and drain hoses, and open the spigots to drain trapped water.
- Clear drains: Gently remove drain debris with a snake. Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drains, then flush them after about 15 minutes.
- Check vents: Check that the HVAC vents throughout your home are open, clean, and unobstructed.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
DIY solutions can prevent or fix minor issues, but complex repairs or maintenance should be left to a professional. Call Horizon Services if you experience these problems:
- Leaking or burst pipes
- Recurring clogs
- No hot water
- Strange HVAC, water heater, or plumbing noises
- Persistent smells, such as burning, mold, or sewage
- High energy or water bills
- Uneven temperatures
Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
Preventative plumbing, air conditioning, and furnace maintenance in Colorado offer benefits such as:
- Improved efficiency and lower energy bills.
- Extended equipment lifespan.
- Fewer repair costs.
- Reduced risk of emergency breakdowns.
- Enhanced comfort and indoor air quality.
Why Colorado Homeowners Should Prepare Early
Preparing early for plumbing and HVAC maintenance helps Colorado homeowners avoid inconveniences and hazards that come with breakdowns. Certain factors in Denver may increase the risk of HVAC and plumbing breakdowns. For example, sub-zero temperatures can arrive as early as September and freeze uninsulated pipes or strain neglected heating equipment.
Scheduling professional maintenance early also allows for better contractor availability, since demand for emergency HVAC and plumbing services is frequently higher during mid-fall and winter. In addition to tune-ups and repairs, professional plumbers and HVAC technicians can recommend upgrades that improve energy efficiency, comfort, and equipment lifespan, such as smart thermostat installations, air sealing, water softeners, and pipe insulation.
Why Choose Horizon Services for Seasonal Home Maintenance
Horizon Services is the trusted locally-owned and operated provider in Englewood and other communities throughout the greater Denver area. Since 1998, we’ve provided expert plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services, focusing on accurate, long-lasting solutions and customer satisfaction.
Schedule Your Seasonal Plumbing & HVAC Inspection Today
Get your plumbing and HVAC systems ready for the fall and winter with services from our licensed and certified professionals at Horizon Services. Contact us today to schedule a plumbing or HVAC inspection near you and enjoy the benefits of preventative plumbing maintenance, HVAC tune-ups, and more.
