Cool Weather Is Coming — Is Your System Ready?
As Jacksonville finally starts cooling down after another long, humid summer, your air conditioner deserves a break — but your HVAC system isn’t done working yet.
Fall is the perfect time to inspect, clean, and prep your heating and cooling equipment before the seasonal switch. A few small maintenance steps in October can help you avoid costly repairs, improve efficiency, and keep your home comfortable year-round.
At Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling, we’ve put together a simple end-of-summer HVAC checklist to help Jacksonville homeowners keep their systems running strong as the seasons change.
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
Summer humidity, dust, and pollen can clog your air filter fast — restricting airflow and straining your system.
Dirty filters make your HVAC unit work harder, increasing energy costs and reducing air quality. Start the fall season with a fresh filter, and make a habit of checking it every 30–60 days.
If your home has pets or allergies, consider upgrading to a MERV 8–11 filter for better air purification.
2. Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit
After a busy cooling season, your outdoor unit has likely collected dirt, leaves, and grass clippings. This debris can block airflow and lower your AC’s efficiency.
Use a gentle stream of water to rinse the fins and clear the surrounding area. For a deeper cleaning, schedule a professional coil cleaning — it’s included in Reliable Ducts’ comprehensive tune-up service.
3. Inspect and Seal Air Ducts
Leaky ducts are one of the biggest sources of energy loss in Florida homes. If you’ve noticed uneven cooling or higher electric bills, your ductwork could be the culprit.
Reliable Ducts offers duct inspection and sealing services that prevent air loss, improve comfort, and reduce strain on your system. Properly sealed ducts also help your heater work more efficiently when winter arrives.
4. Test Your Thermostat
Switch your thermostat from “cool” to “heat” and test the system early in October. Make sure warm air is coming through the vents and that the thermostat responds correctly.
If your unit doesn’t kick on or struggles to maintain temperature, it’s better to find out now — before Jacksonville’s first cold night hits.
Thinking about upgrading? Smart thermostats can learn your schedule, automatically adjust temperatures, and lower your energy bills all year long.
5. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
Routine tune-ups are the single most effective way to extend your system’s life and prevent breakdowns.
A fall tune-up includes:
- Checking refrigerant levels and pressure
- Cleaning coils and blower components
- Testing thermostat calibration
- Inspecting electrical connections and safety switches
- Ensuring proper airflow and efficiency
Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling offers seasonal maintenance plans designed for Jacksonville’s unique climate — helping you avoid costly emergency repairs when you least expect them.
6. Clean and Unblock Indoor Vents
Before switching to heat, make sure all supply and return vents are clear of furniture, rugs, and drapes. Blocked vents restrict airflow and cause uneven temperatures throughout your home.
Take a few minutes to vacuum the vents and surrounding areas — this small step makes a noticeable difference in both airflow and air quality.
7. Schedule Air Duct Cleaning if It’s Been a While
If it’s been three years or more since your last duct cleaning, fall is a great time to take care of it. Dust and allergens from the summer months can linger in your system, circulating every time your HVAC runs.
Reliable Ducts’ professional air duct cleaning service removes debris, improves efficiency, and helps you breathe easier all season long.
Why Jacksonville Homeowners Choose Reliable Ducts
- Locally owned & operated by HVAC professionals who know Florida’s climate
- Same-day appointments available for tune-ups and repairs
- Licensed & insured technicians trained in all major HVAC systems
- Upfront pricing — no surprise charges or unnecessary upsells
- Service areas: Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Johns, and surrounding communities
Start the Season Off Right
Your HVAC system worked hard all summer — now it’s time to give it some care. Taking a few preventative steps this October will help your system run smoother, longer, and more efficiently.
Contact Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling today to schedule your fall HVAC tune-up in Jacksonville, FL, and get your system ready for whatever the season brings.
