Fall HVAC Tune-Up: 7 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Heating System
As Northern Nevada transitions from scorching summer days to crisp autumn nights, there’s something every homeowner from Reno to Lake Tahoe needs to know: Your heating system has been dormant all summer, and high-altitude winters don’t forgive unprepared HVAC systems.
After 40+ years of serving Northern Nevada homes and businesses, Sierra Air knows what our unique climate demands. Living at 4,500+ feet elevation isn’t just about beautiful mountain views—it means your HVAC system works harder and faces challenges that sea-level systems never encounter.
At Sierra Air, We Sweat The Small Stuff because we know that in our high-desert climate, small problems become big emergencies fast. When temperatures plummet from 70°F to below freezing overnight, your heating system better be ready.
High-Altitude HVAC Challenges Unique to Northern Nevada
- Reduced Air Density: At our elevation, there’s 20% less oxygen for combustion, affecting furnace efficiency
- Extreme Temperature Swings: 40-degree daily temperature variations stress system components
- Low Humidity Levels: Desert air as low as 10% humidity can damage components and affect indoor comfort
- Intense UV Exposure: 25% more UV radiation degrades outdoor unit components faster
- Dust and Wildfire Smoke: Our dry climate and fire season create unique filtration challenges
7 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Heating System for Northern Nevada Winter
Our NATE-certified technicians have developed this comprehensive checklist specifically for homes from Reno to Lake Tahoe:
Step 1: Schedule Your Professional Inspection Early
Don’t wait until the first freeze warning! October and early November are prime time for maintenance in Northern Nevada. Our Sierra Rewards members get priority scheduling and save 15% on all services.
Why timing matters at elevation:
– Furnaces need altitude-specific adjustments for proper combustion
– Gas pressure settings must be calibrated for elevation
– Heat exchangers face more stress due to temperature extremes
– Early inspection prevents emergency calls during snowstorms
Step 2: Replace Your Filter (But Choose the Right One)
In Northern Nevada’s dusty environment, filter replacement isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about protection. Summer wildfires, spring winds, and winter inversions all affect your indoor air quality.
Sierra Air’s High-Altitude Filter Recommendations:
Standard Homes:
MERV 8-11 filters changed every 60 days during heating season
Allergy Sufferers:
MERV 11-13 filters for better pollen and smoke filtration
Pet Owners:
Monthly filter changes during shedding seasons
Step 3: Test and Calibrate Your Thermostat
Northern Nevada’s dramatic temperature swings make thermostat accuracy crucial. A miscalibrated thermostat at our elevation can waste hundreds of dollars in energy costs.
DIY Thermostat Check:
1. Place a glass thermometer next to your thermostat
2. Wait 15 minutes and compare readings
3. If variance exceeds 2°F, calibration is needed
4. For smart thermostats, verify WiFi connection and update firmware
5. Set heating schedule for our typical 30-40°F nightly drops
Pro Tip: Programmable thermostats can save Reno-area homeowners up to 23% on heating bills when properly configured for our climate.
Step 4: Clear and Inspect Vents and Registers
Blocked vents are more than an inconvenience in Northern Nevada—they’re a system killer. Our dry climate means dust accumulates faster, and restricted airflow at altitude puts extra strain on your furnace.
Your Vent Maintenance Checklist:
– Remove all furniture, drapes, and rugs blocking vents
– Vacuum inside each register with a brush attachment
– Check for signs of rust (common in Lake Tahoe’s humid conditions)
– Ensure all dampers are open for heating season
– Look for gaps around registers that waste heated air
– Consider professional duct cleaning if you see visible dust buildup
Important: Closing vents in unused rooms doesn’t save money—it creates pressure imbalances that damage your system!
Step 5: Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
At high altitude, proper combustion is already challenging. Add in a summer’s worth of dust and potential critter damage, and carbon monoxide risks increase significantly.
Nevada State Requirements:
– CO detectors required within 10 feet of sleeping areas
– Test monthly and replace batteries twice yearly
– Replace detectors every 5-7 years
– Install detectors on every level of your home
– Keep one near your furnace room (but not inside it)
Our technicians carry professional-grade CO detectors and will test levels throughout your home during maintenance visits. As a Lennox Premier Dealer, we can also recommend advanced detection systems that integrate with your smart home.
Step 6: Inspect and Clean Your Furnace Area
Your furnace needs breathing room—literally. Northern Nevada’s dusty conditions and temperature extremes make proper clearance essential for safe operation.
Sierra Air’s Safety Clearance Guidelines:
– Maintain 3 feet minimum clearance around furnace
– Remove all flammable materials (paint, cleaners, rags)
– Clear cobwebs and dust from furnace exterior
– Check for rodent droppings or nesting materials
– Ensure combustion air vents aren’t blocked
– Verify access door fits properly and seals tightly
Red Flag Alert: If you find evidence of pests, call us immediately. Rodents love warm furnace cabinets and can damage critical wiring, creating serious fire hazards.
Step 7: Schedule Professional Maintenance
While these DIY steps are important, nothing replaces professional maintenance—especially in our challenging high-altitude environment. Our comprehensive furnace maintenance and safety goes beyond basic cleaning to ensure your system operates safely and efficiently all winter long.
Sierra Air's Comprehensive Furnace Fall Tune-Up
Our NATE-certified technicians perform altitude-specific adjustments that DIY maintenance can’t address:
Safety & Performance Checks
- Test heat exchanger for cracks using specialized equipment
- Verify gas pressure for high-altitude operation
- Inspect and clean burner assembly
- Test all safety switches and limit controls
- Check ignition system and flame sensor
- Measure carbon monoxide levels throughout home
- Inspect venting system for blockages or damage
- Test thermocouple and gas valve operation
- Verify proper combustion and flame characteristics
- Check blower motor amp draw and voltage
Efficiency & Comfort Optimization
- Clean and adjust blower components
- Lubricate all moving parts with high-altitude lubricants
- Test and tighten electrical connections
- Calibrate thermostat for accurate temperature control
- Check and adjust fan speeds for optimal airflow
- Inspect and seal ductwork connections
- Test system cycling and safety shutdowns
- Measure temperature rise across heat exchanger
- Verify proper drainage of condensate (for high-efficiency units)
- Review and optimize thermostat programming
- Provide detailed inspection report with recommendations
