As the crisp mornings begin and leaves start to fall in the Statesville area, it’s the perfect time to shift your home-comfort strategy. The transition from summer cooling to fall heating presents unique opportunities (and a few hidden risks) for your HVAC system. At Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to help you make this seasonal shift smoothly, comfortably and cost-effectively. 1. Take advantage of moderate weather for airflow cleanup One of the best times to act is right now — when you neither need full-on cooling nor full-on heating. That means your system can be inspected, cleaned, and prepared before it’s under heavy load. For example: Remove leaves, pine straw, and other debris from around the outdoor unit so airflow isn’t restricted. Clear return vents, inspect filter access, and check that nothing is obstructed inside your home. This kind of proactive care helps your system run more efficiently and extends its service life. 2. Switch the thermostat but stay ready for temperature swings In fall, you’ll often toggle between the “A/C” and “heat” mode — sometimes in the same day. This means: If you have a heat pump, check that it switches correctly between cooling and heating modes. If you use a furnace, make sure the thermostat is set correctly and the system is ready to kick in when the chill arrives. By doing this early, you avoid that moment when you turn the heat on for the first time and it fails or performs poorly. 3. Replace or upgrade your air filters & check your indoor air quality Summer tends to fill HVAC filters with dust, pollen, and other pollutants. As the weather cools, you may see an increase in indoor allergens (leaves, mold from damp fall air, etc.). So: Change your air filter now — it’s a small cost for big benefits. Consider a higher-quality filter or an indoor air quality check to handle allergens and the transitional season’s humidity changes. Clean filters and good airflow reduce stress on your system and help maintain comfortable air. 4. Inspect your ductwork & vents for leaks and drafts During the summer your HVAC system’s load is high, so it’s easier to ignore inefficiencies. In fall, when you start using heating, weaknesses show up more clearly. What to do: Walk around your home and check for cold spots, drafty rooms, or vents that are blocked. Inspect exposed ductwork (especially in attics, crawlspaces, basements) for visible gaps or disconnected seams. Seal or insulate where needed so when heating starts, you’re not paying to warm up lost air. This improves comfort and lowers monthly energy costs. 5. Consider booking a fall tune-up to get ahead of winter You likely already know about spring checks for your A/C, but fewer homeowners remember a pre-heating season tune-up. Here's why it makes sense: A technician can spot wear from summer, check heating components, test efficiency, and make adjustments before you rely on the system on cold nights. You’ll reduce the chance of emergency breakdowns when temperatures drop and service queues are longer. It’s an investment in peace of mind and better performance for the season ahead. Why now matters Waiting until your first cold morning to act is risky. HVAC issues often start small but become costly fast — especially when demand ramps up. By prepping in this intermediate season, you: Extend equipment life span Avoid higher energy bills Maintain more even comfort levels Minimizing repair interruptions when you least want them Let Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning help If you’re in the Statesville, NC region and want to get ahead of the fall/hunting-season weather shifts, we’re here for you. Whether it’s clearing your outdoor unit, inspecting vents and ductwork, replacing filters, or scheduling your fall tune-up — we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to ensure your home stays comfortable, efficient, and ready for whatever the coming months bring.

As we head into fall in North Carolina, the days grow shorter and the nights chillier. It’s the perfect time to start thinking about how your HVAC system can work smarter—not harder—to keep you comfortable without sending your energy bills through the roof. At Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for ways to help our customers get more from their systems. Here are practical tips you can use right now to reduce your heating (and cooling) costs this season. 1. Leverage Natural Heat: Use the Sun Strategically Take advantage of sunny days: open curtains or blinds on south- and west-facing windows during daylight hours. This passive solar gain can help warm your home without turning on the heat. Then, as evening arrives, close them to retain the warmth. 2. Adjust Your Thermostat a Few Degrees Every degree matters. Lowering your thermostat by just 1–2 °F during cooler days (or raising it slightly when heating is in use) can yield noticeable energy savings. Use setback settings for when you’re asleep or away from home. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this easy. 3. Seal Drafts & Insulate Strategically Even a well-functioning HVAC system struggles if your home leaks air. Walk around your doors, windows, and baseboards looking for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps. Also, check attic and crawlspace insulation—adding a bit more insulation where needed is a relatively low-cost upgrade with long-term payoff. 4. Zone Wisely & Close Rooms You Don’t Use If your home has multiple zones or dampers, reduce conditioning in unused areas. Shut vents in guest rooms, basements, or storage spaces to focus heated air where it matters most. Just be careful not to close too many vents at once (which can affect system pressure). 5. Clean & Schedule Maintenance Now, Before Heating Demand Ramps Up Replace your air filters (if you haven’t recently). Clear debris from around your outdoor unit (if you have a heat pump) so airflow isn’t blocked. Make sure vents, registers, and returns are unobstructed by furniture or rugs. Schedule a professional tune-up: checking electrical, gas connections, combustion (if applicable), duct leaks, and system calibration can reveal small issues before they turn into costly repairs. 6. Use Ceiling Fans & Air Circulation to Your Advantage Many people think ceiling fans only help in summer—but they’re useful in fall too. Switch your fan’s direction to clockwise (low speed) to gently push warm air downward. This helps mix the air and can reduce the need to bump up the thermostat. 7. Monitor HVAC Performance & Watch for Inefficiencies Keep an eye on your energy bills, listen for odd noises, notice uneven heating, or detect higher humidity. If something seems off, call a technician to audit your system. Sometimes a minor adjustment or calibration can restore efficiency. Fall is a transition season—not quite cold, but cooler enough that the habits you set now can make a big difference in comfort and cost. With small changes like smarter thermostat use, sealing drafts, and proactive maintenance, your HVAC system can deliver the comfort you need without wasting energy. If you'd like professional help tuning your system or finding tailored energy-saving upgrades, Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a fall performance check or ask about economical ways to make your heating system more efficient.