As November turns to December, temperatures in Lowell begin to drop, and homeowners start relying on their heating systems more consistently. Now is the ideal time to prepare your HVAC system to operate efficiently and reliably throughout the winter season. Why Preparing Now Makes a Difference Your heating system has spent most of the year working to keep your home cool. As it transitions into heating mode, small issues can quickly surface and cause comfort problems or higher energy costs. Performing a few key steps now helps ensure dependable warmth when you need it most. Read below for our top HVAC tips to prepare for winter. 1. Replace Your Air Filters and Check Airflow Heating systems work best when air can move freely. Replace your HVAC filter before winter begins and verify that vents and registers are clean and open. This supports even heating, reduces strain on your equipment, and improves indoor comfort — especially during cold nights. 2. Test Your Thermostat Settings Switch your thermostat to heat mode and make sure the system kicks on smoothly. Adjust your temperature schedule so your home stays comfortable while preventing unnecessary heating costs. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, update your settings for the colder months ahead. 3. Seal Gaps and Prevent Heat Loss Drafts around windows, doors, and attics allow warm air to escape and cold air to move in. Inspect these areas and seal any gaps you find. Better insulation and leak prevention help lighten the load on your heating system and keep indoor temperatures more consistent. 4. Schedule a Winter Heating Check-Up A seasonal tune-up from a qualified HVAC technician is one of the best ways to prevent surprise breakdowns when the weather turns frigid. A professional inspection can identify worn components, airflow restrictions, or safety concerns early — keeping your system efficient and reliable all winter long. Native Air is proud to serve homeowners in Lowell, Gastonia, Belmont, and surrounding communities with trusted heating expertise. Whether you need routine maintenance, a heating system repair, or guidance on improving energy efficiency, our team is here to help. We offer: Professional seasonal tune-ups Expert heat pump and furnace services Indoor air quality recommendations Fast response when comfort matters most Stay Warm and Comfortable This Season Get ahead of winter by taking steps now to protect your comfort and your budget. Replace your filters, seal your home, update thermostat settings, and schedule your seasonal HVAC check-up with Native Air. Call us today at 704-824-0380 or visit our online scheduler to schedule service and ensure your home stays cozy and efficient all season long.

As fall settles in around Belmont , Lowell, Mt Holly , Stanley , Cramerton, and Gaston County , the days and nights bring fluctuating temperatures: warm afternoons, cool evenings, even sudden cold snaps. If your home uses a heat pump or a dual-mode HVAC system (heat pump + auxiliary heat or furnace ), that “shoulder season” demands more attention than many homeowners realize. Here’s how to optimize performance, cut costs, and protect your system during fall’s temperature swings: 1. Use the “Auto” or “Heat / Cool” Mode Wisely Many thermostats let you set “Auto” or alternate between heating and cooling modes. During fall, this can save you from constant manual switching. But: Make sure your thermostat’s temperature differential (the margin where it decides to switch) is reasonable to avoid short-cycling. If your system offers a *“dual-fuel” or “hybrid” setting (heat pump plus gas or electric backup), ensure it’s configured correctly for your climate so the backup heat doesn’t kick in too soon. 2. Monitor & Program Your Temperature Bands The goal is to let the system run longer, more gently, rather than short bursts. To do that: Widely thermostats unintended to fluctuate by 2–3 °F before switching modes (for example, set heating trigger at 65°F, switch to cooling only above 78°F). Use thermostat scheduling to lower or raise temps when no one’s home (or overnight). If you have a WiFi/smart thermostat, review your run history at the end of the season—in patterns you might adjust next year. 3. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear Leaves, twigs, grass, and other debris tend to accumulate around your outdoor unit this time of year. Even small blockages in airflow can strain your heat pump when it’s asked to both heat and cool. Clean gently with a leaf blower or soft brush. Trim back shrubs or overgrowth to ensure at least 2 feet of clearance. During storms, check the unit for debris afterward. 4. Change or Clean Filters More Frequently Because fall is a transitional season, your HVAC may run in both heating and cooling modes. That means your filter is more likely to accumulate dust, pollen, and debris faster. Check filters monthly—even if you typically wait longer. Use high-quality pleated filters (MERV 8–13) compatible with your system’s airflow. Dirty filters reduce efficiency, cause strain on the blower, and can push the backup heating mode to engage more often. 5. Defrost Cycles: Know What’s Normal Heat pumps periodically go into defrost mode when frost forms on the outdoor coil. This is normal. But: If your unit is constantly freezing or defrosting (especially when temps are above freezing), that could signal airflow problems, sensor issues, or refrigerant imbalance. Any extended ice buildup is a warning sign—call us before it damages core components. 6. Seal & Insulate Your Ductwork With temperatures fluctuating, your system is working harder to maintain comfort. Leaky ducts waste conditioned air, make the system run longer, and can accentuate the climate roller coaster inside your home. Inspect visible duct runs (attics, crawl spaces, basements) for loose connections, gaps, or unsealed joints. Use foil-backed mastic or HVAC tape (UL-approved) to seal leaks. Insulate ducts in unconditioned space to reduce heat loss/gain. 7. Schedule a Tune-Up Before Heating Demands Rise Fall is the ideal time for a full HVAC tune-up —before you rely on heat heavily. A technician from Native Air will: Test and calibrate your defrost sensors and controls Check electrical components, capacitors, and wiring Verify refrigerant levels and check for leaks Inspect backup heat or auxiliary strips Monitor system pressures in both heating and cooling modes Catching minor issues now can prevent breakdowns mid-winter or mid-heat wave. At Native Air, we’re committed to helping our neighbors around Lowell, Belmont, Mt Holly, Stanley, Gastonia, and surrounding communities get the most out of their HVAC systems throughout the year. If your system uses a heat pump or is a hybrid setup and you’d like a “fall check-up,” schedule a service with us today. We’ll make sure your system transitions smoothly into the colder months—so you stay comfortable, efficient, and cost-conscious. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment with the Native Air team.