If you’ve lived in Texas for even a year, you’ll know that fall looks like running the AC in the afternoon and then scrambling to find everyone's sweaters the next morning. The temperature can change overnight, and when you're juggling work, the school run, and family plans, it's easy to put off checking your home’s heating system until the last minute.

But a bit of preparation now can save you from the possibility of a cold, unpleasant morning when the heater doesn't work. Here's a no-nonsense heating checklist you can work around your usual family routine.

Check Your Heating System Before Winter Arrives

Don't wait until the temperature drops to try and kickstart your heating for the first time! Pick a mild afternoon to run the system and see if it starts properly, blows warm air, and responds to the thermostat as it should.

If you hear any unusual noises like persistent rattling, or you notice a burning smell that won't go away, you may need to get help. If you think there's an electrical or gas issue, it's best to turn the system off and get a professional Lewisville HVAC technician or whoever is local to you, like the team at Koala-T Heating & Air, to take a look.

Get Your Air Filter Sorted

This is one of the easiest jobs you can add to your fall home to-do list. The US Department of Energy's guide to HVAC filters explains how dirty filters can cut airflow and make your system work harder on your energy bill.

Check the filter regularly and look up the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or replacing it. If you can't remember when you last changed yours, why not do it now? It's better than waiting for the heating to cut out.

Give Your Thermostat a Once-Over

As fall rolls on, there’s a good chance you’ll want the kids' bedrooms warm as soon as they wake up, but you're probably not going to heat the house all day while they're at school.

Check that your thermostat is showing the right temperature and responds properly when you adjust the settings. If you've got a smart or programmable thermostat, take a look at your schedule and update it for school and work hours.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Heating season is a good time to check your household alarms. Test your smoke alarms every month and check your carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Carbon monoxide isn't something you can smell or see, so you can't rely on your senses to detect it. The National Fire Protection Association's carbon monoxide safety guide explains where to put your alarms and what to do if one goes off. If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the house and call for help from a safe place. 

Make Fall Heating Prep a Habit

You don't have to tackle everything at once! But doing a bit of preparation now will get you ready for those unpredictable Texas mornings when the heating needs to kick in, and you'll have a better idea ahead of time if something's not working right.