Edited: October 1, 2025
Fall in Texas can throw homeowners for a loop. One week we’re still running the AC, the next we’re flipping on the heat. That’s why we always tell our customers this is the best time of year to get your home’s plumbing and heating systems ready. We’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation in the fall prevents major headaches when the temperatures dip.
So, we’ve put together our updated fall checklist, the same steps we take in Austin and San Antonio homes every day, to help you avoid surprise breakdowns, costly repairs, and those late-night emergency calls nobody wants to make.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Fall
When we think about fall prep, plumbing is always the first place we start. Cold snaps in Central Texas may not last long, but they can still do real damage to pipes and water systems that aren’t ready. Here are a few of the key steps we recommend to keep your plumbing in top shape this season:
Insulate exposed pipes
Pipes in garages, attics, or crawlspaces are the first to feel a sudden Texas cold snap. Wrapping them in insulation is a quick, affordable step that protects against freezing and the burst pipes that come with it. A little prep now saves you from a lot of water damage later.
Check outdoor faucets & hoses
Before the first chill sets in, disconnect your garden hoses and make sure your outdoor spigots are shut off and drip-free. It’s a simple habit, but one that prevents frozen faucet damage and keeps your plumbing lines safe all winter long.
Drain & flush your water heater
Sediment builds up fast in Texas water, and if it isn’t cleared out, it can shorten the life of your system. As part of regular water heater maintenance, draining a few gallons from your tank each fall helps it heat more efficiently, lowers your energy use, and keeps hot water flowing when you need it most.
Look for leaks
Take a quick tour under sinks, around toilets, and along visible water lines. Even the smallest drip can waste gallons of water and drive up your bill. Catching leaks early means a simple repair today instead of an emergency call tomorrow.
Schedule a professional plumbing inspection
Not every problem is easy to spot from the outside. A licensed plumber can find hidden issues before they become expensive surprises. Our team at Radiant is available 24/7 to give your plumbing system a thorough inspection and the peace of mind that everything’s running the way it should.
Furnace & Heating System Maintenance Checklist
Once your plumbing is set, it’s time to make sure your home’s heating system is ready for its first real workout of the season. Whether you’re running a gas furnace, a heat pump, or a ductless mini-split, fall is the right time to get ahead of problems and make sure your system is running safely and efficiently. Here’s what we recommend:
Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up
Whether your home uses a gas furnace, a heat pump, or a ductless mini-split, a seasonal inspection is the best way to make sure it’s ready for colder nights. A tune-up includes checking system controls, tightening connections, and cleaning critical components. Catching small issues now reduces the chance of emergency furnace repairs later.
Replace or clean air filters
Dirty filters don’t just affect furnaces—they restrict airflow in heat pumps and ductless systems, too. Replacing or washing filters every few months keeps your system breathing easily, improves efficiency, and helps prevent breakdowns across all types of heating equipment.
Clean and check vents, coils, and ducts
Dust and buildup can block airflow, whether it’s inside furnace ducts, on a heat pump coil, or in a ductless mini-split head. Professional heating system cleaning or furnace maintenance service improves performance, protects your system, and keeps the air inside your home healthier.
Test the thermostat
No matter what kind of heating system you run, the thermostat is the brain of the operation. Make sure it’s responding accurately and keeping temperatures steady. If it’s outdated, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better comfort and energy savings.
Check ignition and system performance
Gas furnaces need a steady flame and safe ignition; heat pumps and mini-splits need reliable cycling and consistent airflow. A fall system check ensures your heating source, whatever it may be, is operating safely, efficiently, and ready for the season ahead.
Why Preventive Maintenance Matters
Skipping seasonal maintenance can leave you facing higher bills, surprise breakdowns, or safety hazards. A small furnace tune-up cost is nothing compared to replacing a cracked heat exchanger or cleaning up after a burst pipe.
That’s why Radiant offers our Care Club. Members get scheduled visits twice a year where we handle the details for you—furnace inspections, coil cleaning, ductwork checks, thermostat calibration, plumbing checks, even testing gas connections. It’s a simple way to protect your home, lower repair risks, and keep everything running at peak performance.
Just Call Radiant
From leaky faucets to gas furnace maintenance, Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning is your one call for plumbing and HVAC care across Austin and San Antonio. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an emergency at 2 a.m., our licensed experts are here 24/7.
This fall, get ahead of the season. Just Call Radiant—and we’ll take care of the rest.
