Why Fall Is the Best Time for a New Heating and Cooling System 

In the Twin Cities, fall is full of surprises. One week, afternoons stretch into the 70s under crisp blue skies; the next, frost coats the lawn before sunrise. That swing from mild to brisk is part of the charm—but it also signals that winter is on its way.  

When the weather flips so quickly, an old or unreliable heating and cooling system can leave your home uncomfortable. Some rooms may be too cold, while others may be too warm. Or your HVAC system could break down when you need it most. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to ensure that your home is set to keep you cozy. We’ll cover the warning signs that it might be time for a replacement and show you how to find the right system for your home—from comparing options to proper sizing and installation. Keep reading to learn how to stay comfortable through fall’s ups and downs and step into winter’s first cold snap with confidence. 

How Do You Know It’s Time to Replace Your Heating and Cooling System? 

Not every heating and cooling system needs replacing before winter, but some warning signs mean you shouldn’t wait. 

Signs Your Heating and Cooling System Might Be Ready for Replacement: 

• It’s Getting Old: Most furnaces last 15–20 years; central AC units average 10–15. 

• Rising Energy Bills: Higher costs without higher usage can point to declining efficiency. 

• Unusual Noises: Banging, grinding, or rattling often means worn or failing parts. 

• Uneven Temperatures: Rooms that never match the thermostat could signal system or ductwork issues. 

• Frequent Repairs: Multiple service calls in a short time can mean it’s time to invest in a new unit. 

Catching these signs in fall lets you plan your replacement—rather than rushing to fix a system that fails during the year’s coldest weeks. 

Once you recognize these signs, the next step is deciding which heating and cooling option is right for your home. 

How Do You Choose the Right System for Your Minnesota Home? 

Once you recognize that your system may need replacing, the next step is deciding which heating and cooling option is right for your home. Understanding the 3 main options makes it easier to choose a system that fits your comfort needs, efficiency goals, and the Minnesota climate. 

3 Heating and Cooling System Options: 

Furnace + Central AC System 

A furnace paired with a central air conditioner is the classic setup in many homes. The furnace keeps your home warm during the coldest Minnesota winters, while the AC keeps things cool and comfortable in summer. 

• Pros: The furnace delivers dependable heat during freezing weather, and the central AC keeps your home comfortable in warmer months. High-efficiency furnaces (90% AFUE or higher) can help reduce energy use, and both systems have widely available parts and service. 

• Cons: This setup usually costs more upfront than a single system, and both the furnace and AC need regular maintenance. 

• Best For: Homeowners who want tried-and-true reliability and year-round comfort with separate heating and cooling systems. 

Cold-Climate Heat Pumps 

Cold-climate heat pumps are modern units that provide both heating and cooling in one system. They can heat efficiently even when it’s extremely cold and provide cool air in the summer, often replacing the need for a separate furnace and AC. 

• Pros: Heat pumps are energy-efficient, handle heating and cooling in one unit, and are easier to maintain since there’s only one system. 

• Cons: In extremely cold weather, they may need a backup heat source, and the upfront cost can be higher than a traditional furnace. 

• Best For: Homeowners looking for one system that keeps their home comfortable year-round while using energy efficiently. 

Hybrid Systems 

Hybrid systems combine a furnace with a heat pump, switching between the two to give you the most efficient heating for current conditions. You get the best of both worlds: furnace reliability when it’s frigid and heat pump efficiency when it’s milder. 

• Pros: Automatically balances comfort and energy use, provides cooling in summer, and can lower heating costs compared with running a furnace alone. 

• Cons: More complex system with higher installation costs and more components to maintain. 

• Best For: Homeowners who want efficient heating without giving up dependable furnace performance in extreme cold. 

After choosing the type of system, the next step is making sure it’s the right size for your home. 

Determining Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Needs 

When it comes to your heating and cooling system, size matters—but bigger isn’t always better, and smaller can be just as problematic.  

An oversized air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump will heat or cool a room too quickly and then “short cycle,” meaning it shuts off too soon and restarts shortly after. This frequent on-and-off cycle wastes energy, stresses system components, and can leave rooms uncomfortable.  

On the other hand, a unit that’s too small will struggle to reach your set temperature and end up running almost nonstop. 

Proper sizing ensures your system runs efficiently and keeps every room comfortable. Let’s look at how HVAC system professionals determine the right size for your home. 

Matching Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Capacity to Your Heating and Cooling System

The right HVAC system is one that’s properly sized for your home. Capacity—measured in tons or BTUs (British Thermal Units)—reflects how much heat your system can add or remove per hour. The goal isn’t to choose the highest number; it’s to match the system to your home’s actual heating and cooling needs for efficient, comfortable performance year-round. 

How Professional Technicians Determine Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Needs 

To make sure your system matches your home’s capacity, HVAC professionals perform a detailed load calculation. This detailed assessment looks at factors that affect the heating and cooling of your home, such as:  

• Home size and layout: Larger or multi-level spaces demand more heating and cooling power to stay comfortable. 

• Insulation and air sealing: Well-insulated, tightly sealed homes hold their temperature longer, requiring less output. Drafty or under-insulated spaces need more. 

• Ductwork condition and design: Leaks, blockages, or poor layout can restrict airflow and increase the system’s workload. 

• Window count, size, and placement: Large or south-facing windows can add heat in summer and lose heat in winter, affecting overall capacity needs. 

• Seasonal exposure: Sun, shade, wind, and other local climate factors influence how much heating or cooling your home will need throughout the year. 

Once these factors are considered, your home’s heating and cooling needs can be determined, allowing you to properly match the right system. Once the right system type and size are determined, the next step is scheduling installation for a smooth, stress-free process. 

Before the First Freeze: The Twin Cities’ Comfort Window 

If your furnace gives out in January, you’re forced to deal with the cold and limited scheduling options. 

Fall offers a calmer, more convenient window. With milder temperatures and fewer emergency calls, installations can be scheduled on your terms—giving you time to choose the right system and get the job done without added stress. 

Benefits of Scheduling Your Heating and Cooling System Install in Fall: 

• Proactive vs. Reactive: Avoid the discomfort and urgency of a mid-winter breakdown. 

• Milder Weather: Moderate temps make installation easier and less disruptive for you and the technicians. 

• Flexible Scheduling: With fewer peak-season emergencies, you can pick a time that fits your schedule. 

By taking advantage of fall’s calmer pace, you’ll be ready for both the first snowflakes and next year’s summer heat—without scrambling for last-minute solutions. 

Why Choose McQuillan Home Services for Your Installation? 

The system you select is important—but the company you trust to install it matters just as much. A careful, high-quality installation keeps your equipment efficient, extends its lifespan, and protects your warranty. That’s exactly what you get with McQuillan Home Services. 

Homeowners across the Twin Cities turn to our team because we: 

• Are fully licensed and insured: Every job meets safety standards and local codes. 

• Have a long-standing local reputation: Families in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding communities have trusted us for generations. 

• Provide clear, detailed quotes: You’ll know exactly what to expect on pricing, timelines, and scope of work. 

We welcome your questions, too. Want to know if we handle permits? Curious what’s included in your warranty or how we size a system for your specific home? Our team will give you clear, straightforward answers—never gimmicks or pressure. That’s the McQuillan way. 

Professional Installation You Can Trust 

Fall gives you the breathing room to choose the right system, schedule at your convenience, and work with a trusted team before winter weather puts your comfort at risk. Whether you’re replacing an aging system or upgrading to the latest energy-efficient technology, McQuillan Home Services has the experience, local knowledge, and dedication to keep your home comfortable through every season. 

Call or schedule online to book your HVAC system installation today and enjoy year-round comfort in the Twin Cities.