Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the leaves begin to fall and the weather cools, it’s an ideal opportunity to tune-up your HVAC system for the colder months. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and ensures your home stays ready for the cold. Here are 10 easy ways to ensure your furnace is working well this fall.

1. Replace the Air Filter on a Regular Basis

All your basic HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, shielding your heating and cooling. New filters better protect indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter will clog up, which restricts airflow and may overwork your furnace. To prevent this, replace the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

With the weather cooling off soon, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from AC to heat. Properly setting your thermostat keeps costs in check and helps make your home comfortable. Here are some tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or below when you’re at home.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or when you’re asleep. A programmable thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Refrain from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you get cold.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Going right to 80 degrees won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to take a look at all the air duct openings around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clear it off. Double-check that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Closing vents in unused rooms might sound like an effective way to lower HVAC bills, but it can also create issues with airflow, putting more stress on your system and—ironically—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Leave at least 80% of vents open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Inefficient air ducts let heating and cooling escape, leading to higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, call an Expert to properly seal your air vents. The support from local comfort professionals will reduce heating costs, improve comfort and even enhance your home’s air quality.

5. Ensure Your Home Is Safe from Heating-Related Fires

A problem with your heating system is a primary risk factor for home fires. Stick to these guidelines to keep your family safe:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heating equipment, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• In the same vein, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it down and contact a heating Expert.

6. Inspect the Furnace Exhaust Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before turning on the heat this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is blocked, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace should have adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Refrain from keeping any storage within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is not large enough, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Place flammable materials like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from the furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These crucial safety devices alert your family of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to ensure they’re working correctly, and change the batteries once a year. Only take out the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Maintenance

While you may be able to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, a certified technician can complete full inspections, cleaning and other necessary tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Routine HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures peak system efficiency. The time a technician has during an inspection to catch small issues before they become major problems also minimizes the chances you’d need a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Think About Upgrading the Old HVAC System

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it is likely 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Instead of letting it reach total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing immediate energy savings and peace of mind for years to come.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today

If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning gets the job done right. We are committed to providing fast, long-lasting solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.