Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the weather cools, it’s an ideal opportunity to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regular fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home ready for the cold. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your furnace is working well this year.

1. Change the Air Filter Every So Often

All your basic HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, protecting your furnace and AC systems. High-efficiency filters better maintain indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and forces your furnace to work harder. To avoid this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from AC to heat. Properly setting your thermostat limits energy waste and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are some tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or less for as long as you’re in the house.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or when you’re asleep. A new smart thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Avoid overriding programmed settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you get cold.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Raising the heat to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air duct registers around the house. For any registers covered in dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Ensure that no return or supply vents are obscured by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use might seem like a good idea to lower HVAC bills, but it can also create issues with airflow, adding strain on your system and—inadvertently—RAISING your energy costs. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaking air ducts waste energy, resulting in higher energy costs. Surprisingly, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For the best results, hire an HVAC professional to properly patch the leaks in your ventilation. The experience of a professional will reduce heating costs, improve comfort and even increase air quality.

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

Heating equipment is a primary risk factor for home fires. Follow these recommendations to keep your family safe:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heating equipment, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• Similarly, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Inspect the Furnace Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before running your furnace this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is being obstructed by debris, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace should have adequate space to run safely. Don’t store any belongings within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is not large enough, do your best to ensure the area is clear apart from the HVAC equipment. Keep items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from your furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These crucial safety devices notify the household of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to ensure they’re working correctly, and replace the batteries annually. Only take out the batteries if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Arrange Professional HVAC Inspections

While it’s possible to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, only a professional can complete full inspections, with cleaning and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Annual HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The opportunity to look out for minor problems before they cause trouble also minimizes the chances you’d need emergency repairs.

10. Think About Upgrading Your HVAC System

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Instead of waiting for total system failure, consider replacing it now. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing immediate energy savings and total comfort for years to come.

Get Your HVAC Ready 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 is ready to serve you. We offer fast, affordable solutions for all your HVAC service concerns. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.