Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Once the fall season arrives and the weather cools, it’s an ideal opportunity to ready your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regular fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 easy ways to keep your furnace running its best this fall.

1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly

All your basic HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, shielding your furnace and AC systems. New filters better preserve indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter fills with debris, which hinders airflow and can place added strain on your system. To avoid this, change the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Set Your Thermostat for Heating Energy Efficiency

With winter approaching, now’s the time to change your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season lowers your monthly bill and ensures a cozy home. Here are a few tips:

• Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or cooler when you’re at home.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees if you’re out or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Avoid overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, add an extra layer if you get cold.
• When it IS necessary to change the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Going right to 80 degrees won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Check Your Air Ducts for Dust, Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air vents around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clean everything away. Double-check that no return or supply vents are obscured by furniture, rugs or curtains to ensure proper air circulation.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use might sound like an effective way to lower HVAC bills, but it can also create issues with airflow, adding strain on your system and—counterproductively—driving utility costs UP. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Check Air Ducts and Seal up Any Leaks

Inefficient air ducts waste energy, leading to higher energy bills. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, call an Expert to properly patch the leaks in your ventilation. The support from local comfort professionals will cut energy bills, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

Heating equipment is a major source of home fires. Stick to these guidelines to minimize the risk as much as possible:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heating equipment, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• In the same vein, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, shut it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Inspect Your Furnace’s Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before you start your furnace this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is clogged, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace should have adequate space to run safely. Avoid storing items within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is too small, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Keep items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from the furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These crucial safety devices warn you of dangers like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check them once a month to verify they’re all working, and change the batteries once a year. Only take out the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.

9. Stay on Top of HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

While it’s possible to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, a certified technician can perform comprehensive service, clean key components and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Routine HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The time a technician has during an inspection to catch small issues before they wreak havoc also reduces the risk of an emergency service call.

10. Consider Replacing Your HVAC System

Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Instead of waiting for 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 long-term comfort for years to come.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today

If you want to check off all the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning gets the job done right. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, affordable solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.