Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Once the autumn leaves start to drop and the weather cools, it provides a good chance to ready your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home ready for the cold. Here are 10 easy ways to keep your furnace in top shape this fall.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Every So Often

Standard HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, shielding your heating and cooling. The clean, more efficient filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter fills with debris, which hinders airflow and may overwork your furnace. To avoid this, swap out the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

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 limits energy waste and helps make your home comfortable. Here are several tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or less at home.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees if you’re out or when you’re asleep. A smart thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you feel chilly.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, increase it slowly. Setting it as high as possible 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 in your home. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clear it off. Ensure that no return or supply vents are covered up 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 reduce costs, but it can also disrupt airflow, putting more stress on your system and—ironically—RAISING your energy costs. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Check Air Ducts and Seal up Any Leaks

Inefficient air ducts let heating and cooling escape, leading to higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For a lasting seal, hire an HVAC professional to properly seal your air vents. The experience of a professional will reduce heating costs, improve comfort 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 keep your family safe:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Don’t leave space heaters or other portable systems running if you’re not there.
• In the same vein, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it off and contact a heating Expert.

6. Inspect the Furnace Flue

A blocked flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before you start your furnace this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is blocked, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace needs 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 too small, try and leave it uncluttered apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from your furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These important safety devices notify the household of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to ensure they’re working correctly, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only take them out if you’re ready to put new ones in.

9. Schedule HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

While it’s possible to take care of a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, only a professional can complete full inspections, clean key components and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The ability to identify potential concerns before they wreak havoc also minimizes the chances you’d need a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Think About Upgrading Your HVAC System

Once your heating passes the 10-year mark, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Rather than allowing total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing improved energy efficiency and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.

Get Your HVAC Prepped for Fall and Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today

If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to serve you. We are committed to providing fast, affordable solutions for all your HVAC service concerns. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.