Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Once the leaves begin to fall and the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Routine fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures your home stays ready for the cold. Here are 10 easy ways to ensure your furnace is running its best this fall.

1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly

All your basic HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, protecting your HVAC system. New filters better protect indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter will clog up, which restricts airflow and can place added strain on your system. To help put a stop to this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, it’s time to switch your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season keeps costs in check and helps make your home comfortable. Here are some tips:

• Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or cooler when you’re at home.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you get cold.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, increase it slowly. Setting it as high as possible 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 take a look at all the air duct registers around the house. For any registers covered in dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clean everything away. Ensure that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Closing vents in unused rooms may seem smart to lower HVAC bills, but it can also disrupt airflow, increasing the strain on your system and—counterproductively—driving utility costs UP. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Inefficient air ducts are a common source of heat loss, resulting in higher energy bills. Regardless of its name, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For a lasting seal, call an Expert to properly seal your ventilation. The support from local comfort professionals will reduce heating costs, enhance your sense of comfort and even enhance your home’s air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

The gas furnace is a major source of home fires. Follow these guidelines to stay protected:

• 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, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it off and contact a heating Expert.

6. Examine 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, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is blocked, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace needs sufficient empty space surrounding it to avoid the risk of problems. Avoid storing items within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is too small, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from the furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These crucial safety devices alert your family of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to make sure they work okay, and change the batteries once a year. Only take them out if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Schedule Professional HVAC Inspections

While you may be able to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, only a professional can provide a thorough inspection, cleaning and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The opportunity to identify potential concerns before they wreak havoc also minimizes the chances you’d need a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Think About Replacing Your HVAC System

If your furnace passes the 10-year mark, it may only be 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Rather than waiting for total system failure, consider replacing it now. 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 Ready for Fall and Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today

If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning gets the job done right. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, yet lasting results for all your comfort concerns. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.