Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Once the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it provides a good chance to tune-up your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and keeps your home ready for the cold. Here are 10 simple steps to ensure your furnace is working well this fall.

1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

Standard HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, protecting your heating and cooling. The clean, more efficient filters better maintain indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter becomes clogged, which restricts airflow 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 the weather cooling off soon, 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 maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are several 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 if you’re out or overnight. A programmable thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
• Refrain from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you are still too cold.
• When it IS necessary to change the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Raising the heat to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside some time to check all the air duct openings around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clear it off. Ensure that no return or supply vents are obstructed 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 create issues with airflow, adding strain on your system and—ironically—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Check Air Ducts and Seal up Any Leaks

Inefficient air ducts waste energy, contributing to higher energy costs. Despite the name, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, have a professional come by to properly seal your ductwork. The experience of a professional will lower your heating expenses, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.

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

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

• Store flammable materials far from heat sources, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• 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. Check the Furnace Exhaust Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is blocked, call a professional for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace needs sufficient empty space surrounding it to run safely. Avoid storing items closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet 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 far from the furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

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

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Inspections

While you may be able to take care of a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, an experienced maintenance technician 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 every fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The time a technician has during an inspection to look out for minor problems before they become major problems also reduces the risk of emergency repairs.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing Your Furnace

If your furnace passes the 10-year mark, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Instead of allowing total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing energy savings right away and total comfort for years to come.

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

If you want to check off all the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to serve you. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, yet lasting results for all your heating and cooling needs. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.