Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it’s an ideal opportunity to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Routine fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to keep your furnace working well this fall.

1. Change the Air Filter Every So Often

Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, forming a layer of protection for your furnace and AC systems. New filters better protect indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and forces your furnace to work harder. To avoid this, replace the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, now’s the time to change your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season limits energy waste and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are a few tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or below for as long as you’re in the house.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home 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 pre-set temperatures. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you feel chilly.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Going right to 80 degrees 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 check all the air duct openings around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clear it off. Double-check that no return or supply vents are covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains to maintain proper circulation.

Closing vents when you leave the room might seem like a good idea to lower HVAC bills, but it can also disrupt airflow, adding strain on your system and—counterproductively—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaky air ducts are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy bills. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, have a professional come by to properly patch the leaks in your air vents. The support from local comfort professionals will reduce heating costs, make your home more comfortable and even boost indoor air quality.

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

Heating equipment is a major source of home fires. Stick to these recommendations to stay protected:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heat sources, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters or other portable systems running if you’re not there.
• Similarly, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, shut it down and call an HVAC professional.

6. Examine the Furnace Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is clogged, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace should have ample room around where it’s installed to run safely. Refrain from keeping any storage within 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. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from the furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These vital safety devices alert your family of emergencies 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 ready to put new ones in.

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Inspections

While you may be able to take care of some simpler fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, a certified technician can perform comprehensive service, clean key components and other necessary tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and keeps your system running smoothly. The opportunity to catch small issues before they become major problems also helps prevent an emergency service call.

10. Think About Upgrading 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. Rather than allowing total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing improved energy efficiency and total comfort for years to come.

Get Your HVAC Prepped for Fall and Call 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 is ready to serve you. We offer fast, long-lasting solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.