Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the fall season arrives and the temperature drops, it’s an ideal opportunity to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Regular fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to keep your furnace running its best this season.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly

All your basic HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, shielding your heating and cooling. New filters better protect indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and forces your furnace to work harder. To avoid this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

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 maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are some tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or less for as long as you’re in the house.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees if you’re out or overnight. A programmable thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Refrain from overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you are still too cold.
• When it IS necessary to change the temperature, increase it slowly. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside some time to check all the air duct registers around the house. For any registers covered in dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. 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 lower HVAC bills, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, putting more stress on your system and—counterproductively—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking air ducts are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy costs. Surprisingly, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing up air ducts. For effective sealing, call an Expert to properly seal your ductwork. The investment will cut energy bills, improve comfort and even increase air quality.

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

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

• Store flammable materials far from heat sources, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• 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 reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Inspect the Furnace Exhaust Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before running your furnace this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is blocked, call a professional for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace should have ample room around where it’s installed to avoid the risk of problems. Don’t store any belongings closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is not large enough, try and leave it uncluttered apart from the HVAC equipment. Place flammable materials 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. Conduct monthly tests to verify they’re all working, and change the batteries once a year. Only remove the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Inspections

While you may be able to handle a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, only a professional can perform comprehensive service, cleaning and other necessary tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures peak system efficiency. The opportunity to identify potential concerns before they become major problems also reduces the risk of emergency repairs.

10. Consider Upgrading Your HVAC System

Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it may only be 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Rather than allowing total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing immediate energy savings and peace of mind for years to come.

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

If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning gets the job done right. We are committed to providing fast, yet lasting results for all your heating and cooling needs. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.