Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the leaves begin to fall and the weather cools, it’s an ideal opportunity to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Regular fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to ensure your furnace is running its best this season.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Every So Often

Standard HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, forming a layer of protection for your furnace and AC systems. New filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and can place added strain on your system. To prevent this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, now’s the time to change your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency limits energy waste and helps make your home comfortable. Here are several tips:

• Keep the temperature at 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 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 isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside some time to check all the air duct openings in your home. For any registers covered in dust, 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.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use might sound like an effective way to reduce costs, but it can also create issues with airflow, increasing the strain on your system and—inadvertently—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaky air ducts let heating and cooling escape, resulting in higher energy bills. Surprisingly, duct tape is not ideal for sealing up air ducts. For effective sealing, hire an HVAC professional to properly seal your ventilation. The investment will reduce heating costs, improve comfort and even boost indoor air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

A problem with your heating system is a major source of home fires. Remember these tips to keep your family safe:

• Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, especially 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 down and contact a heating Expert.

6. Check the Furnace Exhaust Flue

A blocked flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is obstructed, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace requires ample room around where it’s installed to avoid the risk of problems. Refrain from keeping any storage 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 your furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These crucial safety devices warn you of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check them once a month to make sure they work okay, and replace the batteries annually. Only take them out if you’re ready to put new ones in.

9. Keep up with HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

While you may be able to handle a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, a certified technician can provide a thorough inspection, with cleaning and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts recommend professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance before winter.

Annual HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures peak system efficiency. The ability to catch small issues before they cause trouble also minimizes the chances you’d need a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Consider Replacing the Old HVAC System

Once your heating is more than 10 years old, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Instead of allowing total system failure, start planning for a new system. 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 Ready 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 is here to help. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, long-lasting solutions for all your comfort needs. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.