Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the cooler weather sets in, it’s an ideal opportunity to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Routine fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 easy ways to keep your furnace running its best this year.

1. Replace the Air Filter Every So Often

All your basic HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, protecting your furnace and AC systems. High-efficiency filters better protect indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter will clog up, which hinders airflow and may overwork your furnace. To prevent this, replace the filter every one to three months.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

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 helps make your home comfortable. Here are a few tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or less for as long as you’re in the house.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees when you’re away or sleeping. A new smart thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding programmed settings. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you get cold.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. 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 some time to take a look at all the air duct registers in your home. If these registers are clogged with dust, use a vacuum with a 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 ensure proper air circulation.

Closing vents in unused rooms might seem like a good idea to lower HVAC bills, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, adding strain on your system and—inadvertently—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 let heating and cooling escape, leading to higher energy costs. Despite the name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, call an Expert to properly seal your ventilation. The investment will lower your heating expenses, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

The gas furnace is a leading cause of home fires. Stick to these guidelines to stay protected:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heat sources, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• Similarly, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, shut it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Examine Your Furnace’s Flue

A blocked flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, raising 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 being obstructed by debris, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace requires adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Don’t store any belongings closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is on the smaller side, do your best to ensure the area is clear apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from the furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These vital safety devices alert your family of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to make sure they work okay, and replace the batteries annually. Only take out the batteries if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Maintenance

While it’s possible to handle some simpler fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, only a professional 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.

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures peak system efficiency. The ability to catch small issues before they become major problems also minimizes the chances you’d need an emergency service call.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing the Old HVAC System

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Rather than letting it reach 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 peace of mind for the winter months ahead.

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

If you want to check off all the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to serve you. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, affordable solutions for all your comfort concerns. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.