Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Once the autumn leaves start to drop and the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to tune-up your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Routine fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to keep your furnace working well this year.

1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

Typical HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, forming a layer of protection for your furnace and AC systems. High-efficiency filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter fills with debris, which limits air circulation and can place added strain on your system. To help put a stop to this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Set Your Thermostat for Heating Energy Efficiency

With winter approaching, now’s the time to change your thermostat from AC to heat. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency limits energy waste and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are some tips:

• Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or below when you’re at home.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees if you’re out or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Refrain from overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, add an extra layer 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 won’t warm your home any faster.

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. For any registers covered in dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Double-check that no return or supply vents are blocked 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 cause uneven air distribution, increasing the strain on your system and—inadvertently—driving utility costs UP. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Inefficient air ducts are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal 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 cut energy bills, make your home more comfortable and even boost indoor air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

Heating equipment is a major source of home fires. Remember these tips to stay protected:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heating equipment, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• Similarly, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, shut it off and contact a heating Expert.

6. Check Your Furnace’s Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before running your furnace this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is being obstructed by debris, call a professional for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace should have ample room around where it’s installed to run safely. Refrain from keeping any storage closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is on the smaller side, try and leave it uncluttered apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from your furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These crucial safety devices notify the household of hazards 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 planning to replace them immediately.

9. Arrange Professional HVAC Inspections

While it’s possible to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, a certified technician 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.

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The opportunity to identify potential concerns before they become major problems also reduces the risk of an emergency service call.

10. Consider Upgrading Your HVAC System

If your furnace passes the 10-year mark, it may only be 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Rather than allowing total system failure, consider replacing it now. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing immediate energy savings and peace of mind for years to come.

Get Your HVAC Prepped for Fall and Call 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 ready to serve you. We offer fast, yet lasting results for all your HVAC service concerns. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.