Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the fall season arrives and the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the colder months. Routine fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and helps make sure your home is always safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to keep your furnace in top shape this fall.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter on a Regular Basis

All your basic HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, shielding your heating and cooling. New filters better maintain indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter will clog up, which restricts airflow and may overwork your furnace. To avoid this, replace the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from AC to heat. Properly setting your thermostat limits energy waste and ensures a cozy home. Here are a few tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or less for as long as you’re in the house.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or overnight. A programmable thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
• Avoid overriding programmed settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you feel chilly.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Raising the heat to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air vents around the house. For any registers covered in dust, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean everything away. Double-check that no return or supply vents are obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Closing vents when you leave the room might sound like an effective way to reduce costs, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, putting more stress on your system and—counterproductively—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking 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 effective sealing, have a professional come by to properly patch the leaks in your air vents. The support from local comfort professionals will lower your heating expenses, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

A problem with your heating system is a primary risk factor for home fires. Remember these recommendations to stay protected:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heat sources, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• In the same vein, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, turn it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Check the Furnace Exhaust Flue

A blocked flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before turning on the heat this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is clogged, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace needs sufficient empty space surrounding it 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, 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. Ensure Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Alarms Work

These important safety devices notify the household of dangers 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 ready to put new ones in.

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Maintenance

While it’s possible to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, an experienced maintenance technician can perform comprehensive service, with cleaning and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Routine HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The opportunity to identify potential concerns before they wreak havoc also minimizes the chances you’d need a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Think About Upgrading the Old HVAC System

Once your heating is more than 10 years old, it is likely 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Rather than allowing total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing immediate energy savings and peace of mind for the winter months ahead.

Get Your HVAC Ready for Fall and Call 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 gets the job done right. We are committed to providing fast, long-lasting solutions for all your comfort needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.