Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the fall season arrives and the temperature drops, it’s an ideal opportunity to tune-up your HVAC system for the colder months. Regular fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and helps make sure your home is always ready for the cold. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your furnace is running its best this season.

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

Standard HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, shielding your HVAC system. New filters better preserve indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged, which hinders airflow and may overwork your furnace. To help put a stop to this, replace the filter every one to three months.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

With winter approaching, now’s the time to change your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency keeps costs in check and helps make your home comfortable. Here are a few tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or below when you’re at home.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or sleeping. A smart thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Avoid overriding programmed settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you get cold.
• When it IS necessary to change the temperature, change it gradually. Going right 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 some time to take a look at all the air duct openings around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clean everything away. Double-check that no return or supply vents are obscured by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Closing vents in unused rooms may seem smart to save money, but it can also disrupt airflow, adding strain on your system and—ironically—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Leave at least 80% of vents open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaking air ducts let heating and cooling escape, resulting in higher energy costs. Despite the name, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing up air ducts. For the best results, call an Expert to properly patch the leaks in your ventilation. The investment will cut energy bills, enhance your sense of comfort and even enhance your home’s air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Follow these recommendations to keep your family safe:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heat sources, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• In the same vein, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, shut it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Check the Furnace Exhaust Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before you start your furnace this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is clogged, call a professional for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace needs adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Refrain from keeping any storage closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is not large enough, do your best to ensure the area is clear apart from the HVAC equipment. Keep items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from the furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These important safety devices notify the household of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to verify they’re all working, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only remove the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Keep up with Professional HVAC Inspections

While it’s possible to handle a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, only a professional can complete full inspections, clean key components and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The time a technician has during an inspection to identify potential concerns before they cause trouble also reduces the risk of a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Think About Upgrading Your HVAC System

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it is likely 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Instead of waiting for total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing improved energy efficiency and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is 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 here to help. We are committed to providing fast, affordable solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.