Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Once the leaves begin to fall and the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Routine fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to keep your furnace in top shape this fall.

1. Replace the Air Filter Every So Often

Standard HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, protecting your heating and cooling. High-efficiency filters better preserve indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged, which hinders 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 switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season lowers your monthly bill and helps make your home comfortable. Here are a few tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or below when you’re at home.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees when you’re away or sleeping. A smart thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you feel chilly.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air duct registers around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean everything away. Ensure that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to maintain proper circulation.

Closing vents in unused rooms might seem like a good idea to save money, but it can also disrupt airflow, increasing the strain on your system and—ironically—RAISING your energy costs. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking air ducts waste energy, resulting in higher energy costs. Despite the name, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing up air ducts. For the best results, hire an HVAC professional to properly seal your air vents. The investment will reduce heating costs, improve comfort and even boost indoor air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

The gas furnace is a leading cause of home fires. Remember these tips to keep your family safe:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heat sources, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• In the same vein, don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, turn it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Check Your Furnace’s Flue

A blocked flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before you start your furnace this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is blocked, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace needs adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Avoid storing items closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your 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 the furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These vital safety devices alert your family of dangers like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to ensure they’re working correctly, and replace the batteries annually. Only remove the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

While it’s possible to take care of a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, only a professional can provide a thorough inspection, cleaning and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts recommend professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance before winter.

Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and keeps your system running smoothly. The opportunity to catch small issues before they become major problems also reduces the risk of emergency repairs.

10. Consider Replacing Your HVAC System

Once your heating passes the 10-year mark, it may only be 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Instead of waiting for total system failure, consider replacing it now. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing immediate energy savings and peace of mind for years to come.

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

If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to serve you. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, long-lasting solutions for all your comfort needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.