Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the cooler weather sets in, it’s the perfect time to tune-up your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Routine fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and ensures your home stays safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to keep your furnace running its best this year.

1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

All your basic HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, protecting your furnace and AC systems. High-efficiency filters better protect indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter will clog up, which hinders airflow and forces your furnace to work harder. To prevent this, swap out the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, it’s time to switch your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Properly setting your thermostat lowers your monthly bill and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are several tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or cooler for as long as you’re in the house.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees when you’re away or when you’re asleep. A new smart thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings 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, increase it slowly. Setting it as high as possible won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to take a look at all the air duct openings around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clear it off. 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 may seem smart to save money, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, putting more stress on your system and—inadvertently—RAISING your energy costs. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Inefficient air ducts are a common source of heat loss, leading to higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, call an Expert to properly seal your air vents. The investment will lower your heating expenses, improve comfort and even enhance your home’s air quality.

5. Ensure Your Home Is Safe from Heating-Related Fires

The gas furnace is a primary risk factor for home fires. Stick to these guidelines to stay protected:

• Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• Similarly, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, turn it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Inspect the Furnace Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before you start your furnace this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is clogged, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace requires adequate space to run safely. Don’t store any belongings within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet is on the smaller side, keep it empty 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 important safety devices notify the household of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to make sure they work okay, and replace the batteries annually. Only take out the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Schedule HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

While it’s possible to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, a certified technician can provide a thorough inspection, cleaning and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Annual HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures peak system efficiency. The ability to catch small issues before they cause trouble also helps prevent emergency repairs.

10. Think About Replacing Your Furnace

Once your heating is more than 10 years old, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Rather than letting it reach total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing improved energy efficiency and long-term comfort for years to come.

Get Your HVAC Ready for Fall and Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today

If you want to check off all the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help. We are committed to providing fast, yet lasting results for all your comfort needs. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.