2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

As the leaves begin to fall and the temperature drops, it provides a good chance to ready your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your home ready for the cold. Here are 10 easy ways to ensure your furnace is in top shape this fall.

1. Replace the Air Filter on a Regular Basis

Standard HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, protecting your heating and cooling. The clean, more efficient filters better protect indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged, which hinders airflow and can place added strain on your system. To help put a stop to this, replace the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

With the temperatures dropping soon, now’s the time to change your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency lowers your monthly bill and ensures a cozy home. Here are several tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or cooler when you’re at home.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or sleeping. A smart thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding programmed settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you get cold.
• When it IS necessary to change the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Going right to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air duct openings around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clean everything away. Make sure that no return or supply vents are blocked 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 create issues with airflow, adding strain on your system and—inadvertently—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking air ducts are a common source of heat loss, leading to higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing up air ducts. For the best results, have a professional come by to properly seal your ductwork. The investment will reduce heating costs, enhance your sense of comfort and even boost indoor air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

Heating equipment is a primary risk factor for home fires. Stick to these recommendations to stay protected:

• Store flammable materials far from heat sources, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• 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, shut it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Examine Your Furnace’s 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 not obstructed by anything. If the flue is blocked, call a professional for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace needs adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Avoid storing items within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is too small, 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. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These important safety devices alert your family of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to ensure they’re working correctly, 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 HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

While you may be able to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, an experienced maintenance technician can perform comprehensive service, cleaning and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance before winter.

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The opportunity to look out for minor problems before they wreak havoc also minimizes the chances you’d need emergency repairs.

10. Consider Replacing the Old HVAC System

Once your heating passes the 10-year mark, it is likely 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Rather than letting it reach total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing energy savings right away and total comfort for years to come.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Get in Touch with 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 HVAC service needs. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.