2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

Once the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it’s an ideal opportunity to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regular fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and ensures your home stays safe and warm. Here are 10 easy ways to ensure your furnace is running its best this fall.

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

Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, shielding your heating and cooling. High-efficiency filters better preserve indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and may overwork your furnace. To avoid this, replace the filter every one to three months.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

With the weather cooling off soon, now’s the time to change your thermostat from AC to heat. Properly setting your thermostat lowers your monthly bill and ensures a cozy home. Here are several 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 when you’re away or when you’re asleep. A new smart thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Avoid overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, add an extra layer 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 won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside some time to take a look at all the air duct registers around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clear it off. Ensure that no return or supply vents are obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains to ensure proper air circulation.

Closing vents when you leave the room might seem like a good idea to save money, but it can also disrupt airflow, adding strain on your system and—counterproductively—RAISING your energy costs. Leave at least 80% of vents open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaky air ducts waste energy, leading to higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing up air ducts. For effective sealing, hire an HVAC professional to properly seal your air vents. The support from local comfort professionals will cut energy bills, make your home more comfortable and even boost indoor air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

A problem with your heating system is a major source of home fires. Remember these guidelines to keep your family safe:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heat sources, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• Similarly, don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
• When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, turn it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Inspect the Furnace Flue

A blocked flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is blocked, call a professional for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace should have 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 on the smaller side, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Keep 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 emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to verify they’re all working, and replace the batteries annually. Only remove the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Arrange Professional HVAC Inspections

While it’s possible to take care of a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, only a professional can complete full inspections, clean key components and other necessary tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Routine HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and keeps your system running smoothly. The opportunity to catch small issues before they wreak havoc also helps prevent a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Think About Upgrading Your HVAC System

Once your heating passes the 10-year mark, 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 up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing energy savings right away and peace of mind for years to come.

Get Your HVAC Ready for Fall and Contact 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 gets the job done right. We are committed to providing fast, affordable solutions for all your comfort needs. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.