2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

Once the leaves begin to fall and the cooler weather sets in, it’s an ideal opportunity to tune-up your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home 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 Every So Often

Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, shielding your heating and cooling. The clean, more efficient filters better protect indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and may overwork your furnace. To help put a stop to this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

With the temperatures dropping soon, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Properly setting your thermostat keeps costs in check and ensures a cozy home. Here are some tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or cooler at home.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees if you’re out or overnight. A smart thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
• Avoid overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you get cold.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Setting it as high as possible 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 check all the air duct openings 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 in unused rooms might seem like a good idea to reduce costs, but it can also disrupt airflow, putting more stress on your system and—inadvertently—driving utility costs UP. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaky air ducts waste energy, contributing to higher energy bills. Surprisingly, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, call an Expert to properly patch the leaks in your ventilation. The support from local comfort professionals will cut energy bills, enhance your sense of 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. Remember these guidelines to keep your family safe:

• Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• In the same vein, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, turn it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Inspect the Furnace Exhaust Flue

A blocked flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before you start your furnace this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is clogged, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace needs sufficient empty space surrounding it to run safely. Refrain from keeping any storage within 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 far from your furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These important safety devices notify the household of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check them once a month to verify they’re all working, and replace the batteries annually. Only remove the batteries if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Inspections

While it’s possible to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, an experienced maintenance technician can perform comprehensive service, cleaning and other necessary tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures peak system efficiency. The opportunity to look out for minor problems before they become major problems also reduces the risk of emergency repairs.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing Your Furnace

If your furnace has been in use for more than a decade, it is likely 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Instead of letting it reach total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing improved energy efficiency and peace of mind for years to come.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today

If you want to check off all the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to serve you. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, yet lasting results for all your HVAC service concerns. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.