2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the weather cools, it’s an ideal opportunity to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and helps make sure your home is always ready for the cold. Here are 10 simple steps to ensure your furnace is running its best this year.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly

All your basic HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, protecting your furnace and AC systems. The clean, more efficient filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter fills with debris, which limits air circulation and forces your furnace to work harder. To avoid this, change the filter every one to three months.

2. Set Your Thermostat for Heating Energy Efficiency

With the weather cooling off soon, now’s the time to change your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season 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.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees if you’re out or when you’re asleep. A new smart thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Avoid overriding programmed settings. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you are still too cold.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.

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 openings around the house. For any registers covered in dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clear it off. Make sure that no return or supply vents are obscured by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Closing vents in unused rooms might sound like an effective way to reduce costs, but it can also disrupt airflow, increasing the strain on your system and—inadvertently—RAISING your energy costs. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Inefficient air ducts let heating and cooling escape, resulting in higher energy bills. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For the best results, hire an HVAC professional to properly patch the leaks in your ductwork. The experience of a professional will lower your heating expenses, improve comfort and even increase air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

A problem with your heating system is a leading cause of home fires. Remember these guidelines to minimize the risk as much as possible:

• Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters or other portable systems running if you’re not there.
• Similarly, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, turn it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Inspect the Furnace Exhaust Flue

A blocked flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before turning on the heat this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is obstructed, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace requires ample room around where it’s installed 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. Keep 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 dangers like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to make sure they work okay, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only remove the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Maintenance

While it’s possible to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, only a professional can complete full inspections, clean key components and other necessary tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance before winter.

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and keeps your system running smoothly. The ability to look out for minor problems before they cause trouble also reduces the risk of an emergency service call.

10. Consider Upgrading Your Furnace

If your furnace passes the 10-year mark, it is likely 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Rather than waiting for total system failure, consider replacing it now. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing energy savings right away and long-term comfort for years to come.

Get Your HVAC Ready 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 gets the job done right. We offer fast, yet lasting results for all your comfort needs. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.