2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

As the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it’s the perfect time to ready your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Routine fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and helps make sure your home is always safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to keep your furnace working well this year.

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

Standard HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, protecting your HVAC system. High-efficiency filters better protect indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter will clog up, which hinders airflow and may overwork your furnace. To help put a stop to this, replace the filter every one to three months.

2. Set Your Thermostat for Heating Energy Efficiency

With the temperatures dropping soon, it’s time to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency keeps costs in check and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are a few tips:

• Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or cooler at home.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or when you’re asleep. A smart thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, add an extra layer if you get cold.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Going right to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside some time to take a look at all the air vents in your home. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Double-check that no return or supply vents are covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains to maintain proper circulation.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use might seem like a good idea to lower HVAC bills, but it can also create issues with airflow, adding strain on your system and—ironically—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 waste energy, leading to higher energy costs. Surprisingly, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For the best results, have a professional come by to properly patch the leaks in your air vents. The support from local comfort professionals will reduce heating costs, improve comfort and even increase air quality.

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

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

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heating equipment, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• Similarly, don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it down and call an HVAC professional.

6. Check Your Furnace’s Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is blocked, call a professional for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace should have adequate space to run safely. Refrain from keeping any storage within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is not large enough, try and leave it uncluttered 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 crucial safety devices alert your family of dangers like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to make sure they work okay, and change the batteries once a year. Only take them out if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Schedule 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 necessary tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Routine HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and keeps your system running smoothly. The time a technician has during an inspection to look out for minor problems before they wreak havoc also minimizes the chances you’d need emergency repairs.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Upgrading Your HVAC System

Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it is likely 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Instead of letting it reach total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing improved energy efficiency and peace of mind for the winter months ahead.

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

If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help. We offer fast, affordable solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.