2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the weather cools, it provides a good chance to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Routine fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and keeps your home ready for the cold. Here are 10 simple steps to ensure your furnace is in top shape this fall.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly

Standard HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, protecting your furnace and AC systems. The clean, more efficient filters better protect indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter will clog up, which restricts 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, it’s time to switch your thermostat from AC to heat. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season lowers your monthly bill and helps make your home comfortable. Here are a few tips:

• Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or less at home.
• Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees if you’re out or overnight. A new smart thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, add an extra layer if you are still too cold.
• When it IS necessary to change the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Going right to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.

3. Check Your Air Ducts for Dust, Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to take a look at all the air vents around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Ensure that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to maintain proper circulation.

Closing vents in unused rooms may seem smart to reduce costs, but it can also create issues with airflow, increasing the strain on your system and—ironically—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaking air ducts waste energy, resulting in higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, have a professional come by to properly seal your ductwork. The investment will lower your heating expenses, improve comfort and even increase air quality.

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

A problem with your heating system is a leading cause of home fires. Stick to these tips to keep your family safe:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heat sources, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• Similarly, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, turn it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Check Your Furnace’s Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before you start your furnace this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is obstructed, contact an HVAC technician for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace should have ample room around where it’s installed to run safely. Refrain from keeping any storage closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet is on the smaller side, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from your furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These crucial safety devices notify the household of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check them once a month to make sure they work okay, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only take them out if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Keep up with Professional HVAC Maintenance

While you may be able to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, only a professional can complete full inspections, cleaning and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and ensures peak system efficiency. The ability to identify potential concerns before they become major problems also helps prevent emergency repairs.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing Your HVAC System

If your furnace passes the 10-year mark, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Rather than letting it reach total system failure, consider replacing it now. 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 Ready for Fall and Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today

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