2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

Once the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it provides a good chance to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regular fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your furnace is running its best this year.

1. Change the Air Filter Every So Often

Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, shielding your furnace and AC systems. New filters better protect indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter fills with debris, which restricts airflow and may overwork your furnace. To avoid this, change the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With the weather cooling off soon, now’s the time to change your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Properly setting your thermostat limits energy waste and ensures a cozy home. Here are some tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or below at home.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees when you’re away or when you’re asleep. 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, increase it slowly. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside some time to take a look at all the air duct registers in your home. For any registers covered in dust, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clear it off. Make sure that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Closing vents when you leave the room might seem like a good idea to reduce costs, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, increasing the strain on your system and—ironically—RAISING your energy costs. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaking air ducts waste energy, contributing to higher energy bills. Surprisingly, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, hire an HVAC professional to properly patch the leaks in your ductwork. The support from local comfort professionals 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 primary risk factor for home fires. Remember these recommendations 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.
• Similarly, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, shut it down and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Inspect Your Furnace’s Flue

An obstructed 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 not obstructed by anything. If the flue is obstructed, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace requires ample room around where it’s installed to run safely. Don’t store any belongings closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet is not large enough, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Keep items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from your furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These vital safety devices notify the household of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to verify they’re all working, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only take out the batteries if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Schedule HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

While you may be able to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, a certified technician can perform comprehensive service, cleaning and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The opportunity to identify potential concerns before they cause trouble also reduces the risk of a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Think About Replacing Your HVAC System

Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it may only be 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Instead of waiting for 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 total comfort for years to come.

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 gets the job done right. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, yet lasting results for all your comfort needs. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.