2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

Once the autumn leaves start to drop and the cooler weather sets in, it provides a good chance to prepare your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Regular fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures your home stays safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to keep your furnace working well this fall.

1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

Standard HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, shielding your furnace and AC systems. The clean, more efficient filters better preserve indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and can place added strain on your system. To help put a stop to this, change the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With the weather cooling off soon, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Properly setting your thermostat lowers your monthly bill and ensures a cozy home. Here are a few tips:

• Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or below when you’re at home.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees when you’re away or overnight. A smart thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you are still too cold.
• Should 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 a few minutes to check all the air duct openings around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear it off. Make sure that no return or supply vents are covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use may seem smart to lower HVAC bills, but it can also disrupt airflow, adding strain on your system and—inadvertently—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Check Air Ducts and Seal up Any Leaks

Inefficient air ducts are a common source of heat loss, resulting in higher energy costs. Surprisingly, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, call an Expert to properly patch the leaks in your ductwork. The experience of a professional will lower your heating expenses, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.

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

Heating equipment is a primary risk factor for home fires. Remember these guidelines to stay protected:

• Store flammable materials far from heat sources, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• In the same vein, don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, shut it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Check the Furnace Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before running your furnace this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is blocked, call a professional for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace requires adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Avoid storing items closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is not large enough, try and leave it uncluttered apart from the HVAC equipment. Place flammable materials like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from the furnace.

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These important safety devices notify the household 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 remove the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.

9. Arrange Professional HVAC Inspections

While you may be able to handle some simpler fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, a certified technician can provide a thorough inspection, clean key components and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance before winter.

Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The time a technician has during an inspection to catch small issues before they become major problems also reduces the risk of an emergency service call.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Upgrading Your Furnace

If your furnace passes the 10-year mark, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Instead of waiting for total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing energy savings right away and peace of mind for the winter months ahead.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Get in Touch with 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 ready to serve you. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, long-lasting solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.