2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the weather cools, it provides a good chance to prepare your HVAC system for the colder months. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and helps make sure your home is always safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to ensure your furnace is working well this fall.

1. Change the Air Filter Regularly

Standard HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, protecting your furnace and AC systems. New filters better protect indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter will clog up, which restricts airflow and may overwork your furnace. To avoid this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter

With the temperatures dropping soon, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from AC to heat. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency lowers your monthly bill and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are some tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or less at home.
• Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees when you’re away or overnight. A smart thermostat can automate these changes for you.
• Avoid overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. 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 won’t warm your home any faster.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside some time to check all the air duct openings around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Make sure that no return or supply vents are covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains to maintain proper circulation.

Closing vents when you leave the room might sound like an effective way to save money, but it can also create issues with airflow, putting more stress on your system and—ironically—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Fix Leaky Air Ducts

Leaky air ducts are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, hire an HVAC professional to properly patch the leaks in your ductwork. The experience of a professional 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 major source of home fires. Remember these guidelines to stay protected:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heat sources, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• In the same vein, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it down and call an HVAC professional.

6. Check the Furnace Exhaust 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 not obstructed by anything. If the flue is obstructed, call a professional for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace should have sufficient empty space surrounding it to run safely. Avoid storing items closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is too small, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Place flammable materials like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from the furnace.

8. Ensure Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Alarms Work

These crucial safety devices warn you of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to ensure they’re working correctly, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only take them out if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Schedule Professional HVAC Inspections

While you may be able to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, an experienced maintenance technician can perform comprehensive service, cleaning and other tune-up 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 keeps your system running smoothly. The opportunity to look out for minor problems before they cause trouble also reduces the risk of an emergency service call.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Upgrading Your Furnace

If your furnace has been in use for more than a decade, it is likely 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Rather than letting it reach total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing improved energy efficiency and peace of mind for years to come.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Ready 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 offer fast, affordable solutions for all your heating and cooling concerns. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.