Complete HVAC Service Checklist for Fall 2024

As the autumn leaves start to drop and the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to ready your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and helps make sure your home is always ready for the cold. Here are 10 easy ways to keep your furnace in top shape this fall.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Every So Often

All your basic HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, forming a layer of protection for your heating and cooling. High-efficiency filters better maintain indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter will clog up, which hinders airflow and forces your furnace to work harder. To help put a stop to this, swap out the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Properly setting your thermostat limits energy waste and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are several tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or below at home.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees if you’re out or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Avoid overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, add an extra layer if you feel chilly.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Going right to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents

Every now and then, set aside some time to take a look at all the air duct openings in your home. If these registers are clogged with dust, use a vacuum with a 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 ensure proper air circulation.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use might seem like a good idea to reduce costs, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, adding strain on your system and—inadvertently—leading to HIGHER energy bills. 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 are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal 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 reduce heating costs, make your home more comfortable and even enhance your home’s air quality.

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

A problem with your heating system is a major source of home fires. Stick to these tips to minimize the risk as much as possible:

• Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• 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, turn it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Check the Furnace Exhaust Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is clogged, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

Your furnace requires sufficient empty space surrounding it to run safely. Refrain from keeping any storage closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is too small, 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 crucial safety devices alert your family of dangers like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to verify they’re all working, and change the batteries once a year. Only take out the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Keep up with HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

While you may be able to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, only a professional 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 every fall.

Routine HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures peak system efficiency. The ability to identify potential concerns before they cause trouble also reduces the risk of emergency repairs.

10. Think About Replacing Your HVAC System

Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it is likely 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Rather than waiting for total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing improved energy efficiency and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.

Get Your HVAC Prepped for Fall and Get in Touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today

If you need help completing 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 concerns. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.