Complete HVAC Service Checklist for Fall 2024

As the leaves begin to fall and the cooler weather sets in, it provides a good chance to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and helps make sure your home is always ready for the cold. Here are 10 easy ways to keep your furnace working well this season.

1. Replace the Air Filter Every So Often

Standard HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, protecting your HVAC system. High-efficiency filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter will clog up, which restricts airflow and may overwork your furnace. To avoid this, replace the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With the temperatures dropping soon, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from AC to heat. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season limits energy waste and ensures a cozy home. Here are several tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or cooler for as long as you’re in the house.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees if you’re out or when you’re asleep. A programmable thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Refrain from overriding programmed settings. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you feel chilly.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, increase it slowly. Going right to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air vents around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean everything away. Ensure 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 might seem like a good idea to reduce costs, but it can also disrupt airflow, adding strain on your system and—counterproductively—leading to HIGHER energy bills. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking air ducts let heating and cooling escape, contributing to higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For a lasting seal, call an Expert to properly patch the leaks in your air vents. The support from local comfort professionals will cut energy bills, improve comfort and even increase air quality.

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

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Stick to these recommendations to minimize the risk as much as possible:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended.
• In the same vein, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
• When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, shut it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Inspect the Furnace Exhaust Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is being obstructed by debris, call a professional for help.

7. Keep the Utility Room Clear

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

8. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

These vital safety devices alert your family of dangers 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 out the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.

9. Keep up with 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, clean key components and other necessary tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The time a technician has during an inspection to look out for minor problems before they wreak havoc also helps prevent emergency repairs.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing Your HVAC System

Once your heating passes the 10-year mark, it is likely 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Rather than waiting for total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing energy savings right away and peace of mind for the winter months ahead.

Get Your HVAC Prepped for Fall and Call 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 are committed to providing fast, affordable solutions for all your HVAC service needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.