Complete HVAC Service Checklist for Fall 2024

Once the fall season arrives and the weather cools, it provides a good chance to tune-up your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Routine 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 simple steps to keep your furnace in top shape this fall.

1. Change the Air Filter on a Regular Basis

Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, shielding your furnace and AC systems. New filters better protect indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter fills with debris, 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 temperatures dropping soon, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season lowers your monthly bill and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are several tips:

• Adjust the temperature to 70°F or below when you’re 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.
• Try your best to keep from overriding programmed settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you feel chilly.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, increase it slowly. Going right to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside some time to take a look at all the air duct registers around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clean everything away. Ensure that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Closing vents in unused rooms might seem like a good idea to lower HVAC bills, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, increasing the strain on your system and—counterproductively—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to keep airflow well-balanced.

4. Check Air Ducts and Seal up Any Leaks

Inefficient air ducts let heating and cooling escape, resulting in higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing up air ducts. For the best results, have a professional come by to properly patch the leaks in your ventilation. The investment will reduce heating costs, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.

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

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Remember these guidelines to stay protected:

• Store flammable materials far 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.
• Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, turn it off and call an HVAC professional.

6. Inspect Your Furnace’s Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before turning on the heat this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is blocked, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace should have sufficient empty space surrounding it to avoid the risk of problems. Avoid storing items closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet is too small, do your best to ensure the area is clear apart from the HVAC equipment. Place flammable materials like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from the 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 ensure they’re working correctly, and replace the batteries annually. Only take out the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.

9. Schedule Professional HVAC Inspections

While you may be able to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, only a professional can complete full inspections, clean key components and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts recommend professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures peak system efficiency. The opportunity to identify potential concerns before they cause trouble also minimizes the chances you’d need emergency repairs.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing the Old HVAC System

If your furnace passes the 10-year mark, it may only be 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Rather than allowing total system failure, consider replacing it now. 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 Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today

If you want to check off all the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to serve you. We offer fast, yet lasting results for all your HVAC service concerns. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.