Complete HVAC Service Checklist for Fall 2024
Once the leaves begin to fall and the weather cools, it’s an ideal opportunity to ready your HVAC system for the colder months. Regular 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 in top shape this fall.
1. Replace the Air Filter on a Regular Basis
Standard HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, forming a layer of protection for your heating and cooling. High-efficiency filters better protect indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter becomes clogged, which restricts airflow and may overwork your furnace. To prevent this, replace the filter every one to three months.
2. Set Your Thermostat for Heating Energy Efficiency
With the weather cooling off soon, it’s time to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Properly setting your thermostat limits energy waste and helps make your home comfortable. 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 sleeping. A programmable thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
- Avoid overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you are still too cold.
- When it IS necessary to change the temperature, increase it slowly. Raising the heat 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 a few minutes to take a look at all the air duct registers in your home. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clear it off. Ensure that no return or supply vents are obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.
Closing vents in unused rooms might sound like an effective way to reduce costs, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, increasing the 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. Fix Leaky Air Ducts
Leaking air ducts waste energy, leading to higher energy costs. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, call an Expert to properly seal your ductwork. The experience of a professional will reduce heating costs, enhance your sense of comfort and even increase air quality.
5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires
The gas furnace is a leading cause of home fires. Remember these guidelines to minimize the risk as much as possible:
- Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
- Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
- Similarly, don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
- If you notice strange noises or smells, shut it down and call an HVAC professional.
6. Inspect Your Furnace’s Flue
A clog in the flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of 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 obstructed, call a professional for help.
7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace
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 is too small, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Place flammable materials like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from the furnace.
8. Ensure Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Alarms Work
These vital safety devices alert your family 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 remove the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.
9. Keep up with Professional HVAC Maintenance
While you may be able to take care of a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, an experienced maintenance technician can perform comprehensive service, with cleaning and other necessary tasks. Industry experts recommend professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.
Regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The opportunity to catch small issues before they cause trouble also helps prevent a costly, last-minute fix.
10. Think About Replacing Your HVAC System
Once your heating is more than 10 years old, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Rather than allowing 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.
Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Contact A1 Chesney Service Experts today
If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, A1 Chesney Service Experts gets the job done right. We offer fast, affordable solutions for all your HVAC service needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.
