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2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

Once the autumn leaves start to drop and the cooler weather sets in, it’s an ideal opportunity to tune-up your HVAC system for the colder months. Regular fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to keep your furnace working well this season.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly

All your basic HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, shielding your heating and cooling. New filters better protect indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter will clog up, which limits air circulation and can place added strain on your system. To prevent this, swap out the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With the temperatures dropping soon, now’s the time to change your thermostat from AC to heat. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season keeps costs in check and helps make your home comfortable. Here are several tips:

  • Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or cooler at home.
  • Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees when you’re away or sleeping. A smart thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
  • Refrain from overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, add an extra layer if you get cold.
  • When it IS necessary to change the temperature, change it gradually. Going right to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.

3. Check Your Air Ducts for Dust, Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to take a look at all the air duct registers in your home. If these registers are clogged with dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clear it off. Make sure that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to maintain proper circulation.

Closing vents in unused rooms might seem like a good idea to save money, but it can also create issues with airflow, adding strain on your system and—counterproductively—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to maintain efficient airflow.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking air ducts let heating and cooling escape, resulting in higher energy costs. Surprisingly, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing up air ducts. For the best results, call an Expert to properly seal your ventilation. The support from local comfort professionals will reduce heating costs, improve comfort and even boost indoor 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. Follow these recommendations to keep your family safe:

  • Store flammable materials far from heat sources, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
  • Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
  • Similarly, 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. Examine Your Furnace’s Flue

An obstructed 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 unobstructed. If the flue is obstructed, call a professional for help.

7. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace should have adequate space to run safely. Avoid storing items closer than 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is on the smaller side, keep it empty 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 vital safety devices warn you of dangers like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check them once a month to ensure they’re working correctly, and replace the batteries annually. Only take out the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.

9. Keep up with Professional HVAC Maintenance

While it’s possible to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, a certified technician can provide a thorough inspection, clean key components and other necessary tasks. Industry experts recommend professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.

Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills 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. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Upgrading Your Furnace

Once your heating is more than 10 years old, it may only be 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 capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing immediate energy savings and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.

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

If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to serve you. We are committed to providing fast, long-lasting solutions for all your HVAC service needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.

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