Your Fall 2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the leaves begin to fall and the temperature drops, it’s an ideal opportunity to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 easy ways to ensure your furnace is working well this year.

1. Replace the Air Filter on a Regular Basis

Standard HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, shielding your HVAC system. New filters better maintain indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter fills with debris, which limits air circulation and may overwork your furnace. To prevent this, replace the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With the temperatures dropping soon, now’s the time to change your thermostat from AC to heat. Properly setting your thermostat lowers your monthly bill and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are some tips:

• Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or below 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 sleeping. A new smart thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding programmed settings. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you get cold.
• If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.

3. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside some time to check all the air duct registers around the house. If these registers are clogged with dust, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to clear it off. Double-check that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.

Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use may seem smart to save money, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, increasing the strain on your system and—inadvertently—driving utility costs UP. Leave at least 80% of vents open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Check Air Ducts and Seal up Any Leaks

Leaky air ducts are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For a lasting seal, hire an HVAC professional to properly patch the leaks in your ventilation. The support from local comfort professionals will lower your heating expenses, make your home more comfortable and even boost indoor air quality.

5. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

The gas furnace is a leading cause of home fires. Follow these recommendations to stay protected:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heat sources, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• In the same vein, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
• If you notice strange noises or smells, turn it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.

6. Inspect the Furnace Flue

A clog in the flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before running your furnace this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is clogged, reach out to an HVAC Expert for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace needs sufficient empty space surrounding it to avoid the risk of problems. Refrain from keeping any storage within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is on the smaller side, keep it empty apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from your furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These crucial safety devices warn you of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Test them on a monthly basis to make sure they work okay, 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 Maintenance

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

Annual HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and keeps your system running smoothly. The ability to look out for minor problems before they wreak havoc also minimizes the chances you’d need emergency repairs.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing Your HVAC System

Once your heating is more than 10 years old, it may only be 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Instead of letting it reach total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing improved energy efficiency and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Prepped for Fall and Contact Rob's Albertan Service Experts today

If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Rob's Albertan Service Experts is here to help. We are committed to providing fast, yet lasting results for all your comfort needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.