2024 Autumn HVAC Maintenance Guide

As the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it’s the perfect time to tune-up your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Routine fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your furnace is running its best this season.

1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter on a Regular Basis

All your basic HVAC air filters help filter out dust, allergens, hair and other common forms of airborne debris, forming a layer of protection for your HVAC system. High-efficiency filters better maintain indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter will clog up, which hinders airflow and can place added strain on your system. To prevent this, change the filter regularly throughout the year.

2. Set Your Thermostat for Heating Energy Efficiency

With winter approaching, it’s time to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Adjusting your thermostat settings for each season keeps costs in check and maintains a complete sense of comfort. Here are several tips:

• Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or less at home.
• Drop the temperature a few more degrees to around 62 degrees if you’re out or sleeping. A smart thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
• Try your best to keep from overriding programmed settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you are still too cold.
• Should you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Going right to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.

3. Check Your Air Ducts for Dust, Debris

Every now and then, set aside some time to check all the air vents around the house. For any registers covered in dust, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Make sure that no return or supply vents are covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains to maintain proper circulation.

Closing vents when you leave the room might sound like an effective way to save money, but it can also create issues with airflow, adding strain on your system and—ironically—driving utility costs UP. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to ensure the system performs consistently.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking air ducts waste energy, contributing to higher energy costs. Despite the name, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, call an Expert to properly patch the leaks in your ventilation. The support from local comfort professionals will lower your heating expenses, enhance your sense of comfort and even enhance your home’s air quality.

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

Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Stick to these tips to stay protected:

• Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heating equipment, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
• Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
• Similarly, never use an extension cord with 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. 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, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is being obstructed by debris, call a professional for help.

7. Clear Your Furnace Room

Your furnace requires adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Refrain from keeping any storage within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet is not large enough, try and leave it uncluttered apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from the furnace.

8. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These crucial safety devices warn you of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check them once a month to make sure they work okay, and change the batteries once a year. Only remove the batteries if you’re intending to switch them out right away.

9. Arrange HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

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

Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The time a technician has during an inspection to identify potential concerns before they cause trouble also reduces the risk of a costly, last-minute fix.

10. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Replacing the Old HVAC System

If your furnace has been in use for more than a decade, it is likely 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Rather than allowing total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing improved energy efficiency and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.

Get Your HVAC Prepped for Fall and Call Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts today

If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts gets the job done right. We offer fast, affordable solutions for all your heating and cooling needs. To book your furnace tune-up, please contact us today.