The HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Fall

Cut out cardboard house next to notepad and pen

Once the leaves begin to fall and the weather cools, it’s an ideal opportunity to tune-up your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Routine fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your furnace is working well this fall.

1. Stay on Top of HVAC Maintenance with an Expert

Few things are more important to maximize furnace efficiency than routine maintenance. While it’s possible to take care of some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, a certified technician can complete full inspections, clean key components and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance before winter.

Routine HVAC maintenance keeps energy costs in check and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The ability to look out for minor problems before they cause trouble also helps prevent emergency repairs.

General HVAC Safety

1. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace

Your furnace requires sufficient empty space surrounding it to run safely. Don’t store any belongings within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet or basement is on the smaller side, try and leave it uncluttered apart from the HVAC equipment. Keep items like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays separate from the furnace.

2. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires

Heating equipment is a major source of home fires. Follow these recommendations to stay protected:

When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, shut it off and call an HVAC professional.
Make sure flammable items maintain at least a three-foot distance from heating equipment, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
Never leave a running space heater unattended.
In the same vein, never use an extension cord with space heaters.

3. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These vital safety devices warn you of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to ensure they’re working correctly, and change the batteries once a year. Only take out the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.

Check That the Air Vents Have Been Cleaned and Sealed

1. Check Your Furnace’s Flue

An obstructed flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before running your furnace this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is clogged, contact an HVAC technician for help.

2. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris

Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air vents around the house. 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 blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to ensure proper air circulation.

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

3. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

Leaking air ducts let heating and cooling escape, resulting in higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For the best results, hire an HVAC professional to properly seal your ductwork. The investment will cut energy bills, enhance your sense of comfort and even boost indoor air quality.

Wrap up DIY Furnace Tasks

1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly

Standard HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, protecting your HVAC system. New filters better preserve indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter fills with debris, which restricts airflow and can place added strain on your system. To prevent this, replace the filter every one to three months.

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

With winter approaching, it’s time to adjust your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency limits energy waste and ensures a cozy home. Here are several tips:

Refrain from overriding these efficiency-minded temperature settings. Instead, add an extra layer 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 isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.
Set your thermostat to 70 degrees or less when you’re at home.
Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees if you’re out or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.

3. Prioritize Energy Efficiency When Upgrading Your Furnace

Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it may only be 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Rather than letting it reach 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 peace of mind for years to come.

Avoid a Heating Headache and Contact Xtra Mile today

If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Xtra Mile is ready to serve you. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, affordable solutions for all your HVAC service needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.