Your HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Fall
Once the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it’s an ideal opportunity to tune-up your HVAC system to handle the coming winter. Regular fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and helps make sure your home is always safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your furnace is in top shape this year.
1. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Inspections
Few things are more important to maximize furnace efficiency than routine maintenance. While it’s possible to handle some of the fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, a certified technician can complete full inspections, cleaning and other necessary tasks. Industry experts encourage homeowners to schedule professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.
Annual HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures peak system efficiency. The ability to catch small issues before they cause trouble also helps prevent a costly, last-minute fix.
General HVAC Safety
1. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace
Your furnace should have 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 or basement is too small, do your best to ensure the area is clear apart from the HVAC equipment. Place flammable materials like paint, cleaning supplies and aerosol sprays far from your furnace.
2. Take Other Steps to Prevent Heating-Related Fires
The gas furnace is a major source of home fires. Remember these recommendations to minimize the risk as much as possible:
- If you notice strange noises or smells, shut it off and contact a heating Expert.
- Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
- Don’t leave space heaters running without supervision.
- In the same vein, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
3. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These crucial safety devices notify the household of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check them once a month to ensure they’re working correctly, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only take out the batteries if you’re planning to replace them immediately.
Check That the Air Ducts and Registers Are Clean and Well-Sealed
1. Check the Furnace Flue
An obstructed flue pipe can cause dangerous backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is clogged, call a professional 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 in your home. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, grab your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Double-check that no return or supply vents are obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains to ensure proper air circulation.
Closing vents in unused rooms may seem smart to reduce costs, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, putting more stress on your system and counterproductively driving utility costs UP. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to keep airflow well-balanced.
3. Fix Leaky Air Ducts
Inefficient air ducts let heating and cooling escape, leading to higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, have a professional come by to properly patch the leaks in your air vents. The investment will cut energy bills, make your home more comfortable and even boost indoor air quality.
Wrap up DIY Items on Your Maintenance Checklist
1. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, forming a layer of protection for your HVAC system. The clean, more efficient filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter fills with debris, which limits air circulation and can place added strain on your system. To help put a stop to this, swap out the filter regularly throughout the year.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
With the temperatures dropping soon, it’s time to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Properly setting your thermostat keeps costs in check and ensures a cozy home. Here are a few tips:
- Try your best to keep from overriding programmed settings. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you feel chilly.
- If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Raising the heat to 80 degrees isn’t the shortcut some people hope it is.
- Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or cooler at home.
- Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees when you’re away or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
3. Consider Replacing the Old HVAC System
If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it may only be 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Rather than allowing total system failure, start planning for a new system. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing immediate energy savings and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.
Prevent a Heating Headache and Call Mark Allen today
If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Mark Allen is here to help. We are committed to providing fast, affordable solutions for all your comfort needs. To set up a maintenance call, please contact us today.
