Your Autumn HVAC Service Checklist
As the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures your home stays safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to ensure your furnace is working well this season.
1. Stay on Top of HVAC Maintenance with an Expert
Few things are more important to ensure furnace efficiency than routine maintenance. While you may be able to handle a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks by yourself, a certified technician can perform comprehensive service, cleaning and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts recommend professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.
Preventive HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and keeps your system running smoothly. The opportunity to catch small issues before they become major problems also helps prevent an emergency service call.
General Heating Safety
1. Maintain Clear Space Around Your Furnace
Your furnace should have adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Don’t store any belongings within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your utility closet is not large enough, 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
Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Follow these guidelines to keep your family safe:
- Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it down and call an HVAC professional.
- Store flammable materials far from heat sources, particularly space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
- Never leave a running space heater unattended.
- In the same vein, don’t plug space heaters into extension cords.
3. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These vital safety devices warn you of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to ensure they’re working correctly, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only remove the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.
Confirm That the Air Ducts Are Well-Sealed and Free of Debris
1. Inspect the Furnace Flue
An obstructed flue pipe can lead to a higher risk of backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before turning on the heat this fall, examine the flue outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is clogged, contact an HVAC technician for help.
2. Clean and Inspect the Air Vents
Every now and then, set aside some time to check all the air duct openings in your home. 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 obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains to keep air flowing evenly.
Shutting off vents in rooms you don’t use might seem like a good idea to save money, but it can also create issues with airflow, increasing the strain on your system and inadvertently RAISING your energy costs. Make sure 80% or more of the vent registers are open to keep airflow well-balanced.
3. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork
Leaking air ducts let heating and cooling escape, leading to higher energy costs. Despite the name, duct tape is not ideal for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For effective sealing, hire an HVAC professional to properly patch the leaks in your ductwork. The experience of a professional will reduce heating costs, enhance your sense of comfort and even enhance your home’s air quality.
Wrap up DIY Furnace Tasks
1. Replace the Air Filter Every So Often
All your basic HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, forming a layer of protection for your HVAC system. High-efficiency filters better maintain indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. Eventually, the air filter fills with debris, which limits air circulation and forces your furnace to work harder. To prevent this, replace the filter every one to three months.
2. Set Your Thermostat for Heating Energy Efficiency
With the temperatures dropping soon, now’s the time to change your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency lowers your monthly bill and ensures a cozy home. Here are a few tips:
- Refrain from overriding programmed settings. Instead, grab a blanket or sweater if you get cold.
- When it IS necessary to change the temperature, increase it slowly. Going right to 80 degrees won’t warm your home any faster.
- Adjust the temperature to 70°F or below at home.
- Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees when you’re away or overnight. A smart thermostat can handle this and even create optimized settings for you.
3. Think About Replacing Your Furnace
Once your heating passes the 10-year mark, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Instead of letting it reach total system failure, start planning for a new system. 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.
Prevent a Heating Headache and Get in Touch with Sure Temp Air Conditioning today
If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Sure Temp Air Conditioning is ready to serve you. We are committed to providing fast, long-lasting solutions for all your comfort needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.
