The HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Fall
Once the fall season arrives and the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the colder months. Routine fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are 10 simple steps to keep your furnace running its best this season.
1. Stay on Top of Professional HVAC Maintenance
Nothing is more important to ensure furnace efficiency than preventive maintenance. While you may be able to handle some simpler fall HVAC maintenance tasks on your own, a certified technician can complete full inspections, cleaning and other tune-up tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance at the start of fall.
Routine HVAC maintenance means more cost-efficient heating bills and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The ability to catch small issues before they cause trouble also helps prevent a costly, last-minute fix.
General Furnace Safety
1. Clear Your Furnace Room
Your furnace should have ample room around where it’s installed to avoid the risk of problems. Don’t store any belongings 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 separate from the furnace.
2. Continue to Ensure Your Home Is Safe from Heating-Related Fires
A problem with your heating system is a major source of home fires. Stick to these guidelines to minimize the risk as much as possible:
- When your furnace makes odd sounds or has unusual smells, shut it down and contact a heating Expert.
- Store flammable materials far from heat sources, especially space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
- Never leave a running space heater unattended.
- Similarly, never use an extension cord with space heaters.
3. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO 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 ready to put new ones in.
Confirm That the Air Vents Have Been Cleaned and Sealed
1. Inspect the Furnace Flue
A clog in the flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Before turning on the heat this fall, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s unobstructed. If the flue is blocked, 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, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear it off. Double-check that no return or supply vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains to ensure proper air circulation.
Closing vents when you leave the room may seem smart to lower HVAC bills, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, adding strain on your system and counterproductively driving utility costs UP. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to keep airflow well-balanced.
3. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork
Inefficient air ducts waste energy, resulting in higher energy bills. Surprisingly, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing up air ducts. For a lasting seal, hire an HVAC professional to properly seal your ductwork. The experience of a professional will lower your heating expenses, make your home more comfortable and even increase air quality.
Wrap up DIY Furnace Tasks
1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter on a Regular Basis
Standard HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, forming a layer of protection for your HVAC system. The clean, more efficient filters better protect indoor air quality by trapping microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter fills with debris, which hinders airflow and can place added strain on your system. To avoid this, swap out the filter regularly throughout the year.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
With winter approaching, now’s the time to change your thermostat from the AC to the furnace or heater. Properly setting your thermostat lowers your monthly bill and ensures a cozy home. Here are a few tips:
- Try your best to keep from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, add an extra layer if you get cold.
- When it IS necessary to change the temperature, increase it slowly. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.
- Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or cooler when you’re at home.
- Set the thermostat even lower to around 62 degrees whenever you’re not home or when you’re asleep. A new smart thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
3. Consider Replacing Your HVAC System
If your furnace has been in use for more than a decade, it may only be 60% as efficient and close to needing replacement. Instead of letting it reach total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is up to 97% efficient when converting fuel to heat, providing energy savings right away and long-term comfort for years to come.
Prevent a Heating Headache and Get in Touch with Wyant Heating & Air today
If you need help completing the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Wyant Heating & Air is ready to serve you. We are committed to providing fast, long-lasting solutions for all your comfort concerns. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.
