The Autumn HVAC Service Checklist
Once 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. Routine fall HVAC maintenance prevents premature system failure and keeps your home safe and warm. Here are a few quick tips to keep your furnace working well this fall.
1. Schedule 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 a few fall HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, an experienced maintenance technician can perform comprehensive service, with cleaning and other necessary tasks. Industry experts recommend professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance before winter.
Annual HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures smooth day-to-day operation. The ability to identify potential concerns before they become major problems also minimizes the chances you’d need an emergency service call.
General HVAC Safety
1. Keep the Utility Room Clear
Your furnace requires adequate space to avoid the risk of problems. Don’t store any belongings within 10 to 15 feet of the unit. If your basement or utility closet is on the smaller side, try and leave it uncluttered apart from the HVAC equipment. Store flammable items 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 primary risk factor for home fires. Follow these tips to keep your family safe:
- Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it off and call an HVAC professional.
- Store flammable materials far from heating equipment, including space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other gas appliances.
- Don’t leave space heaters or other portable systems running if you’re not there.
- In the same vein, avoid using extension cords for space heaters.
3. Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors
These important safety devices notify the household of emergencies like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to make sure they work okay, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only take them out if you’re intending to switch them out right away.
Check That the Air Vents Are Clean and Well-Sealed
1. Inspect 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, check the flue vent outside to ensure it’s not obstructed by anything. If the flue is obstructed, call a professional for help.
2. Keep Ventilation Clean and Free of Debris
Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to take a look at all the air duct openings around the house. For any registers covered in dust, vacuum them with the brush nozzle to clean everything away. Make sure that no return or supply vents are obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains to ensure proper air circulation.
Closing vents in unused rooms might sound like an effective way to save money, but it can also create issues with airflow, increasing the strain on your system and ironically driving utility costs UP. Keep at least 80% of your registers open to keep airflow well-balanced.
3. Check Air Ducts and Seal up Any Leaks
Leaking air ducts are a common source of heat loss, contributing to higher energy bills. Regardless of its name, duct tape is not the best solution for sealing leaks in the air ducts. For a lasting seal, have a professional come by to properly seal your air vents. The experience of a professional will reduce heating costs, make your home more comfortable and even enhance your home’s air quality.
Wrap up DIY Tasks on the Fall Furnace Checklist
1. Swap Out Your HVAC Air Filter Regularly
Typical HVAC air filters trap dust, allergens, hair and other airborne debris, shielding your furnace and AC systems. New filters better preserve indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of microscopic pollutants. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged, which restricts airflow and may overwork your furnace. To prevent this, swap out the filter regularly throughout the year.
2. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
With the weather cooling off soon, it’s time to switch 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 several tips:
- Refrain from overriding pre-set temperatures. Instead, layer up with a sweater or blanket if you feel chilly.
- When it IS necessary to change the temperature, do so one degree at a time. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t speed up the heating process.
- Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or below at home.
- Further lower the temperature to around 62 degrees if you’re out or sleeping. A programmable thermostat can manage these day-to-day adjustments for you.
3. Consider Replacing the Old HVAC System
Once your heating passes the 10-year mark, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and nearing the end of its life span. Rather than letting it reach total system failure, think about upgrading it. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of AFUE ratings as high as 97%, providing energy savings right away and long-term comfort for the winter months ahead.
Prevent a Heating Headache and Call McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling today
If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling gets the job done right. 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.
