Your Fall HVAC Maintenance Guide
As the fall season arrives and the cooler weather sets in, it provides a good chance to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead. Regularly scheduled fall HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of problems showing up and keeps your home ready for the cold. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your furnace is running its best 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 handle some simpler fall HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, a certified technician can provide a thorough inspection, cleaning and other system maintenance tasks. Industry experts suggest professional AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall.
Preventive HVAC maintenance helps limit energy waste and ensures peak system efficiency. The opportunity to look out for minor problems before they cause trouble also minimizes the chances you’d need an emergency service call.
General Furnace Safety
1. Keep the Utility Room Clear
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 on the smaller side, keep it empty 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
The gas furnace is a major source of home fires. Stick to these guidelines to stay protected:
- Should you notice weird noises or smells from your furnace, shut it off and reach out to your local heating repair technician.
- Keep flammable items at least three feet away 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 alert your family of hazards like a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Conduct monthly tests to make sure they work okay, and check/replace the batteries every year. Only remove the batteries if you’re ready to put new ones in.
Confirm That the Air Vents Are Well-Sealed and Free of Debris
1. Check Your Furnace’s Flue
A clog in the flue pipe can result in harmful backdrafting, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Before running your furnace this fall, inspect the exhaust outside to ensure it’s clear of obstructions. If the flue is clogged, call a professional for help.
2. Check Your Air Ducts for Dust, Debris
Every now and then, set aside a few minutes to check all the air duct openings around the house. When you see lots of dirt and dust buildup, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to keep the debris from getting stuck deeper in the ventilation. Make sure that no return or supply vents are covered up 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 reduce costs, but it can also cause uneven air distribution, putting more stress 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
Leaky air ducts waste energy, leading to higher energy bills. Despite the name, duct tape is a poor solution for sealing up air ducts. For effective sealing, hire an HVAC professional to properly seal your ventilation. The experience of a professional will reduce heating costs, enhance your sense of comfort and even boost indoor air quality.
Wrap up DIY Items on Your Maintenance Checklist
1. Replace the Air Filter on a Regular Basis
Typical HVAC air filters capture dust, allergens, hair and other large particles, protecting your HVAC system. The clean, more efficient filters better preserve indoor air quality by capturing microscopic pollutants. As time passes, the air filter fills with debris, which hinders airflow and can place added strain on your system. To help put a stop to 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 the AC to the furnace or heater. Making thermostat adjustments for energy efficiency keeps costs in check and ensures a cozy home. Here are some tips:
- Refrain from overriding programmed settings. Instead, add an extra layer if you are still too cold.
- If you decide you still need to adjust the temperature, change it gradually. Raising the heat to 80 degrees won’t warm your home any faster.
- Keep the temperature at 70 degrees or cooler for as long as you’re in the house.
- 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. Consider Upgrading Your Furnace
Once your heating has been in use for more than a decade, it could be as low as 60% as efficient and approaching the end of its service life. Instead of letting it reach total system failure, consider replacing it now. A new, high-efficiency furnace is capable of 97% AFUE efficiency, providing energy savings right away and long-term comfort for years to come.
Avoid a Heating Headache and Contact Motta Heating and Air Conditioning today
If you prefer letting the professionals handle the items on this fall HVAC maintenance checklist, Motta Heating and Air Conditioning is ready to serve you. We are committed to providing fast, long-lasting solutions for all your HVAC service needs. To schedule your next HVAC maintenance visit, please contact us today.
