Get Ready with Our Fall Maintenance Checklist

Essential tasks for cozy and efficient home. Explore our guide.

Dealing with a malfunctioning heating system in the midst of a chilly winter week can be a real headache. However, with some proactive fall HVAC maintenance, you can spare yourself the hassle and ensure a cozy, trouble-free winter season. Here’s a handy checklist to prepare your home for the cooler weather ahead.

Replace Your Furnace Air Filter: Regularly changing your air filter is crucial for HVAC maintenance. Dirty filters reduce efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and added stress on the system. Consider switching to high-efficiency pleated filters with electrostatic charges in the pleats to trap dust, pollen, and contaminants effectively.
Clear Outdoor HVAC Units: If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, make an effort to keep it free from debris. In the fall, regular clearing is necessary to prevent leaves, dirt, sticks, and other debris from obstructing your heating system. Maintain at least a two-foot clearance around outdoor units.
Clean HVAC Registers and Ducts: Maintaining cleanliness in your HVAC system is essential for optimal performance. Wipe down your registers regularly, especially during the fall and winter when you’re using your heating system more frequently. If you’ve recently undergone home remodeling, consider professional duct cleaning.
Remove Combustibles from Near Furnace: It may seem obvious, but before firing up your heating system each year, ensure that all combustible items are moved away from it. Keep storage areas for combustible household supplies well away from heating appliances such as furnaces, stoves, ovens, and chimneys.
Change Humidifier Water Panel: Replace the water panel in your home humidifier at least once per season, particularly during the colder months. By changing it in the early fall, your humidifier will be ready when you need it.
Replace Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries: To safeguard your household from undetected exposure to carbon monoxide, replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector annually. Include this task in your fall HVAC maintenance checklist to ensure it functions properly when you start using your furnace.
Inspect Rooftop Units or Vents: If you have vents or HVAC equipment on your roof, take the time to clear any leaves or debris that accumulate during the fall. This simple step can significantly reduce the burden on your HVAC system.
Address Home Insulation Issues: High energy bills, drafts, and uneven temperatures throughout your home are indicators of insulation problems. Address these issues in the fall to maintain a comfortable home during the coldest months with minimal energy waste. Consider upgrading to more efficient insulation materials if necessary.
Clear Outside Vents and Chimneys: This applies not only to HVAC vents but to all vents, flues, or chimneys. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of heating-related residential fires is neglecting to clean equipment, especially chimneys.
Test Your Furnace for Unusual Noises: Unusual noises are warning signs of heating system issues. They can be caused by blocked registers or loose furnace bolts. If you can’t identify the source, consult an HVAC professional. It’s better to check for HVAC problems now than to endure the cold while waiting for repairs later.
Inspect Your Boiler for Leaks: Boiler leaks can result from corrosion, pressure problems, improper installation, damaged seals, or aging. If you notice water leaking around your boiler, contact an HVAC professional for immediate service. Meanwhile, disable the boiler’s water and power supply to prevent further damage.
Test Your Thermostat: Faulty thermostats can lead to temperature control issues. For smart thermostats, run a system test as per the included instructions. Standard thermostats can be tested by turning them up while someone listens for the furnace to activate. If the thermostat or furnace remains silent, address the issue by replacing batteries, cleaning, or contacting an HVAC professional.
Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance: Many HVAC manufacturers require annual preventative maintenance to maintain the unit’s warranty. Even if not required, it’s a wise move to hire a qualified technician each year for comprehensive checks, bolt adjustments, combustion efficiency tests, and addressing any issues that may arise.

By following this comprehensive fall HVAC maintenance checklist, you can ensure your heating system operates efficiently, reducing energy costs and ensuring a warm and comfortable winter. Take a look at our Whole Home Maintenance Plan our Budget Savings Club.