The 10 Most Important Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

Fall is a beautiful season, but when the leaves start to turn it’s a reminder that cold Illinois days are on the way. Before that happens, it’s important to make sure that your home will be warm, comfortable, and safe for the winter, which means that your HVAC system needs to be running at its best. Fortunately, you can take some maintenance steps to ensure that your heating system serves you well until the warm spring days are back.

1. Replace Your Furnace Filter

Air filters catch large debris particles that can decrease energy efficiency and potentially damage your HVAC system.  That’s why it’s important to check your furnace filter monthly and change it when it’s full of dust and debris. It’s a simple task, but extremely important to remember so that you get the most out of your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to set reminders on your phone so that you remember to take care of it.

2. Clean Vents and Ducts

Dust and debris can collect in your ducts and vents which restricts airflow and has a substantial negative impact on your HVAC system’s efficiency. Cleaning your vents is fairly simple, and you can do so by vacuuming debris from the vent covers or washing the vent covers with soap and water. Also, make sure all your vents are open. Closing certain vents does not save energy because it creates unbalanced air flow.

Cleaning ducts is a little more complicated. You need a high-powered vacuum to remove dust and a stiff brush to scrape away debris, which makes duct cleaning a job that’s generally best to leave to professionals. TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing can handle the job for you so that your ducts are as clear as possible when it’s time to turn on the heat.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat

When you switch to heating mode, it’s a good idea to program your thermostat to your desired temperatures. Set it at the temperature that’s comfortable for you when you’re at home, and a lower temperature for the times when you’re away or sleeping. 70 degrees is a good “at home” temperature, while around 62 degrees is an “away” temperature that will help keep your energy bills under control.

4. Clear Space Around Your Furnace

If your furnace is in the basement or a utility room that you use for storage, make sure that nothing is stored within three feet of the unit. This allows air flow around the unit and will also prevent your stored items from being damaged or even catching on fire. It also makes your furnace easier to access when maintenance is needed.

5. Clear Your Furnace Flue

If you have a gas furnace, you have a flue that directs carbon monoxide or other fumes out of the home, so a blocked flue can be dangerous. You should check the flue pipe for signs or moisture or rust, and then go outside and remove the flue cap to check for any blockages that need to be removed. If you find anything amiss, give TR Miller a call so that we can replace the flue pipe if necessary and make sure that it’s all clear. Better safe than sorry!

6. Test Your CO Detectors

It’s critical to test your CO detectors at least once a month and to change the batteries once a year. At the same time, check your smoke detectors and change their batteries as well.

7. Clear Your Outdoor Unit

During the fall and winter, your outdoor AC unit still needs some care. Leaves and other debris in or around the unit should be cleared regularly so that when hot temperatures hit, you don’t have any issues with your cooling system. It can help to put a cover on the unit, but only when the leaves are falling. Leaving a cover on all winter can hold in moisture that can damage the unit or attract nesting critters.

8. Check Your Gas Connection

Gas leaks can be dangerous, so you want to make sure that your connections are tight. You can check just by smelling the area near the connection, but you also should turn on the gas, apply soapy water to the connection, and look for bubbles. Again, however, a professional inspection is your best and safest bet.

9. Test Your Heating Unit

The proof is in the pudding! Before it gets colder, turn on your unit to check the following:

• Walk around the house and check all the vents with your hand to make sure you feel warm air.
• Listen for strange sounds.
• Check for odors. You’ll probably smell a burning smell at first, but it should go away within 10 minutes or so. A continued burning smell or a chemical smell can indicate a problem.
• Leave the unit on long enough to make sure that it runs through its cycles, turning on and off as the temperature changes.

If any of these checks indicate a problem, you’ll need to call for professional service.

10. Get a Furnace Inspection, Cleaning, and Service

The best way to ensure that your HVAC system is ready for cold temperatures is to have your system professionally inspected, cleaned, and serviced. You should do so before winter, and again before summer to make sure both your heating and cooling are working properly.

This process will save you the time and hassle of doing maintenance and testing yourself and will allow you to take care of any repairs that may be necessary.

An inspection, cleaning, and servicing will include (but not be limited to) the following:

• A filter check
• Air flow adjustments
• Leak check
• Cleaning and adjustments of all furnace components
• Drain inspections
• Lubrication of parts
• Cycle check
• Thermostat inspection
• Heat exchanger inspection
• Wiring test and adjustment
• Flue inspection and clearing
• Check of carbon monoxide levels
• Gas line check
• Sensor check

TR Miller Is Your Local, Trusted Heating & Cooling Expert

TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been serving the heating and cooling needs of Greater Chicago residents since 2008. We are a family-owned company, so we understand the needs and concerns of our customers. Our certified technicians are highly trained in HVAC maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and replacement and our entire team is dedicated to ensuring your family’s comfort and safety.

Give us a call in the fall before winter hits, and we can thoroughly inspect your HVAC system, clean it, and perform any maintenance or repairs that are required. With TR Miller as your HVAC partner, you can rest assured that your HVAC system will perform properly and at maximum efficiency throughout the winter and the rest of the year.