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The Ultimate Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist  

The leaves are falling, and the temperatures are dropping as autumn sets in. Soon, the days will shorten, and your HVAC will kick on to keep you safe from the chilly weather. Now is the time to ensure your heating system is ready for the winter months ahead.  

Fall maintenance prepares HVAC systems to run efficiently and consistently despite cold, ice, and northern winds. A proper HVAC maintenance checklist may be all that stands between you and a mid-winter breakdown. Use this guide to perform fall HVAC maintenance; get a better-functioning system with lower utility bills.  

Why Fall Is the Best Time for HVAC Maintenance  

The ideal time for seasonal HVAC maintenance is in the shoulder months: spring and fall. In Michigan and Indiana, these months offer mild temperatures before the oppressive heat of summer or the frigid chill of winter. It’s a great time to prepare your HVAC for the non-stop work it's about to put in.  

This is also an excellent time to check your HVAC system for efficiency. Minimizing heat loss and helping your heater run more easily should lower your monthly utility bill.  

Step 1 – Replace Air Filters and Clean Vents  

Comprehensive, in-depth duct cleaning is tough to accomplish without a professional; however, you can and should replace air filters and clean vents. Airflow affects energy costs and air quality, so this maintenance will help lower your bills and reduce allergens in the home.  

Here’s your step-by-step guide for replacing air filters and cleaning vents:  

• Locate return air vents: Find the larger vents that pull air in (often on walls or ceilings). Your system may have multiple filters. 

• Clean the vent cover: Vacuum or wipe away dust, especially if the vent is near the floor. 

• Open the grill and remove the old filter: Open the cover, pull out the old filter, and discard it. 

• Write the installation date on the new filter: Label the filter clearly and set a reminder to change it in three months. 

• Check airflow direction: Make sure the arrow on the filter matches the airflow into the vent. 

• Install the new filter: Insert the correctly sized filter, ensure it fits well, close the grill, and you’re done. 

Step 2 – Inspect the Thermostat and Test Settings  

Thermostats can easily go bad, which affects your HVAC functionality. Inspect your thermostat to see if it’s working properly and prep it for the next season with these steps.  

• Check the breaker: Make sure the furnace’s dedicated breaker is on. If it’s tripped, reset it. If it trips again, call an electrician. 

• Replace thermostat batteries: Dead batteries are a common issue. Insert fresh ones to keep your thermostat running properly. 

• Adjust temperature by 5 degrees: Raise or lower the set temperature by at least five degrees. If the furnace short-cycles, the thermostat may be faulty. 

• Run a temperature check: Compare your thermostat reading with a portable thermometer. A large difference signals thermostat issues. 

Step 3 – Clean Outdoor Units and Remove Debris 

An outdoor heating system is almost completely exposed to the elements. Keep it free of tree leaves and other debris to keep airflow open and prevent the system from overworking.   

The best first step is coil cleaning. All you need to do is turn your HVAC off, check and record the refrigerant pressure, and then rinse the coil thoroughly with water and manufacturer-approved coil-cleaning chemicals. You can rinse again with water and then remove debris from inside the unit before checking refrigerant pressure and putting everything back how you found it. 

Step 4 – Check Ductwork and Insulation  

Again, a full ductwork inspection and cleaning is best handled by the professionals. However, homeowners can still check for leaks and dirt in their ductwork. Poor insulation and blocked ducts are known to raise heating costs, so this is an excellent way to save money on your utility bill.  

Here’s how it’s done: 

• Check registers: Turn on your HVAC system and open all registers; if any don’t blow conditioned air, you likely have a ductwork issue. 

• Visually inspect accessible ducts: In your attic, crawlspace, or basement, look for gaps, tears, loose connections, duct tape patches, or discolored insulation. Remove all debris at the same time. 

• Re-inspect with the system running: Feel around duct joints and connections for escaping air, which indicates a leak. 

• Mark problem areas: Use a grease pencil, ribbon, or string to mark leaks for repair after the full inspection. 

You can use duct sealant for a DIY fix before your technician comes out to properly fix the ducts.  

Step 5 – Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up  

Home Comfort Experts’ HVAC maintenance services get your heating system ready for winter. Our 20-Point furnace maintenance checklist includes camera inspections of the furnace heat exchanger, thermostat calibration, amperage and voltage testing, and much more.  

Schedule your comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and testing today and learn more about Home Comfort Experts on our blog. 

How Home Comfort Experts Keeps Indiana & Michigan Homes Comfortable  

Home Comfort Experts is a family-run HVAC company committed to dependable, high-quality service. We’re here 24/7, whether your furnace fails on a cold night or your AC quits in the summer heat; it's same-day service you can count on. Our mission is to deliver 100% satisfaction to families across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. 

We handle furnace and AC repair, maintenance, installation, and more. Schedule biannual HVAC maintenance in Indiana and Michigan today.