Prepare your furnace and heating system for winter
As Winter is just around the corner, it is essential for your family’s comfort that your house stays warm; here are a few things you can do this fall to take care of your furnace and keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
Test Your Furnace
You don’t want to turn on your furnace for the first time in the winter on a cold day only to find out that it needs repairs. Before it gets cold, turn on your unit and look for strange signs, like loud noises, cold spots in the house, or differences in the thermostat settings. Each room should have no trouble getting to a comfortable temperature.
Change Your Air Filters
When it comes to your furnace, installing clean filters to prevent airflow blockage is extra vital. Failure to do this can cause the system to shut down,
When you change your air filters regularly, you keep your HVAC system free of dirt and dust, which makes it last longer. The U.S. Department of Energy says that replacing air filters is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your heating and cooling systems work well. Change your filters every one to three months, depending on the type of filters you use and the weather where you live. A place with a dry, dusty climate may need more filter maintenance than other places.
Check your Ductwork
Before you turn on the heat for the winter, you should either check your ducts yourself or call an HVAC professional. Leaky ducts are common, making it hard to heat the whole house. Holes, gaps, and other kinds of damage can cause heat to escape, which can be frustrating and cause bills to go up.
Clean the air vents
Vents tend to get dirty and dusty over time, which slows down air flow and makes the air inside less healthy. Clean all the openings with a damp cloth and ensure nothing is blocking any vents.
Avoid Fire Hazards and Carbon Monoxide
Make sure nothing around your heating unit could start a fire. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and if they need them, replace the batteries or units. Making sure this equipment works is essential for your family’s safety during the winter.
If you take the time to do these quick and easy steps, your furnace will run well all winter long. Put your mind at ease and have a qualified heating technician do a complete system check and tune-up to make sure there aren’t any problems that could come up. Check out our Preferred Service Membership
