As summer nears to a close, it’s time to start thinking about turning off the air conditioner and firing up the furnace. Before you simply flip your furnace on and set your thermostat, you should walk through a series of steps to ensure your furnace works properly. Below, we’ll discuss why you need to prepare for cooler weather and the seven things you need to do to get your furnace ready.
Why Preparing for Fall Is Important
You may be wondering why you need to get your furnace ready at all. Your equipment has been sitting unused for months, and a lot can change in just a short amount of time. Components can wear down or become damaged when not in use, and dust and other contaminants can clog the filters, making your furnace work harder once it’s turned back on.
Preparing your heating equipment before the colder weather hits will help ensure it keeps your home comfortably warm when it’s most important. Below are the seven steps you can take to get your furnace ready for action.
1 Clean the Furnace
Your first order of business is to head to your utility room and clean the outside of the furnace. Wipe off any debris from the outside of the unit, especially around the fan and vents. Make sure nothing is placed in close proximity to your boiler.
2 Replace the Filters
Next, replace the filters used to push air through your home. These filters catch dust, pollen, pet hair, and other contaminants, so having fresh ones will help maintain high-quality indoor air once your system is up and running.
3 Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
All furnaces can produce deadly carbon monoxide, so it’s imperative that you test your CO detector as part of your furnace inspection. Make sure it’s placed properly and functioning, and install a new one if you don’t have one currently.
4 Check Your Pilot Light
If you have a gas-fired furnace, confirm that the pilot light is on. It should be a blue flame with a yellow or orange tip. If it’s out or entirely yellow or orange, call in a professional for help.
5 Schedule Duct Cleaning
Next, contact a specialist to clean your ductwork. Dust, pollen, and other contaminants can easily settle in your ducts and be redistributed through your home when your furnace turns back on.
6 Check Your Thermostat
Many homeowners forget to change their thermostats to “heat” and then end up calling in a professional for help when the furnace doesn’t turn on. Switch yours to heat and set your desired temperature.
7 Get a Tune-Up
Finally, contact our highly-trained specialists for a tune-up. We’ll ensure all components are in good working condition and everything is running smoothly and efficiently. We’ll make sure your risk for heat going down in the dead of winter is at an absolute minimum.
