Winter is coming. Not only is this the motto of House Stark in Game of Thrones, but also what you should be thinking when fall arrives.
That’s because as the colder weather arrives, you’re going to want your heating system in great condition.
Preparing your furnace for use should be high on your fall maintenance checklist.
Read on to learn the steps you need to take.
Give It a Clean
Before you start firing up your furnace, it’s the perfect opportunity to give it a thorough clean.
Make sure the power and gas are shut off. Remove the side panels, and use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove all the dust and debris you can find. Wipe down the fan blades and any other areas that need it.
A clean furnace is far less likely to cause you problems.
Replace Filters
During the colder months, you should be aiming to change your HVAC filters every couple of months or so.
Replacing your filters before you first fire up the furnace for the winter is always recommended. Clogged filters can seriously impair the performance of your heating system, so make sure they’re replaced during the fall.
Check Ducts
Any holes or blockages in your heating ducts are also going to have a negative impact on your heating system. This will cost you money as your furnace will have to work harder than it needs to.
Give your ducts an inspection looking for any damage or debris. If you find any holes, you’ll need to get those ducts repaired or replaced.
Unclog Vents
Vents are the perfect place for dust and debris to build up, especially when your heating system hasn’t been used for some time.
Check all of your vents and give them a good wipe down with a wet cloth to remove any dust. Check between the vents to make sure that there are no obvious obstructions.
Give It a Test Run
Once you’ve completed all of the above steps, it’s worth giving your furnace a test run. The last thing you want is to discover a problem the first time you really need to warm up your home.
Listen out for any unusual sounds that might be signs of a significant problem. Notice if your rooms are getting up to the required temperature based on your thermostat settings.
If you find any issues, it’s important that you get your system repaired as soon as possible before the cold weather kicks in.
One More Item for Your Fall Maintenance Checklist
There’s one more step you should consider adding to your fall maintenance checklist when preparing your furnace. That step is to get a professional to perform maintenance on your furnace to keep it in tip-top condition.
We offer a range of services, including furnace maintenance, repairs, and installation. We also offer AC maintenance and repair services too when it’s time to start your spring maintenance checklist!
Contact us today to find out how we can help.