Now that the weather is getting colder, many people are looking forward to enjoying toasty ambient temperatures in their home. In this blog entry, the chimney and air duct cleaning experts here at Power Clean Solutions will detail the main things to do before ever turning your furnace on.
Filter Checking Turning On Your Furnace
Make sure to check and clean your furnace filter. Filters should have zero debris and ideal airflow conditions to lower how hard your HVAC system needs to work. By cleaning your filters, you can improve the air quality in your home.
Filter Replacement
We recommend changing your furnace filters every 2-3 months. This can be sooner or later based on how often you use your furnace, how big your household is, whether anyone in the household has any medical conditions, and whether you have any pets. If someone in the household has a condition like asthma, change the filters more regularly.
Thermostat Checks
Check to make sure your thermostat can easily switch from cooling to heating settings – and always set the temperature slightly higher than the normal temperature of the room to verify that it works. If the heat doesn’t start, have the system professionally checked.
Alarm Batteries
Check your safety detectors – your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and alarms should be tested according to manufacturer specifications, and all smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries should be replaced.
Area Cleaning
Clean the area around your furnace before turning On Your Furnace. There should be no trash, debris, or clutter nearby – this can pose a fire hazard. Needless to say, the vents should have no debris within them as well.
Leak Checking
Check to see if there’s any leaks in your home’s walls or ceiling (even floors and windows.) Leaks cause you to raise the heater to stay warmer as warm air escapes outside.
Outdoor Vent Inspection
Make sure to inspect both the exhaust and intake vents outside your home to make sure they have no debris blocking them. This will allow your furnace and HVAC system to work better and more efficiently – and even lower your energy bills!
Check for Smells or Noises
Pay attention to any unusual smells or noises. Some of these issues may just be the furnace getting used to working again.
Hire A Professional
No matter how well you take care of your furnace, you’re still likely to need maintenance and repair during your furnace’s lifespan. To keep the cost of these repairs down, schedule regular inspections with our professional heating company These experts can also help you pick out and install a new furnace when your current unit eventually dies.
