Make sure your furnace is functioning safely and effectively before the winter cold sets in, ideally before the first significant frost. And your pocketbook will undoubtedly appreciate your efforts to increase energy efficiency while saving money.
Maintenance Checklist for Your Furnace before Winter
Flip the thermostat
You’d be surprised to learn how simple a task it is to forget to flip the thermostat. The end-of-year festivities can keep you busy, but the daily swings in temperature in the fall mean that you often find yourself cooling when you should be heating. Check to see if your thermostat is still operating properly while you’re at it. Listen and check to make sure the system starts up right away when you switch it on. Additionally, it should go without saying that the system should be frequently tested before a need for heat arises.
Replacing your filters
It is recommended that you replace your filters at least seasonally and preferably monthly. It’s a quick and simple job that can help extend the life of your HVAC system. Failure to do so could lead to a blocked filter, which would impede airflow, make your system work harder (raising your utility bill), and degrade the quality of the air.
Clean the chimney
You must inspect your chimney if you use your fireplace during the winter. You run the risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal, if there is an obstruction or soot buildup. Don’t forget to check gas fireplaces as well.
Look for cracks
Heat is leaking out as well when doors and windows are letting in cold drafts. In fact, according to industry estimates, these places account for about 10% of a home’s heat loss. Think about simple energy-saving changes like weather stripping, caulking, and even thick drapes.
Check the carbon monoxide detectors
As a transparent, odorless gas, carbon monoxide is impossible for the average person to detect on their own. You must test your detectors and ensure they are in functioning order for the safety of your family.
Get rid of the clutter around your furnace
Avoid using your furnace area as storage space! Remove anything flammable from the area around the furnace, as well as from atop or in front of air vents. And by no means keep things like paints, gas-powered tools, and lawnmowers close by!
Receive a tune-up
An annual furnace tune-up will guarantee that your system is in great working order and performing at its best. Our skilled specialists will inspect and clean the burners, examine all safety controls, examine the venting and terminations, look for frayed or loose wires, check for leaks, and much more! Make an appointment right away. And always remember: if you have questions or are unclear about how your heating system operates, get in touch with an expert at Elite Climate Control.
