Before the cold weather hits, a little maintenance can ensure your furnace is ready to keep you warm. Follow these steps to avoid a last-minute heating emergency.
1. Change the Furnace Filter
A clean filter is essential for optimal performance. Dust and debris can build up, restricting airflow and making your furnace work harder.
- How often: Experts recommend replacing your filter at least every three months. For best results, check it monthly and change it if it looks dirty.
2. Test Run Your Furnace in the Fall
Don’t wait for the first freeze to see if your heater works.
- What to do: Turn your thermostat to “heat” and set it a few degrees above the current room temperature.
- What to listen for: Listen for any unusual noises. A burning smell is common at first as dust burns off, but it should disappear quickly. If you smell burning plastic or electrical wiring, turn the system off immediately.
- Clean the exterior: Wipe down the surface of your furnace with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated dust.
3. Upgrade Your Thermostat
An old thermostat can be inefficient. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can save energy and money.
- Programmable thermostat: Allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day.
- Smart thermostat: Offers the same features as a programmable one but can be controlled remotely from your smartphone.
4. Check for Simple Issues
Sometimes the fix is easier than you think. Before calling a professional, check these common problems:
- Flame Sensor: A dirty flame sensor is a very common problem and is very easy to fix. You can save hundreds by doing this trick yourself. Here is a video that walks you through it:
- Circuit Breaker: Check your home’s circuit box to see if the switch connected to your furnace has been tripped or turned off. Sometimes power surges can cause the breaker to trip and its as simple as flipping it back on. ( NOTE: The breaker will be in the middle position if it has tripped, so first you will flip it all the way OFF, THEN back on. )
5. Check Safety Devices
A malfunctioning furnace can be a safety hazard.
- What to do: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working correctly. Replace the batteries or upgrade to newer models if they are old.
6. Schedule a Professional Inspection
For a thorough check-up, sometimes it’s wise to hire a certified HVAC professional for an annual inspection. They can clean intricate parts and identify any potential issues you might miss.
- How to find one: Check online reviews, ask for references, and get written estimates from a few different companies.
- Be prepared: A professional may find that your furnace needs significant repairs or even replacement.
- Do it yourself: If you are a handy person, and you are familiar with the hazards of doing a furnace maintenance, you can save money and the potential of someone trying to sell you a furnace by doing it yourself. We’ve found that homeowners care more, and will be diligent about doing this correctly. Here you will find a tutorial on how to do a furnace maintenance:
By following these steps, you can help ensure your furnace runs safely and efficiently all winter long.
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