Winter is approaching and temperatures are quickly dropping, so you’ll soon turn to your furnace to keep your house nice and warm. However, without taking the proper steps before turning your furnace on for winter, you might experience serious problems that can be very expensive and even dangerous.
In the latest blog post from Schebler Heating and Air, we’ll discuss some steps to take before you turn your furnace on for the winter. Contact our team today with any questions or to schedule furnace services in the Quad Cities area.
Change Your Furnace Filter
Furnace filters are designed to catch dirt, dust, debris, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants that can lower your home’s indoor air quality. As they catch pollutants, the filter becomes full and will need to be replaced. Failing to replace a full furnace filter will restrict airflow and make it difficult for your furnace to heat your home up to your desired temperature. Not only does this disrupt your comfort, but it can also lead to higher energy bills, as your furnace must remain on for longer periods of time in an effort to heat up the home. This can also cause premature wear and tear to your unit.
Before turning on your furnace, be sure to change out the filter. This will help the air flow easier and lead to more even heating throughout the home.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Furnaces require regular preventive maintenance to ensure that all parts are working properly and the furnace is running as efficiently as possible. During furnace maintenance, an HVAC technician will inspect and clean the internal components of the heating system.
During the inspection process, the technician can recommend repairing any minor issues that could grow and cause further problems. This protects the HVAC system from more serious and expensive issues that could lead to a complete system breakdown.
Slowly Raise the Temperature
When you turn on your furnace for the first time of the season, you shouldn’t immediately count on it to significantly raise the temperature of your home. This can strain the system and potentially lead to issues that require professional repairs.
Instead, start small. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature, and have it raise the temperature of your home by a degree or two at a time. After it’s met the desired temperature, leave it there for a few hours before increasing the temperature again. This will help to ease the furnace back into its role to heat your home.
Ensure That Vents Aren’t Covered
Furnaces depend on ductwork and vents throughout your home in order to evenly distribute heated air throughout all areas of the household. Any obstructions in the way of your vents can prevent warm air from entering that specific area. Before you turn on your furnace for the winter, ensure that all vents are free from any obstructions.
Not only can blocked vents decrease home comfort, but they can also become fire hazards, depending on what is causing the blockage. Protect your home and make sure that all vents throughout the home are free from any blockages.
Make Sure Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Works
Carbon monoxide is an invisible and scentless gas that can cause serious health hazards. It can potentially leak out of a furnace if the system develops cracks along the heat exchanger. To protect those within your home, make sure to test all of your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working properly. If any rooms that are commonly occupied don’t have existing detectors in place, consider installing more detectors to ensure complete coverage and protection.
Contact Schebler Heating and Air for Furnace Maintenance in the Quad Cities
The team at Schebler Heating and Air knows that you rely on your home’s heating system to keep your loved ones safe and warm during the coldest months of the year. To schedule your annual furnace tune-up in the Quad Cities and the surrounding areas, get in contact with our team. We’ll provide you with the furnace repair and maintenance that you need to keep your furnace working when you rely on it most.