When temperatures begin to drop, leaves begin to change colors, and women flock to get that pumpkin spice latte, you know it is about time to switch of your AC and make sure your furnace is ready for the new winter season. Here are a few reasons you should get your furnace ready asap!
1. Change Those Filters.
If you want to prolong the life of your furnace, one of the easiest tips is to make sure you change the filter regularly. Filters get dirty quickly and need to be replaced regularly, sometimes even monthly if possible. Changing the furnace filter helps keep particles out of your HVAC system and will prolong its life.
2. Buy in Summer, Save in Winter.
Purchase all your filter needs in the summertime. Buy all your furnace winter needs in bulk and on sale in the middle of summer so you can save money throughout the winter. In the wintertime, those items will likely remain full price.
3. Keep it Clutter and Debris Free.
The area around your furnace should never have a bunch of debris or clutter around it. Make sure you remove anything that is stored around your furnace before using it so you can prevent fire hazards. Don’t leave anything sitting on top of or in front of it. Don’t leave anything sitting on top of or in front of air ducts and return vents either.
4. Turn the Thermostat on.
Do this before winter is in full swing. Switch your cooling to heating and set the temperature a few degrees higher than your current room temp. If it doesn’t kick on in a minute or so, you may want to pull the cover off to look and see if the wire connections are secure. But only do so if you’re comfortable with it. If it looks good but still isn’t working, you may want to call a professional to come and take a look for you. You don’t want to leave your family in the cold, so be sure to do this well before it begins to get freezing outside.
5. Clean the Heat Exchanger.
You should have a professional brush and vacuum out your heat exchanger annually while it is disabled. The technician can check for cracks while they are there too so you can make sure there isn’t a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Don’t forget how important your furnace is for your family this winter, call Climate Experts to come out and make sure your furnace is winter-ready!
