1. Contact HVAC Techs for an Annual Check-Up
It is very important that you start off your thorough inspection of your furnace with the help of a qualified and professional technician. A lot of different HVAC service providers offer programs for preventative maintenance, including a complete fall furnace maintenance checklist. Get tips from your service provider, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what type of maintenance you should be performing on a regular basis.
2. Check Your Thermostat
Most likely, you last adjusted your thermostat to keep your home cool in the summer; therefore, it’s important to check your settings and assure proper functionality to start heating for the fall. Inquire with your tech about how to keep your home warm. Ask about the most cost effective settings so you can keep your utility bill from skyrocketing. Also, consider investing in a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature automatically depending the time of day. You can save up to 10% on your utility costs by using a programmable thermostat.
3. Perform Required Maintenance
Most likely, your HVAC tech will give you a furnace maintenance checklist marked with action items, and you want to complete maintenance items before the winter hits. Try and make sure all moving parts in your furnace are operating properly to avoid excess costs due to energy consumption, as well as faster break down and wear of the parts. Don’t forget to switch out your air filters, but consult with a professional about how often this should be done. Make sure you tell the technician if anyone in your home has allergies because they may recommend that your filters to be changed more often.
4. Get Energy Lines Inspected
Get in touch with your energy provider – gas or electric – and have them check your propane, electric, natural gas, or heating oil lines. Also, remember to check if they have any maintenance programs to save you money on your inspections. A worn out or faulty fuel connection can be very dangerous in many different ways, including posing health and fire risks.
5. Sign Up for Automatic Delivery
The last thing you want is to be without heating oil or propane in the winter. If your furnace runs on these fuel sources, make a point to find a provider for automatic delivery. This very convenient service will make sure you are always able to heat your home by providing the fuel or source needed on demand. Many providers will also offer external data and weather information with their automatic delivery programs. Ask your HVAC technician for suggestions or references he/she may have for reliable services.
6. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Don’t wait to reference a fall furnace maintenance checklist before calling a professional to assist with the following issues:
Short Cycling – Get help when your furnace runs for short bursts at a time.
Irregular flame – For gas, propane, or oil furnaces, if the flames are uneven or lean toward the back end of the furnace unit, call your service technician.
Odd noises or rumbling – Forced air heating furnaces shouldn’t make popping noises; any strange should be checked.
Chronic illness – Flu symptoms or headaches are serious signs of a possible leak.
When it’s time to get your furnace in shape for the winter, don’t take matters into your own hands. Trust Climate Experts as your experienced source for HVAC assistance and to perform a full furnace maintenance checklist.
