When temperatures cool down, it’s time to turn on your heating system for the first time, in a long time. Before you turn on your furnace, make sure you take the proper steps below to assure your system will run efficiently and safely.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance: When it is almost time to turn on your furnace, schedule heating maintenance. Maintenance is when a professional HVAC contractor inspects, cleans, and lubricates all parts of your furnace so it runs efficiently all winter long. Maintenance can prolong the life of your system and help prevent frequent breakdowns.
Clear all Vents from Debris: Be sure all your vents are clear from debris, including rugs, furniture, toys, and more. Blocked vents can cause your unit to run more than it needs to, which may increase your electric bills.
Switch Thermostat to “Heat”: It may sound simple, but many families assume their heating system will automatically kick on once temperatures drop. To turn on your furnace, make sure that your thermostat is switched to heat so your furnace knows when it is OK to turn on.
Change Furnace Filter: If you scheduled furnace maintenance, the HVAC technician should have cleaned and changed your furnace filter. However, if you did not schedule maintenance, be sure to switch your filter. Filters can be bought at any local hardware store and can be easily installed. A clean filter will help your heating unit run efficiently and safely.
Test Safety Detectors: Before you turn on your furnace, be sure to test all detectors, including smoke and carbon monoxide. Rarely, a furnace can cause hazardous fumes that can cause serious injury to those who breathe it in. Carbon monoxide alarms can help prevent your family from breathing in deadly fumes in the case of a malfunction.
Test Furnace: After you take the steps listed above, it is time to test your heating system. While testing your furnace, make sure it isn’t making strange noises, is producing heat, and turns off once the home is heated.
Helpful Home Comfort Tips for Northern Virginia Area Residents
