With just a few weeks left of summer and the official start of fall, it’s important to start thinking ahead about how you’ll use your furnace. Cooler temperatures will be here to stay for a while and as one of the most used appliances in your home, it’s critical to ensure your furnace is operating safely. If your furnace hasn’t been touched for the last few months, there may be dust buildup, blocked vents, worn components, or other potential issues that could create safety problems. Keep reading to learn more about how to best protect your home and heating system as cool weather arrives.
Stay on top of professional maintenance.
We recommend professional annual tuneups on your furnace system. Our licensed technicians are trained to inspect all the innerworkings of the machine including the blower components, burners, and electrical connections. Our goal is to make sure things are working safely and efficiently, and we’ll work to identify any damaged or worn parts. If a repair is needed, our team will discuss those with you and find a solution as quickly as possible.
Replace air filters.
This is one of the easiest home maintenance tasks, but unfortunately, many homeowners neglect it or simply don’t recognize how important this is. Dirty air filters contribute to poor indoor air quality and over time can restrict air flow. This causes your HVAC machine to work hard to heat your home and ultimately reduce efficiency. As we are transitioning into a new season this month, it’s a great time to check your air filters and change them. We recommend new filters every other month, but you may need to change them more often if you smoke in the home or have pets.
Replace smoke detector batteries and test carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and ensuring your carbon monoxide detector works well is a key part of home safety. Test your carbon monoxide detectors in your home before heating system arrives. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home, now’s the time to install them. Remember, if your carbon monoxide detector alarm goes off, leave home immediately and call 911.
As for your smoke alarms, press the test button on each one and replace the batteries as needed – even if you don’t think they need them. Be sure they are strategically placed throughout the home in each room.
Don’t ignore unusual smells or sounds.
When you turn on your furnace for the first time this season, take note of any sounds or smells it makes. A brief dusty smell might happen if it hasn’t been turned on for several months, but if you notice a consistent burning smell or other unusual sounds coming from the exterior unit or vents, turn it off and call our team of professionals at Specialty Heating and Cooling. Never attempt to diagnose or repair the potential issue yourself, as this could pose a safety threat and cause damage to the system.
Keep Vents Unobstructed.
Make sure all rugs, furniture, curtains, or other items aren’t blocking any heating vents or registers in your home. This not only allows for better airflow but also minimizes safety risks.
Need help getting your furnace ready for autumn? Contact us today to schedule a seasonal inspection so you’re confident knowing your heating system is safely running and ready to tackle the months ahead.