Preparing your furnace for the winter includes a few steps to ensure it is operating properly and efficiently while maintaining good health for your family in your home. These items should be done before the cold winds start to blow to ensure your furnace is working properly.
Change the Air Filter
The air filter should be replaced before you first use your furnace in the cooler months. A dirty air filter makes your entire system work harder than it should and drastically reduces the lifetime of the system. It can also spread harmful allergens throughout your home.
(RELATED READING: How Does a Broken Furnace Contaminate the Air in Your Home?)
Clean the Burners
The burners of a furnace usually accumulate dust and debris after not being in use for several months in the summer. You can clean them with a simple swipe of any type of duster. Also, while you are cleaning them, examine them for signs of rust or misalignment in which case you may need an HVAC technician to service it.
Oil the Furnace Blower
The furnace blower requires oiling once a year before you use your heating. The blower motor should turn easily and not make any squeaking or grinding noises to operate properly. Examine the blower belt at the same time to make sure it is not loose. After performing these tasks make certain you close the blower doors firmly to keep harmful carbon monoxide from leaking into your home.
Check Your Heating Vents
Locate all of your heating vents and make certain nothing is blocking them such as furniture, rugs, or curtains. Wipe down all heating vents to remove dust and also examine your return register and clean it. Air flows into the return register then flows out of the heating vents to warm your home. If any of these vents are dusty, they can make your heating bill increase drastically and cause a furnace to overheat and need replacement.
Test the Thermostat
Turn on the heat at the thermostat. It should come on immediately if it is working properly. If you are having any problems, it’s important you contact a furnace repair contractor.
Questions about your home’s furnace ? Contact the expert team at Access Heating & Air today. We have a team of qualified furnace contractors who would be happy to help with all of your furnace needs.
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