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Like any other season, winter brings unpredictable weather. Preparing your home for colder temperatures can help keep your home and family safe.
Since your furnace has been idle for several months, routine maintenance can help ensure your heating system is ready for whatever the season has in store.
In this blog, we’re covering how you can prepare for colder weather this fall.
Why you should schedule a clean and check before winter begins
If your furnace has been off during the warmer months, it can go from sitting idle to running regularly in a short period of time. Scheduling a furnace tune-up before colder weather arrives lets a professional HVAC technician thoroughly inspect your unit and identify issues before you rely on it every day. Worn, dirty, or damaged parts of your furnace can cause problems down the road, even if they aren’t causing issues now. The last thing you want is an unreliable furnace in the middle of winter.
Preventive maintenance can also boost efficiency and keep your system from working harder than it needs to meet your heating demands. Regular maintenance can help keep your family safe from potential hazards, including issues with gas connections or the heat exchanger. A damaged or cracked heat exchanger can potentially allow combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, to enter your home.
Having these parts professionally inspected can help identify potential problems before they put your home and family at risk.
Simple furnace maintenance you can do yourself
While professional inspections are an important part of furnace maintenance, there are some simple tasks you can do yourself beforehand, like:
- Change out the HVAC filter
- Clear the area around your furnace
- Check thermostat settings and turn it over to heat
- Test your carbon monoxide detector
● Change out the HVAC filter
Regularly changing your HVAC filter helps prevent restricted airflow that can force your furnace to work harder to circulate warm air. A general rule of thumb is to replace your filters at least every 3 months, although some households may need to change their filters more often.
● Clear the area around your furnace
Keeping the area around your furnace clear of any debris or clutter helps maintain proper airflow and keeps potentially combustible materials away from your heating equipment.
● Check thermostat settings and turn it over to heat
As the season changes, check your thermostat to make sure it’s set to the right temperature and switched to heat.
● Test your carbon monoxide detector
Testing your carbon monoxide detector is a smart idea because it can alert you if carbon monoxide is detected inside your home. In some cases, mechanical issues or ventilation problems can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside your home.
What to watch for when you turn your furnace on for the first time
When preparing your home for the colder months ahead, turning on your furnace before you need it is a smart idea. It allows you time to make sure your unit turns on and works properly before you rely on it every day. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to find out your furnace isn’t working in the middle of a cold snap.
When you first turn on your furnace, you may notice some noises and smells, but that’s typically normal if it’s been sitting for months. A slight burning smell may occur and can be caused by built-up dust burning off after not being used for several months. However, a rotten-egg or sulfur-like smell could indicate a natural gas leak.
Also pay close attention to any noises coming from your furnace once you turn it on. Clicking, squealing, or rattling may signal a problem with your internal components. If unusual noises or smells continue after your furnace has been running, call Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing to have your system inspected.
Contact Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today for all of your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs
If you’re looking for an honest and fair local HVAC and plumbing company, Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is here to help. We offer a comprehensive 19-point furnace Clean & Check to identify any issues and thoroughly clean your unit, so it’s ready for the upcoming season.
Our experienced techs provide high-quality services, including installation, annual maintenance, emergency repairs, and more. We carry top-of-the-line products from the industry’s best brands, including Honeywell, American Standard, Mitsubishi, and more. We are also a Bryant® Dealer. Our technicians can make expert recommendations for tailored indoor comfort at a fair, affordable price.
With over 29 years of service under our belt, we’re well-equipped to handle all of your heating, cooling, ventilation, and plumbing needs in northern Illinois. So call our office today at 815-298-8020 to schedule your next service appointment.
