When you first turn on your heating system after a long summer, you don’t want to encounter any surprise issues. You may quickly realize it’s emitting an unpleasant noise or isn’t doing enough to warm your home. As the temperature will only get colder the further into winter you get, it’s important to fix up furnace issues fast before they impact your comfort. Fortunately, there are several ways you can ensure your heating system is in optimal condition before you need it.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
It’s best to switch your air filters out at least once a season so you’re not keeping old contaminants in circulation. These filters collect hair, pollen, dust, dirt and other large debris that can activate your allergies and worsen your air quality. Start the winter off right by throwing away your old one and upgrading to a new and improved pleated or electrostatic air filter.
You may already be using the standard fiberglass variety that’s available at most home improvement stores. While this option is the cheapest and typically the most convenient, it also has the lowest MERV rating and must be replaced once a month. Snagging a new filter type will have a huge effect on your air quality and the cleanliness of your home. It will also lower the risk of the filter clogging quickly and impacting your furnace’s efficiency.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
As you prepare your furnace, you should also consider replacing your thermostat with a more energy-efficient model. If you have an old mechanical one with a single dial or limited features, upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat. These models guarantee better control of your energy usage. You’ll be able to plan your heating preferences based on the day of the week or time. With a smart option, you can program settings when you’re away from home working or on vacation.
Continuing to use an outdated thermostat will increase your monthly energy consumption and put a strain on your furnace. As your thermostat ages, it’s more likely to cause heat fluctuations and hot and cold spots. It may even stop being able to accurately read your home’s temperature.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A compromised furnace can quickly begin leaking gas, which will lead to a carbon monoxide problem. Guarantee your peace of mind by having at least one fire alarm and detector installed on every floor and in main areas like your basement and kitchen. It’s best to test them every week to make sure they’re still in working order. If they’re not connected to your main power supply, you’ll need to switch out the batteries approximately every six months.
Call a Professional for Annual Maintenance
One of the best things you can do for your furnace is schedule preventative maintenance. This service includes checking the system’s safety, inspecting the intake components and examining all vital wiring. Your technician will also clean away accumulated grime, remove blockages, replace your filters and check your blower motor. Preventative care ensures you catch warning signs like rust, corrosion and water damage early. It can also protect your household from gas leaks should your heat exchanger crack or begin leaking.
Furnace maintenance should be scheduled at least once a year. Fall appointments will prepare your system for the coming winter, making sure no internal problems worsened over the past summer. Your technician will keep you updated on potential efficiency issues and when your system is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Clean Off Your System
In addition to professional care, you should also get into the habit of completing your own cleaning routine. Wipe down the exterior cabinet and vacuum away any debris around the base. It’s not recommended to handle any of the delicate parts inside your system as you may inadvertently damage them. You can instead check your pilot light for any concerns as well as your circuit breaker.
The furnace’s pilot should always be a steady blue flame. Signs like flickering or a change to yellow or orange can indicate there’s a gas leak. You should also check your circuit breaker to make sure your furnace still has steady and safe power. Keeping track of unexplainable furnace symptoms can help you direct your technician to potential problem areas.
Declutter Around Furnace
As the months pass by, it’s easy for the storage in your basement or utility closet to get pushed around. It’s important to make sure none of your boxes, toys or furniture are too close to your heating system. Your furnace will pull the debris off nearby dusty objects and circulate it around your home. If any of your belongings are leaning on your furnace, they can become a fire risk and start melting. Keeping the area clear around your system will improve airflow and allow you to quickly spot any leaks or irregularities.
Clear Condensate Line and Drain Pan
Just like your air conditioner, your furnace produces a small amount of moisture during each cycle. This water drips down into your drain pan before traveling through your condensate line and into your plumbing. This thin tube can easily clog with debris like dirt and even fungus. If water backs up into your furnace, it can leak into your system, leading to issues like rust and mold growth. Fortunately, you can quickly clear this line out with compressed air or white vinegar. If you don’t feel comfortable maintaining this component, you can call for a tune-up.
Complete a Heater Test Run
Don’t forget to briefly run your furnace in the fall. Turn your thermostat to right above your home’s temperature and let your heating system start. Aim for about thirty or so minutes, just long enough to listen for any strange noises or airflow changes. It’s common to smell a faint burning odor the first time you use your furnace as it burns off the dust that’s settled inside. You should never smell anything like burning plastic or a pungent rotten egg smell. If you complete this test run before your maintenance appointment, you can bring any functioning concerns to your technician.
Check Oil Tank Level
For those with oil-based heating systems, you have the extra worry of caring for a fuel tank and other specialized parts. How often you need to refill your tank depends on its size, your heating needs and your home’s square footage. It’s ideal to start the season off with a full tank that will get you through the first couple of months. Avoid letting it fall below a quarter because if it runs out entirely, it can let harmful impurities into your heating system. You’ll also need to maintain the special filters and burner nozzle to ensure a high efficiency rating.
Reliable HVAC, Plumbing and Electric
Dream Team Home Services is an award-winning indoor comfort company with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating in Media, PA. Our certified staff will deliver premium heating and cooling repairs and maintenance as well as installations. You can also count on us for high-quality plumbing and electrical solutions. Contact the experts at Dream Team Home Services for superior heating care you can trust in Media.
