It is that time of year when frost covers the ground, and a chill fills the air. The holiday season can be crazy and hectic, but nothing works harder than your furnace. As you switch your HVAC system from cooling to heating, you must ensure your furnace is prepared for the cold weather. Keeping up with your furnace maintenance keeps your family warm, comfortable, and safe throughout the winter.
Whether you are calling an expert HVAC contractor from Ace Hardware Home Services or tackling some of the tasks yourself, here are some tips to ensure your furnace maintenance is up-to-date and your HVAC system runs smoothly and efficiently for the winter.
Check Your Thermostat
The first thing you want to do is make sure your thermostat is working. Switch from cooling to heating and ]raise the temperature a few degrees higher than the room temperature. Within a minute or two, you should hear the heater kick on and the air blowing. If the heat doesn’t turn on or you hear loud or abnormal noises, you should call an HVAC contractor to fix the issue.
Replace Air Filters
The U.S. Department of Energy says that replacing your air filter regularly is the most important way to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently. Over time the dirt and particles that are filtered out of your air build up in your air filter. It should be a habit to change them every one to three months. A dirty air filter will obstruct airflow and cause your HVAC system to work harder to blow out hot air, resulting in higher energy bills.
Clear Air Vents and Exhaust Flues
The air vents throughout your house can also collect dust and debris. This can greatly hamper the airflow and affect the air quality in your home. You can easily clean your air vents with a wet cloth or by removing any grates and clearing the dust with a vacuum cleaner. On the exterior of your home, you will likely find exhaust flues, small pipes, or a chimney to vent out the exhaust gases and carbon monoxide your HVAC system produces. Make sure these are all cleared out of branches, leaves, and anything else from the outside.
Avoid Fire Hazards
Ensure all fire hazards are cleared from around your furnace or heating unit. Remove any clutter, boxes, or flammable materials from the heating unit and vents. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries as well.
Ace Hardware Home Services Furnace Maintenance
Even if you have a cozy fireplace or comfy blankets, your furnace is the most vital part of your family’s comfort during the winter months. These quick and easy steps you can complete yourself ensure your furnace is running correctly and efficiently to keep your family warm all winter. If you have any issues with your HVAC system, Ace Hardware Home Services has provided high-quality, family-owned heating services since 1953. Give us a call at 765-966-1300 to get your furnace ready for the winter!
