After a long summer of air conditioned comfort, it’s time for your furnace to take over. Ensuring optimum furnace performance, dependability and efficiency all winter long begins now by preparing for cold weather. Neglected furnaces have a way of malfunctioning at the worst possible time — usually when the system’s under maximum load during a bitter cold spell. Preventive steps taken now help avoid a chilly house and expensive emergency service calls later this winter.
Here’s a to-do list to get your furnace ready for the season:
- Change the air filter. Install a clean filter to begin the heating season. A fresh filter ensures proper system airflow, one of the most important parameters for effective and affordable heating performance. Throughout the coming season, check the air filter monthly and change it at least every other month.
- Make sure all air vents are open. Closed or obstructed air vents disrupt proper air balance throughout the entire house, making indoor comfort inconsistent and actually increasing heating costs. Make sure all supply vents in all rooms are open. Clean dust from vent grates. Also verify that airflow from vents isn’t obstructed by furniture, curtains or other objects.
- Clear away boxes, debris or clutter in the vicinity of the furnace. This area should not be used for storage and must be kept clear and clean at all times during the heating season.
- Reset your programmable thermostat. Make sure the heating programs meet your requirements for temperature and time-of-day scheduling. In most homes, 68 to 70 degrees while people are awake and 62 degrees when the house is empty or people are sleeping is the best balance between comfort and efficiency.
- Schedule a seasonal check-up from a qualified HVAC contractor. Professional preventive maintenance will make the system more efficient and effective all winter. A trained service tech will also look for any minor problems that could become major malfunctions later in the winter. Annual service is also required to keep your warranty in effect.
For professional service to prepare your furnace for another Ohio winter, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area