Firing Up the Furnace: Maintenance to Perform First

Among all the tasks that you may be looking to complete in the coming months, turning on your heater once the cold air hits is probably near the top of your list.

Before you crank up the heat from your furnace, though, there are a few maintenance issues that you should address first:

Perform an Annual Inspection

Over time, your furnace’s efficiency will decrease from use, but you can help keep it running at optimal levels by scheduling an annual inspection by a qualified HVAC technician. By doing this prior to the heating season, you can expect better performance for the entire season, and you may just discover something wrong with the system that requires your attention.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

When your furnace’s air filter gets clogged up with dirt and debris, the system will be forced to work harder than before and contaminants will make it back into your air instead of being captured by the filter. So, before turning on your heater for the new season, be sure to check the filter and either clean or replace it, depending on which type you have, if it’s dirty.

Invest in a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you’re still using a manual thermostat, then it’s time to trade up. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the dates and times that your furnace is in operation, which will lower your energy usage and monthly utility bills. Smart thermostats go one step further and can be controlled remotely through a wi-fi connection.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector

The use of a carbon monoxide detector will help alert you to any gas leaks coming from your furnace or other such equipment. Before operating your furnace, test that the detector is working (there’s a convenient button on the unit) and replace its batteries, if needed.

For more expert advice on maintenance needed before turning on your heater or other home comfort concerns, contact the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We currently serve the HVAC needs of Lorain, Erie, and Cuyahoga Counties with more than 50 years of combined experience.

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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.