7 Things To Do Before Turning On Your Furnace This Winter
As the chill of winter approaches, making sure your furnace is ready to handle the cold is crucial in order to maintain efficiency and comfort. Before you crank up the heat, implementing a few preventative measures can help save you from unexpected breakdowns, higher energy bills or potential safety hazards.
1.Clean Or Replace The Air Filter
A clean air filter is the first line of defense against poor indoor air quality due to dust, debris and allergens being circulated throughout your home, every time your furnace kicks on.
When the filter is dirty or clogged, it also restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder to produce heat. This decreases your furnace’s efficiency, leading to higher energy bills and shortening the lifespan of your equipment.
Regularly cleaning and replacing your filters ensures peak performance while maintaining a healthier environment.
2. Keep The Area Around Your Furnace Clear
Keeping the area around your furnace clear of boxes and chemicals is crucial for safety. A cluttered space not only poses a fire hazard, but it also makes it harder to access the furnace in case of emergency or when maintenance is performed.
3. Check The Thermostat
Ensure it’s communicating correctly with your furnace. You might also want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for ease of control, consistency and convenience.
4. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Confirm each one is working, change batteries and have one on each floor - especially near the bedrooms.
5. Check Furnace Flue
Most of homes have high efficient furnaces now and you will find white pipes outside from the furnace - one for air intake and the other for products of combustion to be expelled. Ensure these are not blocked by shrubs, outdoor furniture or possible wasp or mouse nests.
6. Prepare For Emergency Shutoff
Its important to know how to quickly turn your furnace off in case of an emergency.
First find the power switch, usually located on a wall near the furnace, then proceed to shut off your gas supply, by turning the shut off valve located on the gas line attached to your furnace.
If your furnace is an electrical model, you can also cut power to your circuit breaker for an extra layer of protection.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance from Fireplaces Unlimited Heating & Cooling
Contact our office to arrange for a comprehensive inspection of your heating system. Our technician will test your systems performance, ensuring it's operating as it should. They will clean the burners and fan motor, inspect all the critical components and recommend any repairs if required. Consider joining our Priority Plan Service and save money on future repairs and annual maintenance services. service@hallofflame.ca