It has been a scorcher of a summer. Thankfully, the heat and humidity will be dissipate in about a month’s time. Fall and winter are right around the corner. This is the perfect time to prepare your home heating system for the cooler temperatures.
Step 1: Perform a Quick Furnace Inspection
Begin by taking a look at your home heating system. Examine your furnace to make sure it doesn’t have any noticeable signs of wear and tear. If you notice that any objects have been pushed or placed within a couple of feet of the furnace, move them so they do not compromise the furnace’s functionality. Also, be sure to verify that the pilot light is lit.
Step 2: Mind the Air Filter
Plenty of homeowners forget about their heating system’s air filter. Take a close look at the filter to gauge its cleanliness. If you notice that it is dirty, clean it off or consider replacing it. The filter is one of the most important aspects of your furnace. It traps dirt, dust and other particles that could enter the system and spread throughout your home.
Step 3: Coordinate a Furnace Tune Up
Schedule a tune up for your furnace before everyone else gets the same idea. Point out any damage or potential problems you noticed during your inspection. One of our HVAC professionals will be happy to analyze those issues in-depth. He will tune up your furnace, preparing it for the heavy winter use. He will also perform his own review of your heating system to pinpoint malfunctions or areas that need to be cleaned for optimal functionality. Once he tunes up your furnace, you will have no doubt as to whether it is ready to handle the challenges posed by fall and winter temperatures.
Step 4: Clean out the air Ducts
It is prudent to schedule a duct cleaning in addition to the tune up. There is likely an abundance of dirt, allergens, dust and other debris built up in your home’s air ducts. These nasty particles have the potential to block the flow of warm air. Such particle buildup can even compromise your health as well as that of your family members. Do not make the mistake of a DIY (do it yourself) duct cleaning attempt. This is a job that requires the expertise and high-tech equipment of HVAC professionals.