The steady decline in outdoor temperatures signals that winter weather will arrive soon, so it’s vital to get your furnace ready for use. Here are some essential steps to take to ensure that it’s operating reliably, safely and at optimal efficiency.
Change the Air Filter
Installing a new filter helps keep your heating costs under control by preventing airflow restrictions that can erode the equipment’s energy efficiency. To maintain good efficiency throughout the winter, check the air filter monthly and change it when you see any dirt accumulation, or every three months at a minimum.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Before you use the heating system for the first time this season, get it professionally inspected, cleaned and serviced to ensure it’s in the best possible condition. Some of the tasks handled by a certified technician include checking the thermostat’s functionality and accuracy, cleaning and lubricating the blower assembly, cleaning the burner, inspecting the safety switches and checking the heat exchanger for corrosion and cracks.
Optimize Your Thermostat Programming
If you have a programmable thermostat, make any needed changes so it’s programmed for the ideal wintertime setbacks. If you’re still relying on a manual thermostat, make the switch to a programmable model and program it around your usual daily routine so you can save energy while you’re sleeping or working.
Maintain Your Heating Registers
Take the register covers off and wipe them down, and use your vacuum extension hose to clean out any dirt and debris inside the ducting boots. Then, check that all your registers are open and free of obstructions to maximize airflow through the heating system.
Get the Flue Cleaned
If you’re not comfortable handling this task, hire a chimney sweep to thoroughly clean the exhaust flue. A cleaning not only gets rid of any built up soot, it takes care of debris like dead leaves, broken branches or animal nesting materials that can block the flue and prevent hazardous combustion fumes from exiting.
To schedule a preventive maintenance visit to get the furnace in your Dayton home ready for winter usage, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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