Below we outline six (6) critical fall furnace maintenance tips.
Autumn has officially begun, and winter is right around the corner. Although you may not be turning on your furnace just yet, the time is approaching quickly.
To ensure that your furnace works efficiently all winter long, you should take some time to make sure it’s functioning properly and prepared for the season ahead with our fall furnace maintenance service.
Fall Furnace Maintenance Tips For Winter
1. Clean your air vents and ducts.
Your air vents and ducts must be clear to allow warm air to flow from the furnace and into your home. Before using your furnace this season, use a vacuum cleaner with attachments to thoroughly clean your air vents and ducts. This is also an excellent time to ensure your air vents aren’t blocked by furniture or other household items, as this obstructs airflow and makes your furnace work harder to keep your home warm.
2. Clean the area around your furnace.
Having items stored or sitting too close to your furnace poses a fire hazard. It’s vital to keep particular highly flammable objects, like paint, far away from your furnace at all times. Before turning your furnace on for the season, move all of these items out of the way.
3. Check the exhaust flue.
Your furnace’s exhaust flue removes dangerous fumes from your home. If the flue is blocked, these fumes can build up inside your house, posing health risks. Ensure the outside exhaust flue is clear of any obstructions that may have developed since you last ran your furnace, such as branches, leaves, or the nests of small animals. If you find anything blocking the flue, remove it before using your furnace.
4. Replace your air filter.
When your air filter is dirty, your furnace won’t operate as efficiently as it could. In addition, a filthy air filter can lead to expensive emergency maintenance. You should continue to replace this air filter at least every three months. If you haven’t replaced your air filter recently, do so before the winter months begin.
5. Schedule annual maintenance.
If you haven’t had your furnace inspected recently, schedule annual maintenance before you start running the system for the winter. During your maintenance appointment, the Beckwith Heating & Cooling HVAC technician will check all aspects of your furnace’s operations, including the filter, gas lines, and fan belt. The technician will also clean the furnace and make sure it’s operating correctly.
6. Fix any problems with the furnace.
If our HVAC technician discovers any problems with your furnace, fix these issues as soon as possible. If you don’t repair these problems now, you may find yourself without heat in the middle of winter, which usually means a longer wait time for repairs and a higher cost.
Winter will be here before you know it.
To ensure your furnace is ready to handle this demanding season, call Beckwith Heating & Cooling today at (330) 923-1333 and schedule your Fall furnace maintenance inspection.