It’s fall and winter is around the corner. To protect your home you need to take action and make sure the many systems that are part of your are home are ready for what is coming. Rain, temperature drops, snow, ice, wind and more can wear your home out, costing a small fortune to fix. The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure definitely fits here.”
Many Systems.. But Don’t Forget To Check That Furnace!
A home has a number of systems that have maintenance requirements for winter. One system you might want to start with is the heating system. There’s nothing worse than a cold night and the weatherman says it’s one of the coldest ever. Naturally you fire up the furnace and nothing happens. What ensues is that feeling of panic, a house that is very cold and the reality you are about to get an expensive emergency visit from an HVAC repairman. This is something you do not want experience in the dead of winter.
Taking a step back
So let’s back up a few months. When Fall comes you need to do some furnace maintenance. Follow these basic tips to make sure your heating system is at optimal condition before Winter.
Call the technician before winter
- Don’t wait for the coldest night of the year to test the furnace. Call the technician immediately in Fall
- Get a tune up and some preventative maintenance.
- Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.
Here is what the technician should do:
- Check for any leaks in the system
- Clean out any rust, particulates, or other pollutants that can clog your system or hurt its performance
- Clean or change filters
- Adjust the system for maximum performance Inspect electrical components
Benefits of a routine inspection
- You save money on energy
- Your system runs more efficiently and will last longer
- You will not be hit with emergency or last-minute charges when a technician has to come out and fix your furnace.
- Reduces the chance of a house fire due to malfunction
Some additional tips for preventative maintenance in Fall
Get a service plan
Furnace Maintenance is something you need to do twice a year, every year. You might get a better rate with a service plan that you buy in advance for future inspections.
Carbon monoxide detector
If you don’t have one already this is a great thing to have should any gas leak into your house from your furnace. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, a detector could be a critical addition to your home.
Programmable thermostat
If possible upgrade to a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. This can make your house more comfortable and can save a considerable amount of money on energy.
Other considerations
Make sure your furnace is on the proper setting. Some overlook this. Go over this with your technician.
Check That Duct System
“Look for loose or disconnected ducts. Reconnect and secure with sheet metal screws and aluminum duct tape. 
According to EnergyStar, “About 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.” Also, inspect and clean both the return and supply duct openings to keep them free of dust or anything that might obstruct them.”
-From DirectEnergy.com