Fall is the time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter season. While falling leaves and temperatures give a taste of what’s ahead, a little preventive maintenance will ensure furnaces run efficiently and reliably through even the coldest nights. Follow the maintenance to-do list below to get your system ready for winter.

Your Furnace Maintenance Checklist This Autumn

1. Schedule a Tune-Up

Heating systems should have a tune-up every year without fail—this is your most important step in preventive maintenance. During this annual service, your HVAC contractor will inspect, clean, and test your system. They’ll replace any worn or damaged parts, tighten loose connections, lubricate moving parts, and promote efficient airflow by replacing your air filter. This is a small investment that will prevent breakdowns, boost efficiency for lower utility bills, and extend the unit’s lifespan.

2. Test the Thermostat & Smoke Alarms

Your contractor may or may not check your thermostat. If they haven’t, it’s easy enough to do this yourself; simply turn on the heat to see that the thermostat communicates properly with the furnace. Replace the batteries if needed, and if it still doesn’t work, call an electrician or buy a replacement thermostat. Take this opportunity to test your smoke alarms as well; running your furnace all winter long does increase your chances of a house fire, so working smoke alarms are vital for your family’s safety.

3. Prep Vents

Good airflow around your vents will help your system heat the home up more quickly and eliminate energy waste. Move all furniture at least two feet from the vents, and try not to place anything in the path between the vent and the rest of the room so the warm air can quickly fill the space. Clean all the vent exteriors so your system won’t kick up dust or debris into the air as it runs.

The team at Parker’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. are the heating installation and maintenance experts of Grady County, GA. They work on furnaces of all makes and models throughout southern Georgia and northern Florida. Their NATE-certified technicians will handle all your preventive maintenance to keep your system running at peak performance throughout the year, and they’re available for 24-hour emergency service when you need them most. See their full range of services online and call (229) 377-9129 to request a free estimate.