As the seasons start to change and the weather cools off, this is the perfect time to make sure your home’s furnace is ready for the upcoming workload. Waiting too long to prepare the system increases the chance you’ll be freezing while waiting for the heating contractor to arrive. Before you fire up the furnace for the first time this year, follow these tasks that HVAC contractors recommend.

Heating Contractor Tips for Getting Your Furnace Ready

1. Perform an Inspection

Before starting up the furnace for the first time, give it a thorough inspection. Be on the lookout for any damage that might have happened during the offseason, and ensure that there is no combustion residue or black soot. You should also check the rest of the system, such as filters and ducts for damage.

2. Change Out Filters

The chances are high that dust, dirt, and allergens have infiltrated the air filters since you last used the furnace, and that’s why heating contractors recommend changing them out before turning it on. These contaminants don’t just make the system less efficient — they also diminish the indoor air quality, so you should put in a fresh set of filters.

3. Clean the Ducts

When replacing the air filters, you should clean out the air ducts. Dust and grime can build up inside the system over time, and you could expose yourself to harmful contaminants. Additionally, clogged ducts force the system to operate harder than it should, raising your energy bill.

4. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Unless you have a geothermal heating system, the furnace relies on a combustible process to heat the home, creating carbon monoxide as a byproduct. This chemical is a deadly gas that has no taste or odor, so you should make sure the detectors are working before turning it on.

5. Turn on the Pilot Light

Once you finish these tasks, you should turn the pilot light back on. Since it’s likely been months since the last use, the chances are high that something extinguished it. The furnace cannot do its job until you relight the pilot light, allowing the furnace to heat the home.

 

If you need help making sure your home’s furnace is ready for the upcoming cold season, contact the professional heating contractors at Advantage Air Heating & Cooling in Danville, OH. As the top HVAC company in Knox County, their talented team of contractors has the tools and experience needed to ensure you’re ready when the cold hits. From performing inspections to providing any needed electrical repairs and relighting the pilot light, they’ll handle everything so you won’t have to stress. Schedule a free estimate by calling (740) 504-9430 or learn more about their services online.