As the weather turns cold, you may start thinking about furnace repair so that you’ll have heat when you need it. However, it’s best not to be too quick to turn it on. Perform some checks and maintenance first to make sure it’s running smoothly. The guide below will show you how.

Why Should You Avoid Turning On Your Furnace Right Away?

If there are issues with the furnace, it could break down at inopportune times, depriving you of warmth when you need it. Some problems, especially with gas furnaces, can be dangerous—there’s even a possibility that your furnace may explode. By finding these issues early, you can stay safer, warmer, and avoid expensive furnace repair.

What Should You Do Before Turning On the Furnace?

Check that the ducts are firmly connected and that there’s no soot or debris inside the furnace. If necessary, use a vacuum attachment or brush to clear it out. Wash the drain hose by removing it, filling it with a solution of bleach and water, and then flushing it after a few minutes. Throw away disposable filters or clean reusable ones with soapy water. Make sure the blower belt is mostly free of cracks and rips; if you see any, it may be time to replace the belt. 

Assure that flammable items are kept away from the furnace and that there are no obstructions around the vent or chimney. Consider updating your thermostat to an automated one, if you haven’t already. Check that your fire and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Be sure to turn on your pilot light as well.

If you’re unsure about how to do any of this, or you’re worried something may be overlooked, ask an HVAC contractor to check your furnace. They can provide any furnace repairs while they’re there. You can then rest assured that you’ll be ready for winter. 

Located in Conneaut, OH, Burdick Plumbing & Heating utilizes their 45 years of experience to provide both furnace repair and installation and prepare you for winter. They’ll also offer hot water heater repair and plumbing repair so that you can be comfortable all season long. If any unexpected problems arise, you can count on their 24-hour emergency services to help. Find out what else they can do for you by calling (440) 599-8248 or checking out their website.