As fall approaches and the temperatures begin to drop, homeowners have to consider their furnace maintenance needs. Even if you have been using your HVAC system throughout the summer, you still need to take steps to prepare it to prevent problems that can lead to a mechanical breakdown. It’s better to take the time to get the furnace ready for months of sustained use rather than risk a breakdown in the coming months.

How to Prepare Your Heater for Constant Use

1. Get a Tune-Up

The system should be evaluated by a professional at least once per year, preferably in fall. An HVAC contractor will calibrate the thermostat, check out the heating system, replace filters, and perform a variety of electrical tests. These services will help ensure that the heater will function at maximum efficiency.

2. Clean the Furnace

You can limit future furnace maintenance costs by cleaning the heater with a damp cloth. Turn off the unit and the circuit breaker before starting. Using a damp cloth, wipe down the fan blades, vents, combustion chamber, and sides of the unit. 

3. Look for Signs of Carbon Monoxide Leaks

If you see rust, bubbling and peeling paint, or cracks in the unit, you may have a carbon monoxide leak. Call a furnace maintenance technician as soon as possible. Additionally, buy high-quality carbon monoxide detectors and position them throughout the home.

4. Keep an Eye on the Filters 

Even if a filter cleaning or change is included in your annual HVAC services, you should still be checking the filters on a regular basis. Depending on how consistently you use the furnace, you should clean or replace the filters every one to three months. This will help keep the system operating efficiently and will help ensure the air you breathe is cleaner.

5. Inspect the Pilot Light

On gas-burning furnaces, you have to check the pilot light. It should have a light blue flame and an orange tip. If the flame is fully orange or yellow, or if it’s flickering or unsteady, there could be a problem with the gas flow. Consult a furnace technician as soon as possible.

6. Clean Ducts & Registers

You should have a professional clean the ducts once per year. At the start of the season and periodically throughout the winter, dust off the registers and the ducts just behind the registers. This will help you keep these areas clear of debris.

When you need seasonal furnace maintenance, turn to Wrightsman Plumbing Heating & Cooling for help. Located in Beatrice, NE, they have almost 50 years of experience treating heating and cooling systems. To discover how they can help you prepare your furnace for the cooler months, visit their website. To request service, call them at (402) 228-3100.