As the temperature drops, families begin to rely more and more on their heating systems to stay comfortable. If it’s well-maintained, your furnace should turn on and work perfectly fine. However, you should still stay on top of maintenance and repairs, especially as you enter a new heating season. Keep the following guidelines in mind as you prepare for winter.

Do:

Change your filter.

Your HVAC filter is responsible for catching dust and particles that float through your air supply. At the beginning of the season, check the filter and change it, if necessary, so air can pass through easily. This helps to improve indoor air quality and reduces the strain on your furnace as it works to circulate warm air throughout the house.

Schedule an annual maintenance service call.

Your furnace needs an annual “tune-up” to ensure its safety systems are operational and to keep it running efficiently.  Many manufacturers also require proof that annual maintenance has been performed before approving warranty claims.  A licensed and certified HVAC technician will be able to identify any existing or potential problems with your heating system and give you expert advice on recommended repairs or replacements.

Don’t:

Leave flammable items near your furnace.

Many families stack storage boxes or outdoor equipment next to their furnace over the summer while it’s not in use. To ensure there’s no damage to the system and reduce the chances of something catching on fire due to excessive heat, move those items at least 18 inches away on all sides before turning on the furnace.  Never keep any flammable liquids (e.g. gasoline, kerosene) anywhere near any heating system.

Keep the thermostat at the same setting.

During the summer, you can save money by setting the thermostat a few degrees warmer than usual when no one’s home during the day. In the winter, the opposite is true. Experiment with different settings to see what temperature is most comfortable for you. Then, to increase energy efficiency, program your thermostat a bit lower during the day when you don’t need as much heat.

Scheduling preventative maintenance is a vital aspect of preparing your heating system for the winter season. At Jon’s Plumbing & Heating, our team is equipped to provide a wide array of HVAC services, including furnace tune-ups, air conditioning repairs, and even water heater installation. We’re based in Mount Vernon, OH, and are proud to serve customers in Knox, Ashland, Holmes, Coshocton, Licking, Morrow and Richmond counties. Visit our website to see a full list of services. To schedule an appointment, call (740) 392-5667.