During the winter, your furnace works hard to keep your home safe and warm, so it deserves a vacation when warm weather arrives. However, many people simply flip a switch to move into spring and summer without a lot of thought about preparing the furnace for the fall. Here are a few tips to get your furnace ready for its offseason and prevent the need for major HVAC service when you start using it again. 

Tips to Get Your Furnace Ready for Spring

1. Replace Your Air Filter 

Indoor air can be as much as five times as polluted as outdoor air, especially during the winter. Indoor living, cooking, and even cleaning can cause particulates to fill the air and then recirculate through your home.

When you turn off your furnace for the spring, replace your air filter to ensure better air quality in your home. This will get rid of what accumulated over the winter and help fight pollen in the spring. If you aren’t sure which kinds of filters to use in your home, check the owner’s manual for your furnace or AC or talk with an HVAC repair specialist. 

2. Clean Air Vents

As part of your spring cleaning regimen, remove your air vent covers and vacuum out the interiors. Food particles, dust, and other small debris have a tendency to fall into floor registers, impeding airflow.

In addition to preventing obstructions and the need for HVAC service, cleaning out vents with a vacuum cleaner can also improve air quality, since not as much fine debris will blow into your home when the air conditioner turns on. 

3. Clear the Area

While many people stash holiday decorations and winter clothing in storage closets, make sure to keep the area around your furnace clear of boxes, fabrics, luggage, and faux plants like artificial Christmas trees. When the area around a furnace is impeded, it can increase the risk of fire when the furnace switches back on next fall. For the best results, put out the pilot light when you’re sure you won’t need heating anymore for a few months.

If you have questions about getting your furnace ready for its offseason, turn to Long's Air Conditioning & Refrigeration in Robertsdale, AL. Since their company was formed in 1978, these HVAC service professionals have been committed to providing custom solutions to home and business owners, creating a comfortable indoor environment. To find out more about how they can help, visit their website or give their office a call at (251) 947-9499.