The best time to ensure your home’s gas furnace is working correctly is before you need it. That’s why experts recommend doing maintenance in the fall. If there are any issues, you can fix them before winter arrives, and the contractors are booked up. To get the most out of your fall HVAC maintenance, follow these helpful tips.

Gas Furnace Maintenance Checklist

1. Replace the Filter

As the heat runs in the home, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other contaminants travel through the system. These particles get trapped in the air filter and make it more difficult for air to get through the ducts.

Before firing up the heat for the cold weather, install a new filter to keep the system operating efficiently, then replace it again once every two or three months moving forward.

2. Clean the Vents

Any debris that’s not captured by the filters ultimately ends up in or around the vents throughout the home. When the air kicks on, it circulates these contaminants throughout the room.

This drastically diminishes the indoor air quality and can cause nasal congestion, irritated eyes, and respiratory issues. By cleaning all the debris in the vents, you can keep yourself and your family protected.

3.  Scrub the Actual Furnace

Dust, dirt, and grime that accumulate on the heating installation diminish its efficiency and leads to more frequent breakdowns. Before winter arrives, give it a thorough cleaning to help prolong its life.

Turn off the electricity and gas, then take the sides off and vacuum out any debris. Use a wet cloth to wipe off the blades of the blower fan and the sides of the combustion chamber.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

These devices help the heater operate more efficiently, which prolongs its life and saves you money on your monthly utility bills. They are designed to be programmed to fit your schedule, so the heat only runs while you are at home. They’ll even kick on before you return home, so the interior is nice and cozy as soon as you step through the door.

5. Test the Carbon Monoxide Detector

Before turning on the gas heating system, always make sure the carbon monoxide detector is working. This deadly gas is a byproduct of the combustion process used to heat your home, and it has no smell or taste.

That makes it incredibly difficult to detect. Use the test button on the detector, and if it’s not working, either replace the batteries or buy a new one.

The best way to ensure your gas furnace is ready for the cold weather is by contacting the experts at E. Dake Ltd. The Plumbing & Heating Doctors. Their fully licensed and insured team in Perry, OH, has the experience and tools needed to perform a thorough inspection of your system and provide any needed repairs so you’ll be set for the winter. Call (440) 259-5997 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their services online.