As temperatures drop and fall weather arrives, you may be tempted to turn on the furnace and warm up your home. Before doing so, however, it’s essential to make sure that it’s ready for the cooler months ahead. From checking the vents to contacting your HVAC contractor, here’s what you should do before you use the unit—and what to avoid.

Do:

Check the floor vents.

Avoid blocking floor vents with furniture, area rugs, and other pieces. All furnaces rely on heat exchangers, which are designed to warm up incoming air. Blocked vents force the exchanger to overheat, which in turn could cause it to become damaged and lead to a potential mid-season breakdown. You can potentially avoid sudden repairs by ensuring that all of the vents are free of obstructions.

Replace the air filter.

It’s quick and simple to replace the air filter, and it’s something that should be done year-round for the longevity of both the air conditioning system and the furnace. It’s best to replace it at least once every three months, including at the beginning of the cooler season before you turn on the unit. The filter is designed to trap dust, lint, and other debris that might otherwise coat the blower fan and compromise the furnace’s integrity. By drawing in those contaminants, it also improves your indoor air quality so you can breathe easily throughout the year.

Don’t:

Keep anything near the furnace.

Combustible items can pose a threat to your home’s safety if they’re situated anywhere near the furnace. This includes products like paint and cleaning supplies. Even laundry or other fabrics located nearby could prove problematic if they come into contact with the furnace and somehow inhibit airflow. To be safe, keep the room where the furnace is situated completely free of objects. This will also make it easier for your HVAC contractor to perform repairs and maintenance as needed.

Neglect routine maintenance.

Regular maintenance is vital to the life and health of your furnace. Your HVAC contractor can perform an annual inspection to ensure that it runs efficiently and isn’t wasting fuel and energy. A standard visit includes a thorough examination of the heat exchanger for signs of damage, a look at the blower and its components, testing of all of the furnace’s parts, ensuring the burner is properly ignited, and lubricating areas that might require some moisture to minimize strain on the motor. Your contractor can also perform small repairs before they become more serious problems that affect your comfort later in the season.
 

Make sure your furnace is ready for the cooler months ahead by contacting the team at ABLE Heat & Cool in Troy, MO. The HVAC contractors offer a variety of services, including furnace repairs and replacements. Visit the heating and cooling specialists online for information, or call (636) 528-4794 to schedule an appointment.