Making the yearly transition from air conditioning to heating your home can be nerve-wracking, especially if you are concerned about maintaining clean indoor air, keeping energy costs low, and protecting your family. Here are three steps you should take before turning on your furnace this fall and how heating contractors can help if you notice anything strange during the process. 

What Can You Do Before Turning On Your Furnace?

1. Test Detectors 

Gas furnaces can generate carbon monoxide (CO) if they are faulty or improperly maintained, so always test your CO alarms before switching on your furnace in the fall. Since house fires are more common during the fall and winter months, it’s also a good time to test your smoke alarms. During testing, check the expiration date on your alarms. The date should be printed on the underside of the alarm, and the entire unit can be popped off easily by turning the device and detaching the cable. 

2. Replace Filter

Your home’s air filters are not only responsible for screening out fine particulates in the air you breathe, but also protecting your furnace and air handler from becoming coated in dust and grime. To keep your air clean and to prevent premature furnace breakdowns, always replace your air filter before you switch on your furnace. Heating contractors recommend replacing air filters at least once every 90 days, or as soon as you notice it looks dirty. 

3. Check Thermostat 

In addition to checking the date and time on your thermostat, go through the scheduling settings on your device to make sure it reflects you and your family’s daily schedule. Have the system set to turn to your desired temperature when the family is home, and to lower when people are away at work and school. This simple action takes the strain off of your furnace and lowers utility costs. 

To spot problems early, turn your furnace on several weeks before it gets cold outside, and turn to Vashon Heating & Cooling if you notice any issues. For more than 35 years, this team of heating contractors has been committed to using state-of-the-art technology to boost HVAC performance. To find out more, visit their website or give their office a call at (206) 463-1777.