Fall is upon us and cool temps are well on their way. Fall can bring mixed bag of weather - causing us to bounce back and fourth from furnace to air conditioning. However, Fall provides homeowners a great opportunity to get their furnaces ready for winter without having to fully rely on them for survival. Below you will find a list of things you should do before you start your furnace for the first time this season.
Schedule an Inspection
Booking an annual maintenance inspection will give you peace of mind entering winter months and enable technicians to spot trouble before a major malfunction. Our technicians will inspect your furnace and let you know if your system is running efficiently and free of carbon monoxide leaks. Your health and safety should be the first priority.
Change the Filter
Old, clogged filters are a main cause of furnace fires. It is important to clean or replace your furnace filter before you start your unit up for the first time. Plugged filters can also restrict air flow, forcing your system to run more, add to your heating costs and wear out sooner. It is recommended that you check your filter monthly during the winter months. Read our previous post about selecting the right filter for your needs.
Check the Furnace Belt
Furnaces with a blower will have a belt attached to the motor. Like a car, a furnace belt can become cracked, worn or even brake over time. Check the furnace belt to ensure it is in good condition. If you notice damage, turn off the power to your furnace and replace it.
Check Gas Supply
If you have a natural gas furnace, ensure the pilot light is lit and that you are getting a gas feed. If your pilot light is out you will need to re-light it to generate heat. If you are unsure or uneasy about re-lighting your pilot light, contact us or Manitoba Hydro for a technician who has the expertise to light it.
Check Furnace Exhaust
Inspect the exterior of your home to ensure furnace exhaust is exiting your home without obstruction. Clear away branches, leaves and check for critters that might be trying to gain entry to your home. Also check the interior exhaust at your furnace and do a sniff test for gas. If you smell a strong odour, exit your home and call your local emergency services immediately. If the sell is faint, call the Manitoba Hydro natural gas emergency services.
Clean Around Your Furnace
Many furnace rooms or crawl spaces turn into storage areas near your furnace. Ensure that your furnace is free of clutter to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure proper airflow.
Clean Dirty Air Ducts
Over time ducts can become dusty or dirty, which could present a fire hazard in extreme cases. Remove your vent covers and use a vacuum to remove any easily accessible dust. Depending on how long it has been, you may need a more thorough cleaning by a professional duct cleaner to remove debris that has caked onto the duct walls.
Open Air Vents
After cleaning, ensure all your vents are open and that nothing is obstructing airflow like furniture. This will ensure proper airflow through your home.
Adjust Your Programmable Thermostat
A digital, programmable thermostat is well worth the investment. Program the thermostat to automatically lower while you are away or asleep. Properly set thermostats can save anywhere from 20% - 75% on monthly heating costs.
At 4 Seasons Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we provide the local area with top-quality HVAC services - all of which is performed by our highly trained, licensed, bonded and insured technicians. We also carry a wide range of heating products that are designed to meet your home's specifications and budget.
For more information about our services, or our heating products, call us at (204) 953-5700 or email our sales team at 4seasonssales@mymts.net.
