Fall is here and the temperatures are really nice. We leave our windows open and prolong turning on the heat. For us in the South Fall can feel so wonderful. But, even with leaves falling and temperature changing slowly, we must keep in mind that Winter is around the corner and a new season will be here. Waiting until Winter to turn on the heat may cause problems when you want them the least. So to help you consider the upcoming new season and the colder months coming we have some things to think about:
1. Safety First
To be safe and ready for the colder months, at the onset of new seasons test your system as soon as possible. Practice safety safe before turning on your system by look around the heater system, notice for things that may have been left behind, like cleaners or rags. Clean around the heater.
Open up some windows just in case the furnace has a foul smell or odor. This is harmless, but there may also be dust and lint that settles on the heater and will burn up quickly. Opening the windows will help the odor be eliminated more quickly.
Run your heater for about 15 minutes. This should be enough time for the smell to go away. If you were to experience any problem with your heater, turn the heater off before call the service department. Listen for any sounds that you heater/furnace may make and report those to your service man.
2. Routine Maintenance
We recommend that when testing your furnace at the beginning of cold weather season, it’s also the perfect time to conduct a little maintenance, starting with your HVAC filter. This should be changed regularly, usually every 30 days. If you’re not sure where your filter is located or what size to use, contact your local HVAC service professional.
You should also test your thermostat to make sure it’s controlling your furnace and detecting temperatures accurately. Be sure to try the always-on fan setting to make sure it’s working, as well. If you have a programmable thermostat, this is a good time to update your heating schedule, if needed.
Finally, test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This goes hand-in-hand with furnace testing, because the malfunctioning home heating equipment is a leading cause of both household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. If any of these detectors have expired, replace them before home heating season gets into full swing.
It’s tempting to keep the furnace turned off for as long as possible, but the longer you wait to test your system, the less time you’ll have for repairs if something is wrong. Call your local HVAC experts Absolute Comfort Air, Inc. right away if you need a tune-up or repair before winter rolls in!
