Many people think nothing of waiting until the weather gets cold before turning the heater on for the winter. But, what happens if you have family and friends over for Thanksgiving and the furnace doesn’t work when you turn it on? You and your family and friends will be cold, while waiting for an HVAC technician to come to your rescue!
To prevent such a scenario, perform some due diligence ahead of time. If you start up your heater now and discover problems, you can have them repaired in advance – before you really need the heat. You don’t have to operate it daily, but you will most certainly want to put it through its paces before the cold weather hits.
Testing your furnace in advance means you can save on your energy bills, all while discovering whether belts, circuit boards, or heat exchangers need to be repaired or replaced. This can save you time, money and frosty discomfort when the weather really gets chilly over the coming weeks.
Preparing Your Furnace
Start by checking your filters. A clogged filter will restrict airflow, which will decrease operating efficiency and cause your energy bills to climb. It also increases wear and tear on your heating system.
Replacing the filter takes just a few minutes, but doing so can save you money throughout the winter season. It’s also a good idea to make sure that registers and return vents are cleaned and free of obstructions.
Keep It Clean
You should also clean the unit and wipe away dust and debris with a damp rag. As you do this, keep an eye out for rust or visible signs of damage to the unit. Make a note of anything you discover and share this information with your HVAC technician if you need to schedule a service.
Telltale Signs
When you “fire up” your furnace, listen for signs of damage. Knocking, squealing or grinding noises can signify serious problems. If you hear these noises, shut the equipment down and contact Day & Night Air immediately.
Other Crucial Maintenance Items
It is also important to check the batteries and function of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and the thermostat. Make sure these devices are functioning properly, and check to see that the furnace is registering directions being sent from the thermostat.
Day & Night Air
Are you ready to heat things up this winter? Contact Day & Night by calling 602-900-9415. Whether you need to schedule regular maintenance or repair an emergency situation, our HVAC technicians have the skills and training to keep you warm and toasty throughout the chilly weather in the coming months.