Winter is right around the corner. Do you know if your furnace is working? This is a question you must answer before it gets too cold. Being prepared can end up saving you time, money, and comfort. Although it’s a good idea to have a professional perform maintenance on your furnace, here are a few steps you can take yourself to get your equipment and home ready for the cold weather.
Change your air filter
Essentially you should be checking your air filter at least once a month and changing it when it gets dirty. A dirty air filter can reduce your heater’s efficiency, recirculate dust and other airborne bacteria and increase your energy bills. You can invest in a reusable filter that can be cleaned and reused. The upfront cost is more but you end up saving money in the long run. Ask about our Electromaze Air Filters.
Test your thermostat
At times, issues with heating your home are caused by problems with your thermostat and not your furnace. Test your thermostat on a cool morning by turning on the heat and setting the thermostat to your desired temperature. If the heat takes too long to turn on, doesn’t turn on at all, doesn’t reach the chosen temperature, or takes too long to reach it, you may have a problem. Consider having a programmable thermostat installed so you can preset temperatures for various times of the day.
Check your air vents
To ensure air is properly circulating through your home you should make sure nothing is blocking your air vents by removing any obstructions. Any blockage of vents causes the system to work harder thus decreasing efficiency and increasing energy bills. You should clean the vents if they are dirty and you may also want to have your ducts cleaned, sealed, and insulated.
Listen for any unusual noises
Turn on your unit and listen for any unusual sounds like banging or rattling. If your system is making strange noises, there could be something wrong and you should have an expert diagnose your equipment to make sure it’s working before you need it most.
Check for air leaks
Weatherstripping exterior doors and windows in your home help keep heated air from escaping therefore your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm.
Get regular maintenance on your HVAC system
Regular maintenance performed twice a year on your HVAC system helps it perform better, saves you money on utility bills, helps you avoid costly emergency repairs, keeps your equipment’s warranty valid, and extends the life of your system.
Once you’ve made sure your heating equipment is in working order before winter, you can relax knowing your system will provide you the comfort you deserve. Right Now Air & Solar can help you ensure your equipment is working for the winter. Schedule a furnace tune-up or sign up for one of our STAR programs today!