3 Things To Do To Prepare Your Furnace For Winter During The Summer
It may be summer, and you're worried about your trips to the beach and keeping your air conditioner fully functional. However, it is important that you don't put your home's furnace at the back of your mind. Sure, it is going to be several months before you need it again, but those cold temperatures will come sooner than you think, and you're going to want a fully operational furnace when they arrive. So, here are a few tips to ensure that your furnace is ready to keep you warm when summer is just another memory:
1. Change the Filter.
The single most important thing with your furnace is that you change the filter on a regular basis. When your furnace has to push air through an old, dirty filter, it is going to work harder than it has to. This leads to additional energy, and in turn, more hard-earned money coming out of your wallet. Over time, this added stress on your furnace can lead to the furnace breaking down prematurely and you putting out the money for a brand new HVAC unit.
2. Inspect the Burners and Blowers.
Throughout the summertime, it isn't uncommon for dirt, dust and debris to build up on the burner of the furnace. Before the furnace fires up, the burners need to be checked so that the debris can be removed. Make sure to check for proper alignment as well as and there there is no rust or corrosion. Now is also a good time to inspect the furnace blower and give it a good oiling. This helps to prevent premature failure and unwanted noises. Before doing this, though, you need to switch the circuit breaker off for the furnace and remove the motor. Give it a test run after you've put the motor back in and turned the circuit breaker back on to ensure it's working properly.
3. Check for Vent Obstructions.
If you moved any of your furniture throughout the summer, there is a good chance that you covered up a vent that will block airflow from the furnace. Not only does this mean that your home won't be comfortable during the winter, but it could also result in the furnace overheating and a costly repair bill. So, locate all of your vents and make sure that they are free from any obstructions. This includes supply vents and return vents.
While you can do the above three things to prepare your furnace for winter, it is always a good idea to call in professional furnace experts, like Shakley Mechanical Inc, to perform a thorough inspection and service on your furnace before the cold weather sets in.
Share