Fall has come, and the cold weather will be here before you know it. Now is the time to make sure that your home’s furnace is fully functional and ready for the coming winter. The following maintenance tasks will help you prepare your furnace.
Change Your Air Filter
Your furnace’s air filter cleans the air that blows through your ducts and the furnace. Changing the air filter prevents dirt and buildup from collecting inside your HVAC system. If you fail to replace your air filter on a regular basis, the system could become inefficient and could eventually burn out altogether. Changing the air filter is an inexpensive DIY project.
To begin, locate the filter. Air filters are usually located in the slot that fits in front of the return air duct. This one air filter services your entire HVAC system, including the air conditioner. So if you didn’t replace the air filter this summer, it’s probably pretty dirty right now.
Remove the filter from its place near the return air duct. Take that filter to the hardware store and find a replacement that matches the original. Back at home, put the new air filter in place and throw the old one away.
Open/Unblock Your Vents
Check every vent in your house. Make sure your vents are free from obstructions, and open vents that are closed. Doing this will help ensure that your home is heated evenly throughout the winter and will lessen the burden on your furnace.
Protect Your Air Intake Vent
The air intake vent in the furnace is located on the side of your house. Many air intake vents are white or black plastic pipes. The intake vent can become an entryway for mice and other vermin. This is doubly true during winter months when mice start looking for a place to escape the cold and snow. Stopping mice from entering your home through the air intake vent can prevent them from damaging your furnace.
To cover your air intake vent, cut out a circle of galvanized mesh the same size as the vent. Stick the mesh into the vent, allowing the spiny parts of the mesh to dig into the side of the pipe so the mesh won’t fall out.
Get Your Furnace Checked by a Professional
Now is the time to have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional. If you live in the Columbus area, Classic Air performs tune-ups and we would be happy to service your unit. During your annual tune-up, we will check the wiring, motor, thermostat, pilot, ignition and gas supply. Your HVAC contractor will also check your ducts for air leaks. If your repair person finds anything wrong, he or she will make recommendations for heating repair. Make the repairs now, before the cold weather arrives. Once winter comes, you can rest assured your heater repair person will be much, much busier.
Call Classic Air and set up your appointment today.