by Administrator
September 12, 2010
Preventative Maintenance for your furnace before Winter
The last day of summer is upon us and it is time to start thinking about the cold weather that is just around the corner. Now is the time to ensure that your furnace is in good working condition.
Here are some steps that you can follow when checking out your heating system:
- The first thing you will want to do is check that your furnace will cycle on and off. Simply turn your thermostat up and make sure that your furnace starts. After running for a few minutes turn your thermostat down to ensure the furnace turns off.
- You will find a safety switch on your furnace doors that will pop out when the door is removed. It is important to make sure that this switch is unobstructed.
- Give your furnace a thorough visible inspection and check for loose wiring or electrical burns. Repair any loose connections with wire nuts or tape.
- Lastly, give your vent and chimney system the once over. It is very important that you do not have any gaps or leaks in your venting system.
What if you need a professional?
If you find a problem with your heating system you will probably decide to hire an HVAC professional to help you. Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for a good HVAC Contractor:
- How long has your company been in business?
- How does your company handle emergency situations?
- Do you offer preventative maintenance plans? What are the advantages / disadvantages?
- how do you handle billing and payments?
- Could you provide me with references?
Once you have determined a good HVAC Contractor to work with here are some good questions to go over with them about your heating system:
- Which is the best furnace on the market for my home?
- Is there anything that can be done to improve the efficiency of my current furnace?
- Could I save money on my utility bills with a new furnace? What does the payback analysis look like?
- What are the maintenance requirements of my current furnace? A new furnace?
The most important thing is not to wait! Now is a great time to work with a heating professional before they get busy in the colder months. And there is nothing worse than firing up your furnace on that first really cold day and not getting any heat!