7 Steps Before Running the Furnace

Before you know it, winter will be here! If you live in Colorado, you know that the weather can turn from warm and moderate to cold and snowy almost overnight. Typically, there is a spell of cold weather in October or November, followed by a warming trend for a few weeks, and then winter hits altogether. The problem with the short spell of cold weather that typically hits during October or November is that it causes homeowners to rush to turn on their heat before their HVAC system has been tuned up for the cold season.

Now is a good time of year to call your HVAC company to schedule your annual tune-up and maintenance. But besides scheduling your appointment, make sure to follow these seven steps which will make sure your furnace is ready to heat your home this winter.

7 Steps for Furnace Maintenance

1. Change Your Air Filter.

During your annual tune-up appointment, your furnace repair technician may replace your air filter with a new one. However, this is a task that you can complete on your own before your appointment if you think you will run your furnace before your scheduled furnace tune-up.

2. Review the Settings on Your Thermostat.

You might not have looked at the winter settings on your thermostat for six months but it’s time. Make sure to check that the settings are correct and make any necessary adjustments. If you have a programmable thermostat and you are unsure how to set it correctly, your furnace repair company should be able to assist you.

3. Make Sure All Air Vents Are Open.

An HVAC system functions the best when the flow of air throughout your home is unobstructed. Therefore, make sure all air vents are open and that return air registers are not blocked by furniture or other items such as pictures or mirrors hanging on the wall.

4. Clean the Area Around Your Furnace.

If your home is set up like many, your furnace probably sits in a basement, a closet or a room that gets very little use. It’s likely that dust and debris gathered around the furnace over the course of many months. Make sure to sweep or vacuum the area that surrounds your furnace so the dust and debris is not pulled into the system when it runs.

5. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Alarms.

A home’s carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms should be checked on a regular basis. It’s a good idea to make a habit of checking to make sure these safety items work well at the beginning of each and every season.

6. Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned.

Many people have their air ducts cleaned on an annual basis. If you want to make sure the dust, debris and pollutants are removed from your air vents before you turn on your furnace for the season, now is a good time to schedule your appointment.

7. Turn On Your Furnace and Make Sure It Works.

The best way to know if your furnace is set for cold weather is to test it. Wait for a cool day and turn on the system. Make sure it heats your home to the temperature you desire.