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When the first chilly day of autumn settles in, having a reliable furnace you can turn on can make all the difference in your level of comfort and safety. If you haven’t had your furnace serviced, you might face a rude awakening from a system that fails to work or one that operates with poor efficiency. To ensure your furnace is ready to go this fall and winter, there are some key maintenance steps that you’ll want to take. Here are some that you should do every year before winter in St. Louis, MO.
Replace Air Filter
One of the very first things to do is replace your air filter. As air filters remove unwanted allergens from your indoor air, they build up with debris. As time passes, they will become so full that they will restrict airflow to your ductwork. This will decrease the performance of your HVAC system and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
It’s best to install a new filter at the start of winter to ensure your heater runs with the highest efficiency. If you or someone in your home has severe allergies or a respiratory issue like asthma, think about getting a filter with a high MERV rating. These offer better filtering capabilities for a premium price.
Inspect Your Vents
A big contributor to the performance of your HVAC unit is your ductwork. During your maintenance checklist, it’s best to inspect all the supply and return vents throughout your home. Use a vacuum with a soft brush to remove any debris buildup from the grates of your vents and registers. Ensure they are open and that there are no obstructions blocking airflow in or out of them.
Clear Your Furnace Area
Homeowners often stack boxes and other items near their furnaces during the off-season. They don’t think about the heat or fire risk. However, as we enter the colder season, it’s crucial to clear the space around your furnace to ensure safety when running your furnace. This will also ensure that our technician can access your unit for maintenance service.
Program Your Thermostat
One of the best ways to keep your energy bills in check throughout the winter months is to use a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats give you the ability to program in different temperature settings depending on the time of day and even the day of the week. This can allow you to reduce the temperature when you know you’re not going to be home, so your system runs less often. It’s always good practice to program your thermostat before the start of the season so that you can maximize your energy savings.
Check Your Venting System
It’s pretty common during the summer for birds and other pets to create nests at the outlet for your furnace’s venting system. Unfortunately, any debris, like nesting or even leaves, can block the flow of exhaust fumes out of your home. If there’s no clear way to escape, exhaust fumes will build up in your furnace and can enter your home. You can avoid this dangerous situation by checking your furnace’s flue pipe before the start of the season.
Test Safety Equipment
With any sort of home heating system, there’s always the possibility of something bad happening, like a fire. It is essential to have safety equipment in your home to alert you in case a problem occurs, enabling you to protect your family and your home. Fall is a great time to put fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Be sure you test each detector to verify it’s working. Furthermore, you should also have a fire extinguisher. It’s best to check the date on the extinguisher to ensure that it hasn’t expired.
Order Fuel
Furnaces that burn oil or propane will need you to have an on-site storage tank to hold your fuel. Autumn is an ideal time to schedule your first fuel delivery, ensuring you have enough fuel for the winter. It can be helpful to set up an automatic fuel delivery service so that you never run out of fuel when the weather is cold.
Switch Ceiling Fan Direction
Another necessary task to add to your maintenance checklist is switching the direction of your ceiling fans. During the winter season, your ceiling fan should be spinning in a clockwise or reverse direction. Running your fan on low speed helps move hot air that rises. It pushes that air down along your walls and into your living space. This can increase your comfort without the need to adjust the temperature setting on your thermostat.
Top Reasons for Furnace Maintenance
There’s no doubt that investing time and money in furnace maintenance can seem like just another expense. You might be wondering if the maintenance service is genuinely needed or only a suggestion for homeowners. Furnace maintenance is not a suggested service. It’s a mandated one.
Furnace maintenance helps reduce the chance of a breakdown. It also extends your unit’s lifespan. You can enjoy more consistent comfort with fewer cold spots throughout your home. You can rest assured that your unit is running as best it can, so you’re not overpaying for any of your utility bills.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
One thing that you definitely want to remember is scheduling professional heating maintenance service. Maintaining the warranty on your unit and ensuring its safe operation are necessary. When one of our technicians services your furnace, they will clean, inspect, and test all of its internal components. This ensures that your heater runs efficiently, and if a part of your furnace fails while under warranty, the warranty will cover it. A professional HVAC technician must perform maintenance and repairs to keep the warranty valid.
What Is Included in Professional Furnace Maintenance?
When we come out for a furnace maintenance appointment, we give your system a full checkup. First, we check the heat exchanger, burners, and blower to ensure nothing is cracked or worn. Then we clean out dust and debris that build up over time. That helps your furnace breathe easier and run more efficiently.
We check electrical connections. Then, we calibrate your thermostat. Finally, we verify all safety controls. Moving parts get lubrication so they don’t wear down too quickly. Our team also tests the gas pressure and system performance, so you’ll know your furnace is heating as it should.
By the time we’re done, your system will be cleaner, safer, and more reliable. Regular maintenance also helps lower energy bills and can extend your furnace’s lifespan. It’s a simple service that gives you peace of mind all winter long.
Expert Furnace Maintenance Service
Anton's Plumbing, Heating/Cooling & Energy Experts offers expert furnace maintenance services for the St. Louis area. We can also provide help with all your furnace repair, replacement, and new installation needs. Just call our office today to book your next service appointment with one of our helpful heating technicians.
