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Most people don’t think about their furnace until it’s time to turn off their air conditioning and turn the heat on for the first time in the Fall when it’s heating season. But you can do a few things to prepare your furnace for winter and avoid any potential problems.
This blog post will go over all the details of turning your furnace on for the very first time this heating season and some tips for furnace maintenance and cleaning. We’ll also provide a troubleshooting guide if you experience any problems with your furnace during the winter.
How to Clean the Furnace Before You Turn It On for the Season
As the weather gets colder, you’ll probably use your furnace more to keep your home warm. But before you turn on your furnace this season, it’s important to make sure that it’s clean. A clean furnace is a safe and reliable furnace, and taking the time to do just a little maintenance can save you a whole lot of trouble (and money) down the road.
Why You Should Clean Your Furnace Before You Turn It On for the Season
Remember, your furnace has been sitting idle for months, and all that dust and grime has had plenty of time to build up. If you were to turn on your furnace without cleaning it first, all that dirt would start circulating through your home—and nobody wants that! So not only is it Gross with a capital G, but it can also be dangerous. Dirty furnaces are more likely to overheat and break down, which can be a serious fire hazard. In short, it’s just not worth the risk.
How to Clean Your Furnace
When it’s time to turn off the air conditioning and switch to your furnace and the colder weather ahead, you might be tempted to flip the switch and start heating your home. But if you’ve ever noticed that dry, dusty smell, you’ll know why it’s important to do some furnace cleaning first.
To avoid potentially dangerous situations or very costly mistakes the best way to clean your furnace is to simply hire a skilled and trained professional to come out and inspect your furnace for you. This way, you may discover that your furnace is broken or need repairs while also getting it cleaned, and there’s no time or opportunity better to make these plans than before it gets cold.
Many people may not consider the first step in furnace repair as being cleaning, but nothing else can begin until your unit is properly checked and cleaned.
Following these simple steps will help you with your furnace cleaning and ensure that your furnace runs safely and efficiently all winter long—saving you money on your furnace repairs (not to mention preventing any unpleasant surprises). So before you crank the heat wide open this season, give your furnace some TLC for a few minutes and do a little furnace cleaning. Your home (and your wallet) will thank you!
Furnace Broken? How to Check for Problems
If you’re not certain if your furnace is in good working order, there are a few things you can do to check it for problems.
First, take a look at the furnace itself. If there are any cracks in the exterior of the unit, cold air is likely leaking in and causing the furnace to work harder than it should. This can lead to decreased efficiency and higher energy bills.
Next, check the furnace air filters. As we mentioned, dirty filters can cause several problems, including reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear on the furnace. If you haven’t replaced the filters in a while, now is a good time to do so.
Finally, take a look at the area surrounding the furnace. If there is a dust and dirt build-up, it’s time to clean it up! A clean furnace will operate more efficiently and last longer than one that is covered in debris.
If you’re still not sure whether your furnace is in good working order, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional. A skilled and trained professional technician will be able to identify any potential problems and make the necessary repairs.
The Importance of Furnace Maintenance
Before turning your furnace on this year, it’s important to ensure that it is in good working order. After all, you don’t want your furnace to break down in the middle of winter! Here are a few smart tips for making sure your furnace is ready for winter:
Schedule a Professional Inspection
The best way to be sure that your furnace is in good working order is to schedule a professional inspection before you turn it on for the season. A trained technician will be able to clean your furnace, check for any potential problems, and make any necessary repairs.
Check the Furnace Filter
Another simple way to keep your furnace running smoothly is to check the filters and replace them if necessary. Dirty furnace filters can cause all sorts of problems, including reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear on the furnace itself.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to schedule an inspection or replacement of dirty filters—by the time it gets cold, it may be too late!
How to Troubleshoot the Furnace
If your furnace is just not working correctly, you can check a few things before calling a technician.
Check the fuse box to ensure that the furnace is receiving power. If everything looks normal, check to see if the thermostat is set to “heat” and if the temperature is above the current room temperature.
These simple steps should help you to be able to identify and fix most furnace problems without calling for professional help. However, if none of these troubleshooting tips solve the problem, call a qualified technician to come out and take a look.
What to Know About Your HVAC System:
Heat Exchanger:
Your furnace’s heat exchanger is the part of the furnace that produces the heat. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home. This is a significantly dangerous situation and should be checked immediately by a qualified technician like All Utah Plumbing Heating and Air.
Thermostat:
The thermostat is what tells the furnace when to turn on and off. If the thermostat is not working, the furnace may not turn on when it should or run for too long and overheat.
Blower Motor:
The blower motor is responsible for circulating the air through the furnace. If this part is not working properly, the furnace will not be able to heat your home effectively.
When is it Time to Hire a Pro for Your Heating System?
Even if you regularly maintain your furnace and keep it in good working condition, there will eventually come a time when you need to hire a professional for repairs.
Some signs that it’s time to call in a pro include strange noises coming from the furnace, uneven heating throughout your home, and a drastic increase in your energy bills. While these problems can often be addressed by making simple adjustments or performing routine maintenance, they can also be a telling sign of more serious issues requiring a qualified technician’s expertise.
In most cases, a simple repair to your furnace will suffice. However, there are times when it is necessary to hire a professional. If you are unsure of the problem or if the repair is more complex than you are comfortable with, it is always best to err on the side of caution and hire a professional.
HVAC specialists have the training and experience necessary to troubleshoot and repair your furnace quickly and efficiently. In addition, they can offer advice on how to prevent future problems and keep your furnace running smoothly for years to come.
By catching these problems early, you can avoid more extensive (and expensive) repairs down the road. So if you’re unsure of how to fix your furnace or don’t have the time, it’s always best to avoid caution and contact a professional.
Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold!
Careful attention to your HVAC system now will keep your furnace chugging away all winter long.
Do not wait to for temperatures to fall before having your furnace checked by a professional. If your heating system needs maintenance, it saves time and money and avoids the inconvenience or risk of leaving your family with no heat throughout the coldest part of the year to do so. Performing basic furnace cleaning and service can even prolong its life and increase its maximum efficiency. This guide is for cleaning and keeping your furnace in top condition during the cold months.
When it comes to your furnace, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. By taking the time to troubleshoot and schedule regular furnace maintenance, you can help ensure that your furnace will last for years to come. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us at All Utah Plumbing Heating and Air today!
