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6 Steps to Take Before Turning on Your Furnace this Fall

6 Steps to Take Before Turning on Your Furnace this FallOne of the coziest times of the year is the beginning of fall when the air is just turning chilly, and it’s time to turn on the furnace. However, before you do so, it is a good idea to schedule a maintenance appointment that will ensure your furnace is in proper working condition before it actually goes to work. If your system is faulty or not working properly, you will save money and time in the long run by getting it checked now. Regular maintenance will also prevent a breakdown in the dead of winter.

6 steps you can take before turning on your furnace this fall

1. Change your air filter.

To ensure maximum efficiency, check your filter every 2-3 months. If your filter is clogged or dirty, that will hinder the flow of heat through your home. A clean filter will also help rid your home of dirt particles and pollutants, keeping the air you breathe fresh and clean.

2. Check that your thermostat is on the right setting.

This is such a small step, but an easily forgotten one. Make sure that you’ve switched from “cool air” to “warm air” before you start wondering why your home is not heating to the proper temperature.

3. Clean your vents.

There is that certain aroma that comes around once a year when you turn your furnace on for the first time, and the house suddenly smells of burning dust. You can avoid this smell by cleaning the inside of your vents before making the switch to warm air.

4. Look around for leaks.

If you have a window cracked, or even unlocked, that provides an escape outlet for the warm air your heater is producing. Ensure that everything is sealed up tight to prevent your furnace from working harder and costing you more money.

5. Use your senses.

You have five physical senses and one natural instinct. If you smell or hear anything unusual after turning your furnace on for the first time, do not ignore it. Investigate. Call an expert if needed. It is much better safe than sorry.

6. Schedule maintenance by an HVAC technician.

Prevention is the best solution. To save yourself a headache later, have your heating and cooling system regularly checked by a licensed technician to inspect functionality and structure. Much like scheduling annual physicals at the doctor, it is far better to locate a problem at its source before it becomes unfixable.

ABE Heating & Cooling is located in Brighton, Colorado, and serves the Denver Metro Area, as well as the cities between Denver and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Contact us and schedule your maintenance appointment today.