Have you had your furnace inspection yet? While it may seem like it’s too early, now is the perfect time to have a furnace inspection in time for winter!
Let’s face it – cold weather is on its way, and having a furnace inspection is the only way you can be absolutely sure that your furnace will be able to carry you through the winter months comfortably! The best thing you can do for your furnace every year is to have it inspected early on – we’re talking late September early October. Why? Think about it – would you rather have an HVAC tech come out and spot any problems with your furnace now, or in the dead of winter when it breaks down and the streets are blocked with snow?
Not having a furnace tune up at the beginning of the heating season can cause a number of problems. Not only do you risk your furnace breaking down at the worst possible time, but you also potentially compromise your own personal safety by causing dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide to escape into your home.
A typical furnace tune up and inspection consists of the following:
- Safety test for carbon monoxide (CO)
- Check for hazardous debris in the chimney and flue
- Clean air filters and re-install
- Check operation of thermostat and safety controls
- Check gas pilot safety system and clean as required
- Clean motor and fan
- Check blower operation
- Check condition, tension and alignment of fan belt, and perform required adjustments
- Clean burners and set for proper combustion & ignition
- Check gas piping to furnace
What can you do in lieu of furnace inspection?
There are many things you can do on your own (in addition to having a furnace inspection) that will help keep your furnace in tip-top shape. Some of these things include:Testing your CO detector – test your CO detector (by hitting the test button) to make sure it works. Replace the battery at this time as well. Don’t have a CO detector? Get one! They are extremely important, particularly during the winter when your furnace is constantly running.
Keeping your furnace clear – make sure there are no clothes, lint or furniture blocking airflow to your furnace. Also make sure there is nothing flammable stored near the furnace that could explode given the chance.
Changing your air filter – this one is extremely important! Clogged filters can significantly restrict airflow to your furnace and seriously hurt its performance. Disposable air filters are pretty cheap, so stock up before you turn your furnace on and change them once a month.
