Issue 40.16
Fall is just beginning in Southern Utah, the last thing most people want to consider are the chilly temps and morning frost coming right around the corner. Unfortunately, putting off chores like furnace or heat pump maintenance can create more headaches for homeowners very quickly as summer transitions into fall.
It is a common misconception that a furnace or heat pump system will operate just as well when it is turned on in the fall as it did the last winter it was used. Here are some simple, inexpensive ways to prevent the costly emergency repairs that can put your family’s indoor comfort at risk.
Always take the time to clean out your main furnace or air handler appliance. Using a wand style vacuum, you can remove months of dirt, cobwebs, bugs and other debris that can present fire hazards and force your furnace system to work overtime. Take special care not to touch electrical wires attached to the furnace or air handler. Loosening or dislodging these wires can cause an electrical short. It is best to always shut the power off to your furnace or air handler before cleaning.
Remember to vacuum out heat registers and vents if you can reach them. Those pesky dust bunnies that hide in these spaces can get sucked into the heating system and cause a wide array of problems.
Change your furnace filter. Some homeowners believe that if that filter was changed relatively close to the end of use last winter, this step can be skipped come next fall. But even when a furnace or air handler system is not in use, the filters are still being filled up with dust mites, pet dander, cobwebs and other debris as the air conditioner runs.
Conducting a visual inspection of your furnace or air handler is a crucial step toward ensuring that your system is ready to take on those creeping fall chills. Once you’ve removed the dirt and replaced the filter, turn on the furnace or air handler and visually inspect the system’s igniters. If they fail to light or seem sluggish, call a professional to replace worn-out flame sensor, heat strips or igniters that can compromise your system and increase the amount of energy your furnace or air handler uses, which will be reflected in your monthly energy bills. If your system is a heat pump, make sure and turn the system to heat. Test to verify that warm air is coming out of your registers before it gets too cold. Heat pumps are slightly more complicated and should be inspected by a trained professional yearly.
Preparing your heating system for the upcoming fall season usually takes only an hour to complete. Considering all of the hassles and hazards it can prevent, this is an invaluable step that most homeowners can perform on their own. Please remember to check all of your Carbon Monoxide Detectors each year for correct operation.
Remember that having S&S Mechanical provide a 27 pt. Precision Tune Up can provide the extra piece of mind that your heating system is safe and ready for cold weather. For a limited time the 27 pt. Precision Tune Up is only $99.00 and includes a one free Carbon Monoxide Detector.