Tips Before Turning Heat on For First Time in Winter
As fall creeps along and winter looms, homeowners in Paw Paw, MI are getting ready to turn on their furnaces for the first time. But, that initial start can be a shock to your heating system. And, since it’s sat unused for months, there’s a real possibility of mechanical failure.
So, before the real cold sets in, you want to make sure everything is working properly. Trust us, a little bit of preventive maintenance will go a long way. But, before you call our team, there are a few things you should check on your own.
Winter HVAC Checklist
Whether you’ve smelled burning dust, heard unusual noises, or noticed a distinct lack of warm air coming from your vents, you should do a few things before scheduling your annual furnace tune-up. So, before turning on your heater, follow these three simple tips to ensure your heating system is ready to go.
Check Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Before turning on your furnace, you’ll want to check its air filter. A dirty filter can reduce your home’s air quality, cause uneven heating, and higher energy bills. But, worse yet, dirty air filters can cause costly damage to your HVAC system.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Once you’ve replaced your filter, you should test your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. And, if they’re battery operated, you’ll likely want to replace the batteries. To test your CO detectors, simply press and hold the ‘test’ button.
Check Your Thermostat
Lastly, you’ll want to ensure that the brain of your heating system is working. If your thermostat is improperly configured or not functioning, your furnace won’t know when it needs to heat your home. Luckily, a broken or unconfigured thermostat is very easy to fix.
Need Help Kickstarting Your Heating System?
If you’re preparing to turn on your furnace for this first time, you’ll want to schedule an HVAC tune-up. As a way to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your system, we recommend you schedule them twice per year, once during the winter and once during the summer.
At Fleetwood’s Heating & Cooling, we strive to offer the best HVAC services in Paw Paw, MI and all of Southwest Michigan. So, if you’ve checked your filter, tested your detectors, and verified your thermostat is working, reach out to us to handle the rest!