Winters in New England are frigid, with temperatures regularly falling into the single digits, especially in January. During the cold winter months, your furnace becomes the most important system in your home. After sitting idle for months during the spring and summer, your heater may not be ready for the winter temperatures ahead.
Proper maintenance in the fall ensures your furnace is ready for safe operation.
Schedule a Professional Furnace Inspection
Inspection is the ideal way to ensure your furnace is ready for the winter months. We recommend scheduling professional HVAC maintenance in early fall before you need to turn your furnace on for the season.
During this appointment, we will inspect for signs of wear and tear and identify any system component issues that may require replacement. Our technicians will clean burners, check heat exchangers, and test the safety controls. These steps help you avoid the risk of mid-season breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your furnace. They can also help you lower your monthly heating costs.
Even a new furnace can benefit from yearly maintenance. Professional maintenance keeps your warranty valid and helps find minor issues before they escalate into bigger problems. By scheduling service earlier in the fall, you can avoid the seasonal rush that occurs in winter.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Your furnace not only keeps your home warm but also plays a role in indoor air quality. Clogged filters restrict airflow and can release dust and contaminants into your home, potentially increasing upper respiratory distress.
You should replace most disposable air filters every one to three months or as the manufacturer recommends. If your system uses a washable filter, clean it thoroughly before winter begins, and check it periodically throughout the cold season.
Keeping your furnace filters changed helps your system heat effectively and prevents unnecessary wear and tear from dirt and grime buildup. Our expert technicians at Bean's Heating & Air are always here if you need filter recommendations.
Inspect and Clean the Vents
Blocked or dirty vents can reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. Before turning your furnace on for the winter, it’s helpful to perform a quick check of your vents and registers to ensure they are clean and free from dirt and debris.
Check your vents for blockages by curtains or furniture that could obstruct proper airflow. Also, consider scheduling a professional ductwork inspection to ensure there are no openings or issues with sealants.
Test the Thermostat
The thermostat is what tells your furnace to switch on and off according to the set temperature. If it does not communicate effectively, your furnace will not heat as it should. Early in the season, we recommend testing your thermostat by switching it to Heat mode and verifying that everything functions correctly. It’s also essential to change your batteries. We usually recommend doing this around the same time you check your smoke alarms.
Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
Furnaces need adequate space to operate correctly. To avoid fire hazards, don’t store boxes or cleaning materials near your furnace. Before fall, we recommend checking around your furnace and removing any debris that could prohibit proper airflow.
Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
A furnace that burns natural gas or propane releases deadly carbon monoxide. Although properly working furnaces vent these gases outdoors, cracks in the heat exchanger or a blocked flue can allow the gases to enter your home.
Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you need a detector to ensure your safety. Checking both detectors and installing new batteries for the season will give you peace of mind and help to keep your household safe.
Check the Flue
Your furnace flue carries combustion gases outside of your home. However, it can become blocked with leaves, nesting materials, and debris, which can prevent the escape of gases. Fall is the perfect time to make sure the flue is open and unobstructed.
Inspect the Pilot Light
Older furnaces rely on pilot lights, while newer models have an electronic ignition system. If your furnace has a pilot light, confirm that it burns steadily with a blue flame. The ignition system ensures that your furnace starts correctly and heats your home effectively.
Stay Ahead of the Cold
Preparing your furnace in the fall is about more than your comfort; it is a safeguard against the dangers of winter heating. Properly maintained heating systems operate more efficiently and safely. You are also less likely to experience a breakdown on a cold winter night.
Bean's Heating & Air in Portland, ME is a family-owned and -operated AC and heating services company. We understand the unique climate challenges of the area and can help ensure your furnace is ready for the bitter cold of winter. Our team installs, maintains, and repairs all heating and cooling systems.
Don’t neglect fall furnace preparation! Contact Bean's Heating & Air today to schedule furnace maintenance in Portland.
