Sometimes you may not know what to expect when you turn your furnace on for the first time. This is why professional furnace maintenance is essential. No matter where you live, it may still cool down during the night, and you may want to turn your heat on to warm up. But before you can do that, you need to make sure that your furnace is in good working condition. Continue reading for some tips to prepare yourself for what to look for when switching your furnace on for the first time.
Tips for Checking Your Furnace
If you are turning your furnace on for the first time, here are several things to help prepare you.
Before turning your furnace on, ensure that your filter is clean. If you are unsure when you changed your filter last, it is likely overdue. Also, you need to make sure that the area around your furnace is free of clutter, boxes, and anything else that can pose a fire hazard. Finally, make sure that you test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, especially if they are powered by batteries.
You may notice a funny smell when you turn your furnace on for the first time. During the summer, you do not use your furnace, leaving dust to accumulate. This is what you smell when you turn the heater on. But, the good news is that the smell shouldn’t linger too long. However, if it does, it is time to call a professional HVAC company to check it out.
When turning on your furnace, be sure to watch out for warning signs. There may not be any issues, especially if you have been properly maintaining your furnace, but it is still a good thing to check. If you notice any strange noises or if your furnace sounds like it is in distress, it is time to call a professional for service to avoid further damage.
Never wait until you actually need your furnace to turn it on. This is a big mistake that many homeowners make. Knowing any potential issues with your furnace beforehand is important so you can already have it in your budget to have it repaired and ready for the colder weather.
Why Professional Maintenance Is Important
The only way to ensure your furnace will function properly this winter is by having it often serviced by a professional. It will ensure the following:
Improvement in air quality – If you do not change the air filters on your furnace, the air in your home can be affected. A dirty air filter will only circulate dust and other debris built up over time.
Reduction in utility bills – A well-maintained furnace can keep your utility bills down since your home will be heated efficiently. This also means not paying for expensive repairs.
Not as many future repairs – When you maintain your furnace, it will extend its lifespan and make malfunctions less likely to happen.
