6 Things to Do BEFORE You Turn On Your Furnace

Wondering When You Should Turn on Your Furnace This Year?

Since Fall is in full swing, evenings in Maryland and Washington, DC are getting colder. You may even be thinking it’s time to turn on your heating system for the first time. Before you turn on your furnace, make sure you take the proper steps below to assure your system will run efficiently and safely.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance

When it is almost time to turn on your furnace, schedule heating maintenance. Maintenance is when a professional HVAC contractor inspects, cleans, and lubricates all parts so your furnace so it runs efficiently all winter long. Maintenance can prolong the life of your system and help prevent frequent breakdowns. If you are in the Maryland or DC area, contact Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical to schedule heating maintenance.

Clear all Vents from Debris

Before you turn on your furnace, make sure all of your vents are clear from debris, including:

• Rugs
• Furniture
• Toys
• And more!

Obstacles that are blocking vents can cause your unit to run more than it needs to, which may increase your electric bills!

Switch Thermostat to “Heat”

It may sound simple, but many families assume their heating system will automatically kick on once temperatures drop. To turn on your furnace, make sure that your thermostat is switched to heat so your furnace knows when it is OK to turn on.

Change Furnace Filter

If you scheduled furnace maintenance, the HVAC technician should have cleaned and changed your furnace filter. However, if you did not schedule maintenance, be sure to switch your filter. Filters can be bought at any local hardware store and can be easily installed. A clean filter will help your heating unit run efficiently and safely.

Test Safety Detectors

Before you turn on your furnace, be sure to test all detectors, including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector.  Rarely, a furnace can cause hazardous fumes that can cause serious injury to those who breathe it in. Carbon monoxide alarms can help prevent your family from breathing in deadly fumes in the case of a malfunction.

Test Furnace

After you take the steps listed above, it is time to test your heating system. While testing your furnace, make sure it:

• Isn’t making strange noises
• Is producing heat
• Turns off once the home is heated

LEARN MORE:

Our technician, Jack, goes through his “Fall Furnace Tips” in this video…check it out! 

 More Information from Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical

Before you turn on your furnace, follow the steps listed above. If you need any additional information and would like to schedule heating maintenance in the Washington, DC and Maryland area, give us a call or contact us online!