In this blog entry, the professional Denver HVAC cleaning service here at Air Improvement Denver will detail the most important things to do before turning on your furnace for the Autumn and Winter season.
What should I do before turning on my furnace?
- Check furnace filters. Clean the furnace filters according to its brand, and how often you use the furnace. The filter should be fully free of dirt or debris to lower workload on HVAC systems and improve general air quality.
- Replace your filters. It’s recommended that filters are replaced every 2-3 months, and more often if you have a large household, if people in your household have medical conditions, if someone smokes in your home, or if you have pets.
- Test the thermostat to make sure it’s working properly. Change the thermostat to heating mode, to a higher temperature than the current room temperature. If the heat does not activate, have the system checked.
- Test your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Do this before turning on the furnace, according to manufacturer instructions. We recommend replacing batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if in doubt. It’s best to do this at the beginning of the season for safety and peace of mind.
- Clean the entire area around the furnace. Rid any trash and debris from the area, and clean the vents of dirt and dust. Make sure to check all the vents in your home, as well as your air ducts.
- Make sure there are no leaks present. Leaks can cause strain on your heating system, as you will need to crank up the heat higher to achieve the intended temperature as air will be escaping from outside. Contact our professional team for assistance in checking your system for air leaks.
- Have your air ducts professionally cleaned and sanitized. This can remove hidden dirt, grime, and particulate matter – improving home air quality, and reduce the chances of obstructions damaging your heating system during the colder seasons.
- Inspect all of our outdoor vents on the exterior of your home. If you happen to have a high efficiency furnace, as is common in Colorado, make sure the intake and exhaust vents are fully free from debris. This will help your HVAC system last longer, improve air quality, and lower your energy consumption and electricity bills.
- Contact a professional HVAC and furnace system maintenance team like those here at Air Improvement Denver for assistance with setting up your Denver home or business furnace for the season.