5 Steps to Take Before Turning On Your Furnace This Fall

Weather in Wisconsin has officially turned to the seasonably cool side after a long, warm summer. As you woke up this morning, you may have thought “WOW! It’s chilly in here — we should turn the furnace on soon.” However, before you do so, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your furnace is in safe, working order. Below, we discuss five ways to prepare your furnace for winter.

1. Check Your Filter

You should check and change your furnace’s air filter every few months. If you have allergies or pets that shed, you may want to change the filter more often. Keeping your air filter clean helps your furnace deliver heat faster and with less dust.

2. Make Sure Your Vents Are Uncovered

Over the summer, you may have rearranged some rooms and covered heating vents that you have since forgotten about. You may need to rethink that arrangement over winter, since blocked vents prevent heat from warming your house. Additionally, make sure the area around your furnace is clear. Clutter around the furnace is a fire hazard and can also prevent easy maintenance and repair if something goes wrong.

3. Test Your Safety Monitors

You should have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Before you turn on your furnace for the season, it is a great time to test your systems to make sure they are working properly and the batteries are still fresh. If an alarm goes off or shows a reading, turn off the furnace right away and call a technician, as there may be a dangerous condition. Open the windows, leave the house, and avoid turning on the heat again until a professional has assessed the situation.

4. Pay Attention to Unusual Sounds & Smells

It is normal for your furnace to smell when you first turn it on. Over the summer, dust settles and it is inevitable that it will burn off when the furnace starts. To get rid of the smell, open a window during the warmer part of the day. If the smell persists, call H.J. Faust, Inc. to come out and take a look — it could indicate a more serious problem with your furnace. In addition, if your furnace is making any strange or grinding noises, turn it off and wait for the advice of a professional.

5. Sign Up for Our Annual Maintenance Plan

Annual maintenance should happen more than once a year if you have an A/C and furnace. The spring/summer checkup is focused on getting your system ready to cool, and the fall/winter checkup prepares it to heat. With current supply chain challenges, it could be harder to get the system that is best for you and your home. The Annual Maintenance Plan from H.J. Faust, Inc. can provide you with peace of mind for each season.

We hope you can use these tips as you turn on your furnace for the first time this season. Stay comfy and cozy.