While fall often kicks off with cool and refreshing breezes, they can catch you off guard and turn chill before you know it. Come winter in San Jose, CA it is time to turn up the thermostat. However, if this is the first time you have used your furnace in five months or longer, there are a few checks you want to do first. You don’t want an accident caused by a faulty heating system. These are simple things you can do on your own to help keep you safe and your furnace in top condition.
Steps for Checking Your Furnace
Here are is a short list of checks you should perform on your heating system before starting it up:
- General Visual Inspection
The first thing you want to do is look for any obvious signs that something could be wrong. Signs of rust or corrosion on the side panels or water spots on the floor around your gas furnace indicate there might be a more serious problem. Also look to see if your furnace has shifted or moved. If you see these signs, then you need to do a closer inspection before turning on the heat.
- Check Wiring
You are not going to do much with the control system, but you always want to err on the side of extreme caution when dealing with electrical power. Locate the power source for your gas furnace, either a breaker panel or switch and turn it off before performing your inspection. Check all wires for a cut or chaffed casings. You also want to gently bend the wires and ensure the casings do not have dry rot. Next, make sure all the connections are tight and there are no exposed wires.
- Examine General Mechanical Aspects
Check to make sure side panels are closed and securely fastened. Replace the furnace filter if you haven’t done so. Check the evaporator coil and make sure it isn’t ill-fitted or lose. Move the duct slightly at a connection point and if it shifts easily you might need to have the system re-sealed by a professional.
- Inspect Furnace Flue Pipe
You want to be sure the flue system is intact and not leaking. This exhaust system is where harmful carbon monoxide travels. To prevent leaks you want to be sure that all pipe joints are snug and sealed. You do not want any of the silent and deadly killer leaked into your home. This is one inspection best left to professionals, especially since your life depends on it.
- Call for Help
If you have any questions or concerns about your San Jose, CA furnace do not hesitate to call Pelle Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Our professionals can walk you through a quick inspection. Or, if you are not comfortable performing the checks yourself, we can come out and give your furnace a thorough inspection and tune up to get you ready for those colder temperatures. You can reach us at (669) 219-8957 or stop by 3751 Charter Park Court #D, San Jose, CA 95136.
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