The temperature is cooling off and this changeover usually means you can do without your heating and air conditioning until the winter season sets in. You could see some of your lowest utility bills of the year. But sooner or later you will need to start up your furnace. And if this is the first time you are switching it on you might notice some problems.
1. Change the Filter
This is something you should be doing every couple of months. But if you haven’t been using your air conditioning or furnace much you may have put it off. But now that we are at peak usage for your furnace it is important to get back in the habit. Change your filters every thirty days to keep your unit running at peak efficiency.
2. Clear the Furnace Room
If your furnace room has gained some clutter in the off-season, now is the time to make sure you have proper clearance. Make sure you get rid of any combustible materials like rags, mops, and paper. Also, make sure nothing is blocking airflow to the unit. This will also give the service technician easy access to your heating and air conditioning system.
3. Clean and Service your Furnace
With the furnace still off you should conduct a thorough inspection of accessible areas. Your furnace should be free of black soot and combustion residue. You also want to inspect the ducts. Check for gaps at any branching points or loose connections. If you find any openings seal them tightly with foil tape. You also want to hire a professional to come and give your furnace an annual tune-up. Their inspection and minor repairs will prolong the life of your HVAC system and ensure you have proper operation when the time comes.
4. Test the Thermostat
Even though your thermostat seemed fine while running the air conditioning, it is important to make sure it also performs well in heating mode. Make sure it turns on and that you have proper airflow. You also want to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
5. Clear Out Dust
Just as with anything else in your home, months of inactivity have probably left your furnace a little dusty. It can accumulate in your ducts and vents. Typically it will go unnoticed until this first switchover. But once you turn the furnace on you might notice a slight burning smell as the dust turns to toast. Burning dust is usually harmless and happens at the start of every furnace season. But if the odor really bothers you can activate the furnace in early fall and open the windows for better ventilation. This will help clear out the dust in a matter of minutes. But if the smell lingers on, beyond those first few uses, it may be time to call back your HVAC professional.
Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business. We have been serving the Bay Area since 2002. We provide the highest quality materials and equipment. To contact us for your annual service or furnace repair in San Jose, CA, call (669) 219-8957. Or stop by our shop at 1045 N 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112.
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