Your Annual Fall Furnace Check Up
Fall is the best time of year for homeowners to perform preventative maintenance on their many home features, including their furnace. While much of the HVAC maintenance can be done yourself, it may also be a good idea to hire a reliable HVAC specialist. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire someone, schedule it in advance and get it on your calendar!
It’s been proven that regular maintenance of your HVAC is more cost effective in the long run, and regular check-ups can lengthen the life of your unit, and keep your indoor air cleaner, and even lower energy costs. Furnace inspections should be done now to diagnose problems before the cold Chicago winter arrives. After all, who wants to call the repair man when it’s 10 degrees outside?
Preparing your HVAC for the fall and winter
1. Check your thermostat
Do you notice it sometimes feels like the temperature is just “off” inside your home? It may seem like the furnace is constantly running, but it’s just not kicking in. You may have to replace your thermostat. You should consider purchasing a smart thermostat that can be controlled through an app on your smartphone. This will allow for better energy efficiency by creating a heating and cooling schedule. You can also monitor the temperature and make adjustments on the go by using your phone.
2. Change your air filter
Another important factor for the air quality in the home is to keep changing the filters - this allows better air quality in the home. Most electronic thermostats will let you know when filters are dirty. It’s a good idea to change them in the fall, after the allergy season is over.
3. Cleaning your vents
Vents should to be checked for debris and blockages every once in a while. When vents haven’t been cleaned, they can house mold, dead insects and other pests. Blocked vents can also be a contributing factor in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure you do your regular maintenance on your furnace, and remember that fall is the ideal season for an HVAC your appointment. Do it today, and be assured that the small cost for upkeep is well worth not making that service call in the dead of winter.
