It’s that time of the year when your furnace kicks in to overdrive to keep the chill at bay. We cannot stress enough the importance of yearly maintenance, both for the life of the furnace and for your family to enjoy a comfortable fall and winter season.

Furnace maintenance can be done at any time of the year, but it always pays to get the job done during late summer or early fall. Even if you’re fond of DIY, it is always a good idea to have this job done by a HVAC professional.

Keep in mind that not all HVAC professionals will perform their yearly maintenance in exactly the same manner. If you wish to understand exactly what is included in the service, be sure to ask the HVAC company before the technician comes over.

Getting your furnace ready for winter can be simple with these top tips. Read on.

Here’s a checklist of the services usually performed with fall furnace maintenance:

• Taking pressure readings – a low pressure suggests that your system isn’t running as it should or there is a leak somewhere.
• Checking the heat exchanger – if there’s rust or cracks in the heat exchanger, it must be repaired right away, since this is a typical source of carbon monoxide leaks.
• Testing and examining the blower parts – the belts and the fan that keeps the furnace turning may need replacement.
• Checking the flue – the flue must be free of leaks and properly cleaned, since it is responsible for removing carbon monoxide safely from your home.
• Testing the burner – the color and shape of the flame can signal potential problems or red flags.
• Calibrating the thermostat – you could be heating too little or paying too much if your thermostat is not taking accurate readings.
• Lubricating moving parts
• Checking all electrical connections
• Replacing the furnace filter
• Cleaning the central system

Fall furnace maintenance that you can DIY:

You also have a role to play in your yearly fall furnace maintenance.

• Clean your vents – they collect dust over time. For best results, remove the covers and scrub them in soapy water.
• Replace your filters – we recommend that you purchase a few disposable filters at a time, unless you are using a washable filter. Write the date on the cardboard frame before you install a new filter so you can be sure of when you last replaced it.
• Ensure that your furnace can breathe – are your vents blocked, or are they blowing air toward the center of the room? Look for every vent in your home and ensure that the air has a clear path. The room will not heat efficiently if you have a couch blocking on one of your air vents.

Getting your furnace ready for winter will surely set you up for a warm and cozy season. Remember that hiring a professional to service your furnace may cost you every year, but it’s less expensive than replacing your entire system. If your fall furnace maintenance is overdue, it’s wise to make an appointment right away.