The heating system in your home is perhaps the most crucial point during the winter months, and the time to check your furnace and other heating appliances is in the fall. Give your system a test run to make sure everything is operating properly. Preparing your home for winter can help you save money by preventing any sort of damages that may occur. Take a look at our pre-winter heating checklist below to learn more about how to prepare your home for winter. Also, be sure to check out our future checklists so you can stay prepared for seasonal weather.
Pre-Winter Heating System Checklist
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Check Your Filters:Check to ensure that you have a new air filter before running your furnace. It’s an easy step to ensure that you have clean air and no airflow issues with the heating of your home. Each furnace has its own requirements for air filter sizes, so check the manufacturer recommendations for your unit.
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Seasonal Maintenance: You can schedule to have a professional check your furnace seasonally to ensure everything is in working order.
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Testing The Heat Unit: Turn your thermostat to heat mode and set it to 80 degrees, only for testing purposes. You should hear your furnace turn on, and warm air should begin to flow within a couple of minutes. If the furnace is running fine turn the thermostat back to its normal setting. If you have issues or are not receiving heat contact a professional HVAC company to check your unit.
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Inspect And Clean Vents: Clear any obstacles from your heating vents, so air can freely flow. If you have not cleaned your vents and ducts for a few years you may want to have a professional come and clean your ducts.
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Check For Carbon Monoxide: Running a furnace during the winter season can increase the chance of carbon monoxide leaks in your home. Be sure to have a working and tested carbon monoxide detector in multiple spots throughout your home.
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Check Exhaust Vents: Some furnaces, boilers, and water heaters vent through a chimney, while others may vent through a sidewall. Make sure these vents are open and free of obstructions. A vent that has not been used can become blocked which will affect how well your heating unit works.