It’s time to prepare your gas hookup for the cold months. Winter is just around the corner which means it’s time once again to prepare your home for the frigid weather conditions. It’s time to insulate your plumbing, pack up the lawn equipment, and tune up appliances in need of a tune-up, especially the heating appliances. If your home relies on gas to stay warm, then there is a list of important maintenance tasks to do before the snow starts to stick.
Here’s How You Can Stay Toasty this Winter
Your gas hookup furnace requires routine cleaning and maintenance to operate efficiently and effectively for the winter season. It’s always a good rule of thumb to catch a potential problem as early as possible. Any damage, no matter how small, if left untreated can eventually result in expensive repairs and dangerous safety hazards. Annual inspections done by a licensed HVAC technician helps to ensure your furnace is functioning as best as possible. To stay warm, here’s how you can prepare your gas furnace this winter season.
Check the ventilation system. One of the most important components of your gas furnace is the ventilation. Similar to your air conditioner, your furnace works to circulate and ventilate heat throughout your house. That’s why it’s important to make sure all air ducts, vents, and filters are clean and clear of obstructing debris. Your duct system over time can break down and crack open, especially at the joints. Any air leaks in your ventilation system should be sealed up as soon as possible. Duct tape serves as a quick temporary fix, but it’s not a permanent solution. If you notice any problems with your ventilation system, it’s best to contact an HVAC technician.
Replace air filters. Your gas hookup furnace has an air filter that occasionally needs replacing. Changing the air filter can depend on the furnace, the house if you have pets, and how often your furnace is in use. A dirty air filter not only makes it harder for your gas hookup furnace to heat up your house, it’s also circulating dirty air. A good general rule of thumb is to replace your furnace’s air filter at least once a month. A clean filter ensures your gas furnace is heating effectively.
Adjust the thermostat settings. If your current thermostat is old or inefficient, now may be a good time to purchase a smart programmable thermostat. Newer smart thermostats allow you to customize your heating settings, automatically adjusting temperatures to a set schedule. Smart thermostats nowadays can even be controlled and monitored from your smartphone or tablet, making it easier for you to save money.
Inspect the blower motor. Your gas furnace’s blower motor is responsible for delivering heated air throughout your house and it needs a clean space in order to operate effectively. Keep an eye out for rust and standing water, and keep your furnace clear of all dust and debris. Just like the filter, dust and debris make it harder for the blower motor to do its job right, so keep your gas furnace clean. If your gas furnace is squeaking, there may be some components that need lubricating. It’s best, however, to leave all other tasks beyond cleaning to a professional.
Remove any fire hazards. Your safety is always a top priority, that’s why it’s important to keep all fire hazards and combustibles away from your gas hookup furnace. Cleaning products, aerosols, blankets, and paints, should all be stored at a safe distance away, preferably in a separate room from your furnace.
Vacuum dust and debris. Thoroughly cleaning your gas furnace is important, but cleaning the entire room of dust and debris can help tremendously. Make sure when cleaning your gas furnace, to clean all dust and debris from the inside and all around it.
Install a carbon monoxide detector. Another helpful safety precaution is to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. They’re relatively cheap and can be found at your local hardware store. Make sure not to place it 15 feet within the gas furnace as that can trigger a false alarm.
A Little Gas Hookup Preparation Keeps You Warm and Comfortable
The winter season can be a harsh time for you and your home, but it doesn’t have to be that way if you’re prepared. If your gas furnace is well maintained, it can handle even the worst of winter conditions. A well-prepared gas furnace, however, requires some work, from you and an HVAC technician who can thoroughly inspect your system. Nobody wants to deal with a busted furnace. Make sure you have an HVAC technician prepare your furnace this winter.
Call Essig Plumbing & Heating to schedule a heating inspection today!
