Get Your Furnace Ready for Summer

Just because it’s almost summer doesn’t mean you should completely ignore your furnace. This is especially true if it’s part of a larger HVAC unit that provides cooling in the summer. But, even if you don’t use air conditioning, there are a few things you should do now that the weather is warmer.

Turn on your fan

Having the fan on helps to better circulate air in your house so that heat doesn’t get trapped in the attic, leaving all of the cool air for the basement. Running it in the summer helps to keep the air temperature more balanced throughout and can actually extend the longevity of your unit.

Check your furnace for a switch that will turn the fan on, but leave the burners unignited. If you don’t see a switch, check your thermostat for the “fan” and “heat/cool” settings – the fan will usually have two options: auto and on. Switch your setting to on to have your fan blow throughout the summer.

Check your vents

There is no point in running your fan if the vents aren’t open or are obstructed. Go through your house and make sure all of your vents are visibly clean, unblocked, and not covered by furniture or anything else. Make sure you can actually feel the air coming from your registers.

Now is also a great time to clean your ducts. This helps prolong the life of your unit and improves air quality inside, especially if you have anyone living in the home who has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues.

Clean your filter

To make sure that you’re being kind to your furnace and your air quality, as well as ensuring that the fan can actually get air circulating, you need to make sure your furnace filters are cleaned or replaced. Now is a perfect time to complete this task. It will also help cut down on extra dust that will be blown throughout your home.

Now is the time of the year where we largely ignore our furnaces. But, for optimum comfort for you and your furnace, make sure you take a little time to get it summer-ready.