Get your Furnace in Tip Top Shape!

While fall doesn’t officially arrive until September 23rd, the sights, and flavours (pumpkin spice, anyone?) are in the air. While we can have some mild days on the Prairies during the month of September, we all know what is coming. The days will get shorter, the air will get brisker, and your furnace will be needed sooner rather than later. Now is an ideal time to start preparing your furnace for the cold weather to come, so you aren’t left scrambling in the bitter cold. Last week, we offered our tips to get your plumbing ready for fall, and today we want to discuss some pointers to ensure your furnace is in tip top shape as well. 

Schedule your regular maintenance early 

The early bird gets the worm! And stays warm and toasty. Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure your furnace doesn’t fail in the middle of a cold snap is to have the Action team come and do preventative maintenance.  

Whether natural gas, propane or oil, your furnace burns fuel to warm your home. As you begin to use it more frequently, you want to make sure your loved ones are protected from harm. Having your furnace checked for any cracks or issues will prevent gas or carbon monoxide from seeping into your home. Since these emissions can lead to serious health problems or even death, maintenance is key to keeping your family safe and in good health. 

Our team can clean your unit, make sure all parts are working effectively, and give you some peace of mind (as well as extend its life). Don’t get stuck making panicked emergency calls during the first dip below minus twenty.  

Change your filter 

Installing a fresh filter before your furnace’s busy season begins will help it work more efficiently, and avoid putting strain on your furnace fan, which will help avoid unnecessary repair work. It will also make sure your air quality remains high, to help you ward off respiratory illnesses.  

Inspect and clean 

Look around your furnace and make sure that nothing has been placed too close to the unit. Check ducts and vents so they are clear of blockages and debris. You can use a soft bristle brush to gently dust the inner components of the furnace, and then vacuum out any dust and debris. If you can, especially if anyone suffers from allergies, asthma, or respiratory illnesses, have the ductwork professionally cleaned. 

A clean, and well-maintained unit works more optimally, so get rid of any dirt and debris that may impact its efficiency. 

Check your thermostat 

When the time comes, and the nights start getting cooler, remember to change your thermostat from cooling to heating. Set your smart thermostat programs to lower the temperature at night, and when you are away from your home. You might even want to test your furnace right now, after doing the basic maintenance, to make sure everything is working properly. 

To book an appointment, give us a call. We want to make sure you stay toasty and warm all season long!