Starting your furnace for winter months is a task home owners have to do every year. It is also a task that many homeowners do not think about during the warm summer months.
As the colder months are fast approaching, now is the time to start thinking about starting your furnace for winter.
With the warm spring and summer in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, chances are your furnace has been turned off for five to six months. During the time your furnace has been out of commission, dust has piled up and there is a chance parts can malfunction if you turn it on right away, potentially costing you time and money.
It’s important to be aware of the steps that need to be taken in order to safely start your furnace for winter. Being prepared and turning on your furnace before the cold weather settles in will give you a chance to address any repairs required. Simply put, its just good planning ahead.
5 steps before starting your furnace for winter
1. Annual maintenance
2. Check air filter
3. Clear nearby obstructions
4. Check vents and registers
5. Carbon monoxide check
1. Annual maintenance
Scheduling an annual maintenance for your furnace will help detect any issues and ensure it is ready and working efficiently during the cold winter months. Universal Plumbing and Heating professionals can perform your annual furnace maintenance in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Schedule your appointment now.
2. Check air filter
Checking the air filter in your HVAC system will ensure clean airflow in your home throughout the year. It is recommended that you check the air filter in your HVAC system at least once a month, especially if you have an older furnace or pets. Remember to clean or replace your air filter before turning on your furnace for the winter season.
3. Clear nearby obstructions
The area around the furnace should always be clear of any obstructions, especially those that have a potential cause for fire. If there is anything obstructing your furnace, make sure it is removed prior to turning it on for the season.
4. Check vents and registers
It is always important to ensure the area around the individual vents is kept clear and free from obstructions as well. Before turning on your furnace, make sure that all registers are open, even in the rooms where you do not normally leave them open. This is an important step in the process, as it will allow for greatest overall efficiency.
5. Carbon monoxide check
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that can easily build up without notice. Due to is nature, carbon monoxide it is extremely dangerous. For the safety of you and everyone in your home, check your carbon monoxide alarm. Make sure the batteries are new to ensure accurate alarm readings.
Following these 5 steps before starting your furnace for winter will help with safety. Once you have completed the five steps above, turn on your furnace at the thermostat and ensure that it is heating your home as it should.
Turning on your furnace before the weather gets colder in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland is a good idea. It will give you a chance to address any issues if they arise.
If you uncover any issues or concerns during the process of starting your furnace for winter, call the experts from Universal Plumbing and Heating at 604-873-3551.
Universal Plumbing and Heating professionals will detect the issue and make recommendations based on the best solution for your home and budget. Visit our website to book an appointment today. We offer 24/7 emergency services.
