Fall and winter maintenance tips for your furnace in Ohio.

Winters in Ohio can be brutal. For many people, a furnace is the main source of home heating when the weather starts turning chilly. During the summer months it can be easy to forget about furnace maintenance, but it’s very important to check a furnace and take care of any maintenance issues before it’s needed during cold weather. Performing a furnace check-up is not difficult, and a little time spent ahead of time can ensure that a furnace will be working safely and efficiently.
Make sure around the furnace is clear of flammable items
First, check the space around the furnace. There should not be anything flammable near the furnace. This includes items such as paint, paint thinner, gas cans, and even lawnmowers. This quick and easy step can prevent a fire or explosion when the furnace is in use.

Clean or Change the Filter

It’s also very important to clean or change the filters in the furnace. This is an important maintenance step that many people overlook. Dirty or overused filters can cause a furnace to work at less than full capacity and will restrict air flow. An overheated heat exchanger can also be the result of dirty filters.

Consider a Trial Run to Ensure Functionality

Furnaces should be given a trial run well before the furnace is needed. Any issues that arise during this trial run can be fixed before the cold weather begins. It’s important to also run the furnace during the winter even for people who are not home. A family member or neighbor should run the furnace for a few hours.

Thermostat Check

One obvious checkpoint to remember is the thermostat. Make sure that the thermostat is set to the on position and is set to the appropriate setting. This can be checked while the furnace is going through its trial run. Also, check to see if the access panels are securely in place and that all the hardware is fastened properly.

The above steps are easy to perform and can alert homeowners to any furnace problems before the cold season starts. If problems do arise or the furnace is old, a heating contractor can be brought in to assess the situation. There are a wide variety of high-efficiency furnaces that are efficient and cost-effective. As Ben Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

If you have any concerns, questions, or need support with your HVAC system, please feel welcome to call the team at H & H Plumbing Heating Cooling to help!