Fall Is Coming: Don’t Wait for Cold Air to Remind You Your Furnace Exists
Many of us haven’t thought about our furnace since spring. It’s been lounging in the basement, waiting to be called back into action. But fall’s creeping in, and before the temps drop for real, it’s a smart move to show your furnace a little love.
Here are a few easy things to check off the list before that first cold snap hits:
1. Swap the Filter (Just Do It)
If your furnace had a love language, it would be “quality airflow.” A clogged or dirty filter is one of the easiest ways to stress out your system. Replacing it takes five minutes, costs a few bucks, and keeps things running efficiently. Do this every 1-3 months during heating season—more often if you have pets or allergies.
2. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Sometimes it’s not the furnace—it’s the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and test it before you need it. If it doesn’t kick on right away, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. It’s better to find out now than on the coldest night of the year.
3. Clear the Area Around the Furnace
Over the summer, it’s easy for storage items to pile up around the furnace. But that clutter can restrict airflow or become a fire hazard. Give your furnace a little breathing room—at least a couple feet of clear space all around.
4. Listen and Smell
When the furnace first fires up, pay attention. A dusty smell for a few minutes? Normal. A strong gas odor or burning plastic smell? Not normal. Same goes for weird sounds like banging, squealing, or grinding. Trust your senses—they’re usually right.
5. Check the Exhaust Vent Outside
If your furnace vents through a PVC pipe outside, make sure nothing is blocking it—like spider webs, weeds, or your kid’s soccer ball. A blocked vent can cause your furnace to shut down or even build up dangerous carbon monoxide.
Bonus Tip: Consider a Professional Tune-Up
If your furnace is getting up there in years, or you just want peace of mind, now’s the time to schedule a checkup. A tech can catch small issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns—and usually, it’s cheaper to service before the busy season.
Final Thoughts
Furnaces don’t need a ton of attention—but ignoring them until it’s 20°F outside is never a good idea. A quick bit of maintenance now keeps your home warm, safe, and efficient all fall and winter long.
If you’d like help figuring out what your furnace needs, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help.
Premier Mechanical – www.claimyourcomfort.com – 720.207.6812