It’s that time of year again for candy, costumes, and comfy heat in your home! But first, you need to take some steps to ensure your system is ready:
1. Prevent gas leaks
If you smell gas after your heat comes on, then turn off your system immediately and contact a licensed Weather Master technician for help. You might sense a dangerous smell from your furnace if it’s natural gas (which has no odor, but gas companies in Raleigh add a rotten egg odor to it so that you can detect a gas leak!). Also, keep in mind the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak from your heating system and that carbon monoxide is odorless. So, the best way to prevent spooky, scary gas leaks is to ensure you’ve had your furnace inspected and also that you’ve changed the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector.
A Weather Master tech will inspect your system, checking for any leaks from the heat exchanger or burners to the flue gas pipe. Leaks can be anywhere, so that’s why it’s best to have a professional do the inspection.
2. Change your filter
Changing your air filter before (or shortly after) turning your furnace on for the year is a good idea for a few reasons. First, it will ensure the air your family breathes is clean because the clogged air filter stops picking up allergens and dust. Second, it will prevent any damage to the furnace heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is the heart of your heating system – so replacing your air filter ensures you’ll have a healthy home this winter! Lastly, a clogged air filter can cost you money on your heating bill – your system will need to work harder to circulate air, and your heating bills will go up as a result. The Department of Energy says replacing dirty filters can lower your energy bills by up to 15%![1]
3. Clean around the system
Here’s the version of a furnace tune-up that you can do yourself! Get rid of any debris, dust, or dirt near your furnace, especially something flammable like paper. You can also clean around the outside of the system and vacuum or wipe off exterior parts of the furnace.
4. Get a furnace tune-up
Last but not least, although there are many steps you can take yourself to get your furnace ready for the home heating season, there’s one thing you want to leave to the pros. A furnace tune-up! Each year Weather Master technicians will put your furnace through its paces, checking for any potential problems that might lead to an expensive repair later in the season. We check all of the parts in your system, including the burners and ignition components, valves, motors, and blower fan. A tune-up can save you money by ensuring your system runs efficiently and that there are no breakdowns! Schedule an appointment online or call now: (919) 853-7910