FALL FURNACE TIPS |
Posted: October 12, 2018 |
It appears jack frost has decided to visit Edmonton early this year! And with the sudden change of temperatures, it is quite for furnaces to fail heading into the fall/winter months after being relatively dormant all summer. This can result in expensive, unexpected repairs for some homeowners. However, there are steps you can take yourself to ensure this is not the case with winter coming on strong already. Here is a list of things you can do in the next 20 minutes to save yourself from a cold night in the middle of winter! 1) CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER – Even if your furnace system is rarely used or very new, it’s filters can still become clogged with dust, lint, debris and other small pollutant particles; Especially if you have pets in your homes. For adequate air flow, remove the filter and give it a good cleaning to remove all dust/particles. This will help keep your furnace running efficiently, reduce the dust in your duct system, and help prevent a potential fire. 2) CHECK THE THERMOSTAT – To extend the lifespan of your furnace system, lower the temperature when you are away or not at home to reduce the work load on the furnace (ensure to keep it warm enough that pipes will not freeze). If you feel the temperature in your home or in certain rooms does not match the thermostat setting, check it for malfunctions. Some thermostats may require new batteries, while other models need to be replaced completely. Learning the functions of your thermostat with the owners manual will help you understand whether your thermostat is broken or simple requires programming. A new smart-home thermostat can be a great option for some homes who want more control. 3) KEEP REGISTERS CLEAN AND OPEN – The more frequent you keep your registers closed while your furnace is on, the more heat build up of dust there is in the furnace and ducts of your home. If you have multiple floor and roof registers but are closing them due to excessive heat, try turning the temperature down to avoid this. For better efficiency, it is also best to keep the registers clean and clear as well. Ensure there is nothing blocking the airflow in each room (boxes, clothes, toys, furniture, ect) and remove all dust/debris by giving the vent a quick rinse in the sink. 4) SCHEDULE AN ANNUAL HVAC INSPECTION – An annual furnace inspection is the best way to avoid a breakdown or major cost. Even if you follow all the maintenance tips, your furnace can break down and have mechanical errors. Our team at Vigor Mechanical will check all the filters, motor parts, and connected equipment to ensure your furnace is running as efficient as possible. We may be able to recommend replacing minor parts as well to avoid a bigger break in the near future. 5) KEEP THE DRAPES OPEN DURING THE DAY: Let in as much natural light as possible in the day time so that your furnace does not have to work so hard, but be sure to close the drapes or blinds once it gets dark. This also helps keep the cold air from your window out of the room. The goal is to have your furnace prepared for when the -40 days of Edmonton hit (which may be sooner than later) and to avoid frantic emergency calls in the middle of the night. If you have not had an furnace inspection in the last 2-5 years, now is a great time to get it done. Give Vigor Plumbing & Heating a call if you live in the Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, or surrounding area. We would be happy to help you keep your home warm heading into the holiday season! Visit our website at www.vigorheating.ca or call (780) 498-9939.
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