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Starting Your Furnace for the First Time This Season

starting-your-furnace-for-the-first-time-this-season

As the weather begins to cool down and the leaves start to change color, it’s time to start thinking about firing up your furnace for the first time this season and getting your home ready for a Michigan winter. With the ending of summer and fall in the air the cold weather is right around the corner and making sure your furnace is ready to go is important. We’ll include some tips to ensure your furnace is ready and what to do in case it isn’t.

There are many different models of furnaces today and each has their own startup sequences. While most of them are similar there may be slight differences. So be sure to check the documentation that came with your furnace if you are not sure. Or simply call an HVAC technician to come out and do it for you along with performing maintenance on the system. With that being said here are some things you can do to get the furnace ready to go for winter:

Check your furnace filter

The first step is to check your furnace filter and make sure it’s clean. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and make your furnace work harder than it needs to. This can lead to increased energy costs and unnecessary wear and tear on your furnace. If you’re not sure how to clean your filter, consult your furnace’s owner’s manual. Some furnaces have filters that are not accessible by home owners in which case you’ll need to call an HVAC technician.

Inspect vent pipes

Most modern furnaces have vent pipes which are routed outdoors to vent gases and intake fresh air. They are typically small PVC pipes. Inspect these pipes and make sure they are not blocked in any way. Sometimes grass clippings, flowers, or weeds can restrict the air flow in these pipes. They should be completely open to allow air to flow freely.

Inspect the furnace itself

Once you’ve checked the filter and vent pipes, take a look at the furnace itself to make sure there are no obvious signs of damage or wear and tear. If everything looks good, go ahead and give the furnace a test run by turning it on to the lowest setting. After a few minutes, you should feel warm air coming out of the vents. If you don’t feel any heat, or if you notice strange noises coming from the furnace, shut it off immediately and call a qualified technician for assistance.

Adjust the thermostat

Once you’ve verified that your furnace is working properly, it’s time to adjust the thermostat so that your home is comfortable all season long. Of course, you can adjust the temperature as needed based on your personal preferences. It’s a good time to look at your settings if you have a programmable thermostat as well to allow for more energy savings.

Monitor your energy usage

Although furnaces are one of the most common sources of energy consumption in homes, there are still ways to minimize your energy usage without sacrificing comfort. One way is to install a programmable thermostat so that you can automatically lower the temperature when nobody is home or when everyone is asleep. Additionally, make sure to seal any gaps or cracks around doors and windows so that heat doesn’t escape from your home unnecessarily. By following these tips, you can keep your home cozy all winter long while also saving money on your energy bill!

With these simple steps, firing up your furnace for the first time this season will be a breeze! Just remember to check the filter, vent pipes, and inspect the furnace itself. You should also adjust the thermostat and monitor your energy usage throughout the winter months. It’s also a great time to get annual maintenance on the furnace as well.

Routine maintenance on your home’s furnace can ensure it lasts longer, uses less energy, and gives you peace of mind on those cold nights. Here at Superior Comfort HVAC we offer furnace repair and replacement as well as annual maintenance on furnaces. Give us a call today if you need help with your furnace, we’re glad to help! Call (734) 818-7141 to schedule service today.

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