After a long, cold winter, things are finally starting to warm up.
You’re probably starting seasonal yard work and updating your wardrobe, but what about the furnace? It’s another thing to add to your to-do list, but now is the perfect time to do some preventive maintenance. Preparing your furnace for the offseason can lower the risk of problems later on and keep you and your family safe.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ve prepared a simple four-step guide. Keep reading to learn more.
Step 1 — Test your carbon monoxide detectors. Gas-powered furnaces are incredibly efficient, but that doesn’t prevent them from releasing harmful carbon monoxide fumes. Because this gas is completely odorless and tasteless, you might not realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. One of the easiest ways to achieve peace of mind is with a carbon monoxide detector. We’re assuming you already have one, so take a few moments to test the batteries. If it’s been more than six months since you last changed them out, go ahead and replace them.
Step 2 — Change the filter. Your furnace experiences a lot of wear-and-tear during the winter months. While the fan blows out hot air to warm your home, the filter collects pollen, dirt, pet dander and other debris. If these microscopic particles are allowed to collect, they can enter your vents and trigger a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including a runny nose, watery eyes, or sneezing. Not only that, but a dirty filter negatively affects your furnace’s efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend replacing your filter every one to three months.
Step 3 — Schedule a professional inspection. It’s important to schedule routine maintenance for your furnace, even if it appears to be running fine. Many problems present few obvious signs early on, so something could be amiss without you knowing. A professional inspection presents an opportunity to catch potential issues before they become major headaches. In addition, it presents an opportunity to ask questions and to have each component of the furnace cleaned and detailed.
Step 4 – Refill the condensate neutralizer. It’s not unusual for a condensate neutralizer to run out of media this time of year. If you have a NeutraSafe condensate neutralizer at home, taking action is easy. Look at the neutralizer and see if the media mix is running low. If it is, simply remove the top, throw the empty media bag in the trash, and replace it with one of our refill kits. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, ask your furnace repair person to do it while they’re conducting an annual inspection.
By following this four-step process, you can keep your furnace in great shape for years to come. If you need to order new condensate media, contact your local sales rep; search for them here.
