It’s summer. The very last thing on your mind is your furnace, right? Well, in between ice cream cones and trips to the beach it might be a good idea to spare a few moments in the shade to think about having your furnace ready for Fall. We might not want to dwell on it right now but colder temperatures are coming a lot sooner than most of us would like. Here are a few tips to make sure you are not left out in the cold when the sun finally sets on another summer:
- Do a quick self-inspection. You may not be an experienced HVAC technician, but a quick visual check of your furnace can often alert you to any obvious problem areas that may need attention. Look for loose wiring or exposed wiring and any other signs of corrosion or decay. If you see anything that looks like a problem, don’t try to fix it yourself unless you have the proper knowledge and training. Just leave it be and call in the experts to be safe and sure.
- Have your furnace cleaned and serviced. Summer is a great time to perform regular annual maintenance on your furnace. You’re not using it right now, so you can get the service done at your convenience without worrying that it won’t be ready to keep you warm in a sudden cold snap. Keeping your furnace clean and well-maintained helps it to run more efficiently and effectively and can save you from costly and unexpected repairs. Plus, if you get it done now, while everyone else is lost in summer daydreams, you’ll avoid the rush and be ready to go when your friends and neighbours are scrambling to book service calls after that first frost hits the ground.
- Keep changing your filters. You should change your furnace filter every 3-6 months, depending on the needs of your home. For larger families or those of you with furry friends, it’s better to change your filter more often rather than less. If your filter is dirty, your system will not run as efficiently. This will affect your air conditioning as well, so changing your filter is just as important in the summer months. A clean filter ensures optimal air flow, which will save you money on your utility bills.
- Consider an upgrade. Is your furnace on its last legs? Summer is the perfect time to start looking for a replacement. Making a large and expensive purchase like a furnace can often be a lengthy process. Starting early gives you the time you need to make the right decision that fits your needs and your budget without feeling the pressure of having a new unit in place before it gets too cold to be without heat. Buying your new furnace and having it installed over the summer will guarantee your family will be warm and comfortable when the leaves start to fall.
Remember, your furnace is the core of your home’s HVAC system. It may not be doing a lot of work right now but that downtime gives you the perfect opportunity to keep it in top shape. With just a little bit of thought and planning, your furnace will be ready and waiting to go when you need it most.
Now get out there and enjoy the rest of your summer!