In households, it might be dubbed the “honey-do” list, or perhaps, more privately, the “honey-I-don’t-wanna-do-it” list. Many of us have a list of household tasks earmarked for a rainy day – tasks we plan to tackle just as soon as we find the time.
With the unpredictability of Northern California’s weather, it’s wise to get ahead of the curve and ensure that your heating system is primed for the colder days ahead. As Labor Day signals the transition from summer to fall and prompts preparations for winter, there’s no better time than now to dust off your furnace checklist.
Schedule Your Annual Furnace Tune-Up Undoubtedly, the foremost step to ready your furnace for the impending fall and winter chill is to schedule its annual tune-up. Over time, your furnace accumulates dust, dirt, and grime, all of which can impede its efficiency.
Undertake Pre-Inspection Tasks Before a comprehensive tune-up, there are several preliminary maintenance tasks you can undertake on your furnace. Armed with your furnace’s owner’s manual and a few basic tools – a flashlight, a drinking straw, a vacuum with attachments, a small brush, an emery board, and machine oil – you can perform these tasks. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to leave them to a professional heating system service company.
Regardless, make note of the tasks completed to ensure your furnace is prepared for fall and winter:
- Replace the furnace filter and continue to monitor it monthly.
- Check the color of the burner flames to ensure they’re blue.
- Blow dust away from the pilot and surface igniters using a straw.
- Vacuum around the burners and blower compartment.
- Clean the blower blades and sensor.
- Inspect the drive belt for any damage.
- Apply machine oil as directed in the furnace manual.
Plug Leaks and Insulate To maintain warmth in your home, it’s essential to address air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings, as well as deteriorating insulation. Conduct a thorough inspection and use lightweight items like feathers or lighters to detect air influx before sealing with caulk or weatherstripping. Consider turning this project into a family activity, offering incentives for the most leaks found.
By taking these steps now, you’ll ensure your heating system is ready to tackle the demands of fall and winter, keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient.