Top 4 Ways to Treat Your Furnace So It Doesn’t Trick You This Fall
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, we eagerly welcome the arrival of fall. With Halloween just around the corner, many of us are busy decorating our homes with spooky decorations and planning costumes. However, there’s one essential aspect of fall preparation that often gets overlooked – ensuring that your furnace is ready to keep you cozy and warm throughout the season. You don’t want your furnace to play any tricks on you when you need it the most. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 4 ways to treat your furnace so it doesn’t trick you this fall.
1. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before the colder temperatures hit, it’s crucial to schedule a professional inspection of your furnace. An experienced technician, like those at Texas Ace, can identify any possible issues and make necessary repairs to ensure your furnace operates efficiently. This preventive measure not only extends the lifespan of your furnace but also helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns on those chilly autumn nights.
During the inspection, the technician will:
- Check for any signs of wear and tear in the heating system.
- Clean and replace air filters, improving indoor air quality and furnace efficiency.
- Inspect the thermostat to ensure it’s working accurately.
- Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and noise.
- Verify the safety controls to prevent any potential hazards.
By scheduling a professional furnace inspection, you can be confident that your furnace is ready to keep you warm without any surprises.
2. Replace Old or Inefficient Furnaces
If your furnace is more than 15 years old or has been struggling to keep your home warm in recent years, it might be time to consider a replacement. Older furnaces tend to be less energy-efficient, costing you more in utility bills and often requiring more frequent repairs.
Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace not only reduces your energy consumption but also provides better heating performance. Look for furnaces with high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. They can significantly lower your heating costs while keeping your home cozy.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Home
One common trick that your furnace can play on you is to work overtime because your home isn’t properly sealed and insulated. Leaky doors and windows, as well as insufficient insulation, can let cold air infiltrate your home, making your furnace work harder in order to maintain a comfortable temperature.
To prevent this, take the time to:
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Add insulation to your attic, walls, and basement if needed.
- Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors for better insulation.
By improving your home’s insulation and sealing, you not only reduce the workload on your furnace but also save on heating costs.
4. Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine
Your furnace’s performance can suffer if it’s not kept clean. Pollutants like dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in your heating system, obstructing airflow and reducing efficiency. Regularly cleaning your furnace can prevent these issues and keep your heating system running smoothly.
Here’s a simple cleaning routine:
- Turn off the furnace and cut the power.
- Replace the air filter often (every 1-3 months).
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to get rid of dust and dirt from the blower, motor, and other components.
- Check the furnace’s fan belt for wear and tear, replacing it if necessary.
- Inspect the flue and venting system for any blockages or obstructions.
By maintaining a clean furnace, you’ll ensure it operates efficiently, providing consistent warmth throughout the fall and winter.
Trick or Treat? Schedule Your Furnace Maintenance, Repair or Replacement with Texas Ace Heating & Air Today!
As we embrace the fall season and prepare for Halloween festivities, don’t forget to treat your furnace with care to avoid any tricks it might play on you. Scheduling a professional inspection, considering a furnace replacement, sealing and insulating your home, and maintaining a regular cleaning routine are the top four ways to ensure your furnace operates smoothly and keeps your home warm and comfortable. By following these tips, you can enjoy a cozy and worry-free autumn season. Happy Halloween from the team at Texas Ace! Contact us today.