Getting Your Home Ready For Fall: Furnace Prep And Chimney Care Tips You Should Know!

As the temperature begins to drop outside, it is important for you to make sure that your furnace is ready to go. You probably haven’t used your furnace for much of the summer, but with the temperature getting colder, you may want to turn it up once again. How do you know that your furnace is ready for the fall? Take a look at a few important tips below, and make sure you put safety at the top of your priority list.

1. Replace The Furnace Filter

One of the most important tips you need to follow is that you have to replace your furnace filters. Over the course of the year, your furnace filter can become clogged with a variety of debris. A few common examples include soot, hair, and dust. If you do not replace your furnace filters, the efficiency of your furnace will suffer, and you could shorten its life span in addition to depositing toxins into the building. Make sure you replace your furnace filters as recommended by the manufacturer for optimal efficiency and peace of mind.

2. Other General Furnace Maintenance Tips

You can also clean off your outdoor HVAC unit and make sure that the intake filter isn’t being blocked or clogged. We also recommend that you walk around and observe your exposed ductwork as your furnace is running. If you notice any blockages or air leaks, then immediately clear them out and seal the leaks with a healthy amount of tape. This will help you save a lot of money in utility bills!

3. Clear Out The Vents

If you did some remodeling this past year, you may have unintentionally put some drapes or furniture in front of your vents. Make sure you understand where your vents are located, and ensure they are clear from any obstacles. If the vents are blocked, they will not be able to work properly. You should also clean your vents if they are dirty. For example, there may be some dirt or pet hair blocking your vents, and you need to go ahead and remove that as well. Tired of sweeping or vacuuming? A robot vacuum can prove to be a great investment in keeping your floors and vent areas clean. They can even be programmed to run at night! Wall vent hoods are a cheap and effective tool for helping to direct the hot air from your floor vents into the center of your living areas in each room. Installing these on your floor vents can help you stay warmer this winter as well as save you money on your energy bills.

4. Check The Thermostat

If you have an older furnace, there is a chance that the thermostat might not be working properly. You must make sure the thermostat is functioning appropriately so you can be sure you are not wasting money on unused energy. In addition, your furnace may have a difficult time staying at the right temperature, and this can harm its efficiency. Check the thermostat to make sure it is functioning as it should, and do not hesitate to reach out to an expert if something is wrong with the thermostat. As the options for smart thermostats continue to grow, that might also be a route you consider as well. Your utility bills will thank you for it!

5. Clean The Fireplace And Chimney

If you plan on using your fireplace to heat your home this winter, you need to check your fireplace and chimney to make sure they are working appropriately as well. Inspect the fireplace gasket to make sure it is clean. You should also remove any clutter from near your fireplace. Do not forget to check the chimney cap to make sure it is clear, and you might want to reach out to a professional chimney sweep who can clean it for you. You might also want to trim a few of the branches if they are hanging over the chimney. Another consideration is to address the creosote and soot buildup that may be around the inner edges of your chimney and fireplace. We recommend using a creosote remover like The Saver Systems Anti-Creo-Soot Remover available in 32 ounce and 1 gallon sizes on the website. As you’re cleaning the inside of your fireplace, it would be handy to have a heavy-duty specialized cleaner like SaverSystems ACS Home & Hearth Cleaner. It is a high alkalinity citrus detergent, containing biodegradable surfactants which effectively cut through smoke and creosote. It safely removes smoke and creosote stains from fireplace glass, hearths, stoves, brick, stone, and more.

Get Your Home Ready For The Fall

These are a few of the most important tips that you need to keep in mind if you want to make sure that your furnace is ready for the fall. It would be our pleasure to work with you to make sure your furnace is ready. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team, and remember to take a look at our products to help you take care of your chimney and furnace for years to come.