Don’t turn up the heat without doing these things first
Your first-time heater startup in winter needs preparation, as changing your furnace filter before turning on the system keeps air quality high and reduces strain.
Expect to pay $130 to $1,200 for furnace repairs if you skip preparation steps, as quick temperature changes put unnecessary strain on your system.
Clear vent obstructions before you turn on your furnace, since blocked vents prevent proper heating and create fire hazards in your home.
Hiring a local furnace repair professional provides reliable support when you hear strange noises or smell unusual odors during startup, keeping your home safe and warm.
Oh, winter—the season that signals the holidays are near. We bundle up in our hats and scarves, drink warm beverages, and try to build snow forts (if there’s enough snow available). We also prioritize staying warm by cranking up the heat in our homes. However, before turning on your heater for the first time this winter, here are a few things to do.
Air filters are like the backbone of your HVAC unit. As air blows through your home, filters keep you from inhaling dust or debris. Your furnace has sat unused all summer, so the filter might be dirty.
Take the opportunity to change your existing furnace filter before turning on your furnace for the first time this season. It’ll keep your home’s air quality levels high and reduce stress on your system.
If you rearrange your furniture during spring cleaning or for a large summer party, check that the new arrangements don’t block your vents.
Before turning on your furnace, clear away any obstructions blocking the vents. When they’re covered, your home won’t warm up the way it should, and anything nearby could create a fire hazard.
Furnaces are like track athletes—they need a few practice runs before the main event. You don't want winter to be the first time you fire up the unit. Furnaces require a bit of a heads-up that they’ll be called from the bench as colder weather approaches.
Schedule some time before a cold front hits to test your furnace. Leave it on for a few minutes to gauge its functionality. If you hear any weird noises or smell something funky, you should turn it off immediately and contact a local furnace repair company.
A mistake some homeowners make when turning on a heater after a long time is instantly switching from cooler to warmer temperatures. This is a big no-no because it puts unnecessary strain on your furnace. As a result, you may be looking at $130 to $1200 expense—the average cost of furnace repairs.
When temperatures start dropping, turn off your AC without putting the heat on. Once it gets colder, turn the furnace on to a lower temperature to ease heat into your home. Then, slowly raise the temperature according to your desired comfort level.
It’s strange to walk past a closed window or door and feel a draft. What’s even weirder is looking at your monthly electric bill and wondering why it's so high. Unfortunately, poor (or a lack of) insulation allows heat to leak from your home and can increase your energy bills.
Prep your home for colder weather by sealing any problem areas. According to the Department of Energy, updating your insulation can cut your heating costs by 15% since your system isn’t working twice as hard to meet your demands.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and lethal gas that can be dangerous to your family. Since your heating system will run for an extended period, it's essential to have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your home. They can detect any abnormalities in the air if your furnace releases toxic fumes.
Turn on the alarm to see if it’s functioning correctly. If there’s no response, you may need to get a new one. Another issue could be the batteries, so you’ll need to replace them if necessary.
During summertime, your AC unit shines. But while your furnace waits in the wings for its own time to thrive, the burners collect dust, which affects your furnace’s lifespan. Cleaning your burners should be a part of your furnace maintenance checklist. Before turning on your furnace for the first time this season, give them a quick clean.
Turn off the furnace and the gas valve for safety, and wipe down the burners with a cloth or vacuum. Also, keep an eye out for rusty parts that could hinder your system’s performance and cause any number of common furnace problems.
Although you may do an excellent job caring for your furnace, you may miss a few underlying issues that only professionals can identify. To prolong your system's lifespan, you should schedule furnace maintenance at least once a year.
On average, it costs $50 to $100 to have your furnace serviced. Consistent maintenance will keep repair costs down and your family toasty during the winter.
I normally do not leave reviews, but my experience with Worthington Air was extremely frustrating and disappointing. About 30 days ago, I had a consultation done for an HVAC replacement and was quoted approximately $15,079. Based on that quote, I applied for financing through their company...
ARS Columbus Worthington AirGreat company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon MitigationRaven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLCI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCAce Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace ServicesThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyExcellent experience with hiring Tether House to Mount our 77’ Samsung TV in our bedroom. Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Tether HouseOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingGood workers and they do a good job.
Mira ConstructionFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If you’re having trouble with your furnace firing up or your house just won’t get warm, use this simple DIY guide to check if your furnace ignitor is bad.
Have you ever wondered what a furnace is and what it’s used for? Check out this furnace guide to learn how it works, costs, maintenance tips, and more.
Does your furnace need a tune up? Use this furnace maintenance checklist to keep things running smoothly.
Whether you’ve lost heat or your furnace is making strange sounds, stay calm. Use this guide to determine the source of the problem and your next steps.
If you don’t regularly change out dirty furnace filters, it could seriously impact the air quality of your home. Keep reading to learn the many reasons why you should keep on top of your furnace filters, changing them every one to three months.
Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money. Is running your furnace fan continuously in summer one of those methods, or does it hurt your pockets? Find out!
