As the holiday season approaches, now is the time to prepare your furnace for what’s to come. You will be hosting extra guests in your home and taking on a lot of cooking. This can impact how you use your HVAC system for comfort and air quality. Optimize airflow and achieve efficiency with several simple tips.
Scheduling Routine Maintenance
Before the holidays, schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your HVAC system. A technician will inspect important components, clean them, lubricate moving parts to reduce friction, and test safety features. There may be a need to calibrate your system or thermostat to ensure comfort and efficiency. Investing in routine maintenance can reduce the risk of a furnace malfunction in the middle of holiday hosting.
Replacing the Air Filter
The filter in a furnace requires replacement approximately once every 30 to 90 days. Ensure you’re keeping up with this task. A clean filter promotes healthy indoor air quality and can remove cooking odors, depending on the type of filter you use. It will also protect your furnace from strain. You can reduce breakdowns during peak holiday usage with a simple filter change.
Cleaning Vents and Registers
Keep all vents and registers open throughout your home. This promotes ample airflow throughout your HVAC system and protects your furnace. Wipe down the surface of these vents and vacuum the inside of them to boost indoor air quality. Keeping these areas clean will also prevent particulate matter from circulating back through your HVAC system. It won’t have the opportunity to accumulate on interior components.
Consider Thermostat Settings
With more bodies in your home and the warmth from your stove in the air, you can adjust your thermostat. Minimize the amount of time your furnace runs to keep bills low and prevent overusing your furnace. An adjustment of one to two degrees can make a big difference in overall comfort and efficiency.
Test Your Detectors
Running furnaces and ovens frequently can increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly before guests arrive. Change their batteries once per year. Press the test buttons to confirm they produce an audible alarm. You may need to clean the surface of these detectors if they appear dusty. That dust can impact interior sensors, preventing accurate readings.
Keep your home comfortable, safe and efficient this holiday season. Reach out to our team at Dilling Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical in Charlotte, NC for furnace maintenance and support services.
