Getting Your Furnace Readyfor the Winter

The furnace sits idle all summer. Fall, before the first cold nights, is the time ENERGY STAR suggests having heating checked.

Check the Air Filter First

The easiest way to prepare your furnace for winter is to check the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the blower motor to work harder to push warm air through the ductwork. If the airflow is severely blocked, the heat exchanger can become too hot. A safety limit switch then shuts the furnace down.

ENERGY STAR recommends checking the filter every month and changing it at least every three months. If your filter gathered a lot of dust during the July and August monsoon season, you should replace it before turning on the heat for the first time. Starting the winter with a fresh filter improves airflow and helps the system run without extra strain.

The Importance of Safety Checks

Gas furnaces burn natural gas to create heat. The combustion process creates carbon monoxide, an invisible and odorless gas. Normally, the furnace safely vents this gas outside your home through the flue pipe. However, if the heat exchanger cracks or the vent pipe becomes blocked, carbon monoxide can leak into your living space. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that carbon monoxide symptoms resemble the flu, and they recommend inspecting fuel-burning heating equipment every year.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for the winter months.

• Check the air filter every month and change it at least every three months.
• Test the carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
• Clear away any boxes or items stored near the furnace in your garage or closet.
• Schedule a heating tune-up in the fall before the cold weather arrives.

If you ever smell gas in your home, leave the home right away. From a safe place outside, call 911 and Southwest Gas. Do not touch light switches, thermostats or anything that could spark.

What Happens During a Heating Tune-Up

ENERGY STAR advises having your heating system checked in the fall before the cold weather sets in. During a heating tune-up, a technician inspects the internal components that you cannot safely check yourself. They inspect the burners and ignition.

The technician also cleans the flame sensor, which is a critical safety device. If the flame sensor is covered in carbon buildup, the furnace may shut off a few seconds after lighting. They will visually inspect the heat exchanger where it can be seen, check the flue and venting, and test the safety limits. After the work is done, you receive a written report of anything worth watching.

Ductwork and Airflow

Your furnace relies on the ductwork in your attic to distribute warm air. According to ENERGY STAR, in a typical house about 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through the ducts is lost to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. If you notice some rooms stay cold while others get too warm, you might have disconnected ductwork or crushed flexible ducts in the attic. Our ductwork service repairs, seals and balances ducts.

When to Consider a Replacement

Gas furnaces commonly last about 15 to 20 years (Carrier; ENERGY STAR). ENERGY STAR suggests considering replacement of a furnace older than 15 years. If your heating system is reaching this age, it may be time to consider replacement, especially if you have had to pay for multiple repairs. A free, in-home estimate looks at the whole home to offer options that fit your needs.

Kestrel Heating & Air provides heating maintenance to help you get ready for the winter. Our technicians perform complete fall tune-ups to check your burners, venting, and safety switches. You can also join the Kestrel Comfort Club to receive a heating tune-up in the fall and a cooling tune-up in the spring.