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SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – Temperatures are dropping across Mid-Michigan, and homeowners are starting to crank up the heat. But before your furnace gets to work this fall, a little maintenance now could save you from a big headache later.
Cody Sweatland, owner of Valley Heating & Cooling, says one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until temperatures are near freezing before checking whether their heating systems are working properly.
“They wait until it’s 30, 40 degrees outside and everyone tries to turn their furnaces on at the same time. And that’s when heating and cooling companies get swamped,” Sweatland said. “When it’s 50 degrees, you know the cold weather is coming. Turn it on, just make sure it works first.”
After months of sitting idle, dust, dirty filters and worn components can keep furnaces from operating efficiently. In some cases, homeowners may not realize there’s a problem until their heat stops working all together.
Sweatland recommends having furnaces professionally inspected at least once a year. But there are also simple steps homeowners can take themselves.
“That should be the first step every time. Change the filter. Change the batteries in the thermostat. And just do a run test,” Sweatland said. ” Turn the thermostat up and see if it actually heats the home and you don’t hear any scary noises.”
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, forcing a furnace to work harder and potentially increasing energy costs. If left unchecked, it could also contribute to a heating system breakdown.
But higher bills and unexpected repairs aren’t the only concerns.
A malfunctioning fuel-burning furnace can allow carbon monoxide to enter a home. The gas is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly, making working carbon monoxide alarms an important part of home safety.
“Everybody should have a working carbon monoxide detector in their house,” Sweatland said. “That’s going to cover most of the dangers associated with running your furnace in the winter.”
Homeowners should make sure their carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly, replace batteries as needed, and contact a qualified technician if their furnace makes unusual noises or isn’t heating correctly.
With colder weather on the way, Sweatland encourages residents to test their heating systems now rather than waiting until they’re left in the cold.
Because when the next Mid-Michigan cold snap arrives, the last thing you want is your furnace giving you the cold shoulder.
