With fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your furnace. After months of being unused, it’s important to ensure everything is working properly before the cold weather hits. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to keeping your home warm and your energy bills manageable. Let’s go over some essential furnace repair and maintenance tips to help you get your system ready for the cooler months.

Replace or Clean the Air Filter

One of the simplest, yet most important, steps in furnace maintenance is checking the air filter. A clogged or dirty filter can force your furnace to work harder, which can drive up energy costs and reduce the overall lifespan of the system. If you haven’t replaced or cleaned your filter recently, now is the time to do it.

A clean filter improves air quality in your home and helps your furnace run more efficiently. It’s a quick fix that makes an enormous difference. Most filters should be checked every month and replaced every three months, but it’s a good idea to start the fall season with a fresh one.

Inspect the Thermostat

Your thermostat plays a pivotal role in how your furnace operates. If it’s not calibrated correctly, you could be setting the wrong temperatures without even realizing it. This can lead to higher energy usage and less comfort.

Before fall arrives, test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. Adjust the temperature to see if the furnace responds as expected. If you notice any lag or inconsistency, it might be time to replace the thermostat. Consider upgrading to a programmable model if you haven’t already, as these can help save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not home.

Check the Pilot Light and Ignition System

For gas furnaces, the pilot light is essential for heating your home. If the pilot light is out, or if the ignition system is malfunctioning, your furnace won’t be able to do its job. If you notice that the pilot light keeps going out, or if the furnace takes too long to turn on, these are signs that you should have it inspected by a professional.

Checking the pilot light is something you can do on your own, but if you’re uncomfortable with gas systems or suspect a more serious issue, calling in a professional for a thorough inspection is the best move. Safety always comes first when it comes to dealing with gas appliances.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

While there are a lot of furnace maintenance tasks you can handle yourself, nothing beats a professional tune-up. A licensed technician can inspect your furnace thoroughly, clean components you may not easily reach, and identify any potential problems before they become expensive repairs.

During a professional tune-up, the technician will also lubricate any moving parts, check the blower motor, and inspect the heat exchanger to ensure everything is in good working order. Scheduling this maintenance in the fall helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need your furnace the most.

Taking care of these furnace maintenance tips before the fall chill sets in will keep your home cozy and warm. For furnace repair and inspection in Tallahassee, FL, call Payne Heating and Air.