What Should I Do Before Turning on My Furnace This Fall?

That first chilly evening of fall always arrives unexpectedly. You may be tempted to immediately reach for the thermostat – no one likes being cold – but wait. Turning on your furnace without proper preparation can lead to costly problems, safety hazards, and uncomfortable surprises.

Meyer’s Companies has been helping Northwest Indiana homeowners keep their furnaces running smoothly since 1951. Our certified technicians know exactly what it takes to safely and efficiently get your heating system running. Follow these essential steps to start your furnace up without a hitch this season.

Check and Replace Filters

Dirty filters are your furnace’s worst enemy. They block airflow, forcing your system to work harder and driving up energy bills by as much as 15%. A clogged filter can even cause your furnace to overheat and shut down completely.

Remove your filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see through it clearly, it’s time for a replacement. Standard filters should be changed monthly during heating season, while high-efficiency filters may last up to three months. Mark your calendar; this simple step prevents major headaches later.

Test Your Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can create uneven heating and waste energy. Before you need heat urgently, switch your thermostat from “cool” to “heat” and set it five degrees higher than the room temperature. Listen for the furnace to kick on and feel for warm air from your vents.

If nothing happens, check the batteries first. Many thermostats need fresh batteries at the start of each heating season. If the problem persists, your thermostat may need recalibration or replacement, both simple fixes that prevent cold nights and hot tempers.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your furnace produces carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. Before firing up your heating system, test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Replace batteries even if they appear to be fine; this isn’t the time to take chances.

Press the test button on each detector and wait for the alarm to sound. If any detector fails to sound, replace it immediately. This five-minute safety check protects your family all winter long.

Clear the Area Around Your Furnace

Clutter around your furnace creates fire hazards and blocks airflow. Remove boxes, cleaning supplies, holiday decorations, and any other items within three feet of your furnace. Your technician will thank you during routine maintenance, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system can operate safely.

Inspect for Gas or Water Leaks

Gas leaks are serious business. Before starting your furnace, check around gas connections for the smell of rotten eggs. Look for water stains, rust, or unusual sounds near your system. Even small leaks can become major problems once your furnace starts working.

If you detect any unusual odors, stains, or sounds, don’t attempt repairs yourself. Contact a professional immediately.

Consider Duct Cleaning

Clean ducts improve both air quality and heating efficiency. If you notice dust buildup around vents, musty odors when the system runs, or family members experiencing more allergies, your ducts may need attention.

Inspect Outdoor Vents

High-efficiency furnaces have intake and exhaust vents outside your home. Check these vents for leaves, bird nests, or other debris that could block airflow. A blocked vent can cause your furnace to shut down or operate inefficiently. Taking care of this now means you won’t have to trudge through snow later when temperatures drop.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Even if everything seems fine, professional maintenance catches hidden problems before they become expensive emergencies. Certified technicians inspect safety controls, test gas pressure, clean burners, and check dozens of other components you can’t see.

Professional maintenance also extends your furnace’s lifespan, improves efficiency by up to 20%, and prevents most emergency repairs.

Start Your Heating Season Right

Taking the time to prepare your furnace before turning it on may seem like a hassle, but a little effort now can keep your family comfortable and prevent emergency repairs.

Don’t wait until the first freeze to discover problems with your heating system. Contact Meyer’s Companies today to schedule your pre-season maintenance. Our expert technicians will make sure your furnace is ready for whatever the cold weather brings.