As you start to feel the change in the air, it is starting to get colder and colder at night. Fall is here and winter is not far behind it. Before winter is here in full force, you are far better off thinking about the condition your furnace is in before you need to start using it. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning is here to talk about what needs to be done to ensure your furnace is ready to do its job this fall and winter.

Central Air Conditioner Condenser Unit Covers for Winter

The first thing that you need to do when the weather starts to cool off is get your AC condenser covered. This will keep it from sustaining any damage during the winter from falling icicles and other dangers. It is best if you cover it with a trash can lid or something hard that will offer some protection from the elements. You should secure this coverage with a tarp and bungee cords to hold it in place.

Check Your Air Filters

The filters for your HVAC system should be replaced on a regular basis. This filter can be a disposable one or a filter that can be cleaned and reused. If you are used a reusable filter, it is best to have more than one on hand so that you can rotate them. The filter needs to be completely dry before it is placed back in the system to avoid mold and mildew issues. Disposable filters are often the choice homeowners make because it makes changing them out easy. Your filter needs to be changed every 2-3 months depending on how dirty they get.

Heat Exchanger Cleaning

The heat exchanger in your furnace needs to be cleaned annually so that it can also be inspected. This should be done by a HVAC professional to ensure it is done properly. They can also check for any signs of cracking that could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaking into your home.

Test Igniter Switch

Old furnaces will require a pilot light to be lit, but if you have a newer one, the pilot light will ignite on its own. If you turn the furnace on and aren’t seeing a pilot light, you can resent the igniter switch or check the breaker for signs that the breaker was tripped. If these two things don’t work, you will need the help of professionals.

Check Oil Furnace Tank Levels

Some of you may have an oil powered furnace. If this is the case, you will need to prepare a little differently. You need to ensure an oil filter change has taken place and give your burner nozzle a good cleaning. The heat exchanger needs to be brushed as well to ensure oil is burned efficiently.

Furnace Cleaning & Check Tune Up Maintenance & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam Massachusetts

If you feel intimidated by the idea of getting your furnace ready for winter on your own, you can rely on the experts at Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning will get you ready for cooler weather. Call us today!