The cool temperatures of the fall are a gentle reminder that the winter months are soon to follow. If you haven’t already it’s a great time to transition clothing from cool and breezy to heavy and cozy. It’s time for the proactive approach in getting your furnace ready for the winter temperatures which can save time, money, and stress.
Your heating system has sat unused for several months through the spring and summer seasons. But, now nighttime temperatures are dropping lower, it is important to think about what condition your heating system is in and if it will work when you need it to.
There are several reasons that your heating system could stop working:
- The filter is dirty. If you did not setup an appointment for your heating system at the end of the last cold weather season, the filter could be filled with dirt and dust. Over the spring and summer seasons, that filter sits and then when the temperatures drop low enough that you’re ready to turn the system on, that dirty filter is still in place. A clogged or dirty filter will cause your heating system to have to work harder to push out the hot air. This leads to the motor burning up and the system malfunctioning.
- The ignition mechanism is faulty. Depending on the type of system you have and how old it is, there is an ignition mechanism that kicks on the heating process of your system. If your system is blowing air, but the air isn’t warm, there could be something wrong with the heating ignition. This is an issue that would be found during a routine maintenance appointment.
- Fan motor or belts are corroded. With time and use, the wear and tear on your heating system shows itself in the fan motor, belts, bearings, and other components of your heating system. These might seem like little things, but all together they make up your heating system and are very important to the overall efficiency.
If you have done so already, now is the time to schedule a maintenance appointment for your heating system. With fall in full swing, the weather is only going to get cooler and you need peace of mind that when you turn your system on it will work and keep your home cozy warm.