Now that the weather is getting cooler and everybody wants to keep warm, it's a good idea to make sure your furnace is safe and working. Since you’re constantly breathing in the same air and pushing it around while staying inside, you want to make sure your furnace is up to date. It's always encouraged to do some maintenance on your furnace to make sure it's running smoothly and in its best form.

HOW to inspect your furnace? The first thing you should do before booting the furnace is to change/clean the filter. Cleaning the filter will make the furnace more efficient and will also save you money. If you have a replacement filter, make sure to get the correct replacement as they come in many different sizes and ratings. 

Replacement filters are rated by using the MERV system. MERV stands for “Minimum  Efficiency Reporting Value”. In other words, it is the filter's ability to capture larger particles. The higher the rating, the more the air is cleaned. To make sure you get the perfect rating, ask your furnace manufacturer to ensure the best results. Your filter should be replaced every 90 days.

Doing a good vacuum in and around the furnace helps keep the air moving a lot better and takes the ease off of your furnace working too hard. If you have pets or just moved into a new house, it's highly recommended to get your ducts professionally cleaned to ensure that it is 100% safe.

If your furnace is over 15 years old, you should have it inspected by an HVAC professional. A good HVAC professional will be able to detect any problems and give you ways to make your furnace run smoothly and efficiently. 

 

Chalking around the openings of your home is very important to help your home get ready for the fall as it prevents cold air from entering and conditioned air from exiting.

You should first start by checking the doors and windows as they are usually the most common openings to have the most spaces. Even if you did this in the spring, it's a good idea to do another perimeter check to see if you need to add more chalking. Having this done will not only allow for a more comfortable home, but it will make you waste less energy and save more money.

If you have a removable A/C, it should be removed and properly stored before the weather gets cold. This will protect the unit and stop the outside air from getting inside.

Whole home A/C units should be fully powered off. You can do this by using the breaker in your electrical panel. If you also have a safety safe located outside, make sure to turn that off too.

You should cover your A/C unit by using a small cover. A small cover is a very good option because it protects the unit from debris and has a good enough space to let the unit breathe.

Your home is your biggest asset, which is why it’s so important to take care of it all year long. Want to find more content like this? FOLLOW US on Instagram for all things real estate!