Tehama Country Real Estate

HOW TO I N S PE C T YOU R F U R NAC E B e f o r e Wi n t e r It is almost time to bid adieu to the warm days of summer. Chilly aernoons followed by continually dropping temperatures are on the horizon, and fall is the perfect time to service the home furnace to ensure it is ready to withstand the demands of winter. Furnace maintenance should be done on a regular basis. e best time to do so is in late summer or early fall, when you still have enough time to address any problems before it gets too cold outside. HVAC systems malfunctions are typical - ly caused by one of a handful of common problems. Inspecting certain components can help to guarantee a furnace is in work- ing order when the first cold days arrive. Filter and air intakes Aer several months of running the air conditioning, the filter on the heating and cooling system may need to be changed. Check the condition of the filter to see if it is heavily soiled. Furnace filters are relatively inexpensive. Since this thin barrier will be responsible for cleaning the air you breathe, it is important to keep a fresh filter in the unit. A clogged, dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system and may con - tribute to poor indoor air and allergies. Check the air intakes around the house for obstructions. Do not place furniture direct- ly in front of intakes or venting that deliv- ers air to the home, as this can compromise air flow and force the unit to work harder. Without adequate air flow through the sys- tem, the furnace may not turn on. Many systems also have some sort of ex- ternal vent or exhaust pipe. Check that the area is free of leaves, debris and animal nests. Again, any blockages can impede the efficiency of the unit or cause it to fail. ermostat Very oen a furnace may not turn over because the thermostat is faulty. Many a homeowner has spent money to have a ser - vice person come out to examine the fur- nace, only to learn they only need a new thermostat or battery in the thermostat. Check the thermostat against a separate thermometer to ensure that it is reading the right temperature in the house. Raise the setting a few degrees to test if the heat kicks on. Fuel Furnaces are powered by various energy sources. Electricity, gas or oil may be in - volved in the process. If fuel is not being delivered to the furnace, the pilot will not light and warm the air to be blown through the house. Some systems have an emergency shut-off switch that will halt fuel delivery to the unit. It's easy for these switches to be flipped accidentally if a furnace is located in a high-traffic area. Make sure the switch is in the "on" position before reporting a prob- lem. In addition to these steps, you may want to vacuum the vent screens around the house. is will reduce the amount of dust blown around. Also, if the furnace exhausts into a flue, be sure that the exhaust route is clear so that carbon monoxide does not back up into the home. Many homeowners are fully capable of inspecting their fur - naces to ensure they are ready for winter. If anything seems out of place or malfunc- tions, consult with an HVAC professional to make repairs.

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