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Spring is in the air all across Fairfield County, Connecticut. As homeowners are turning on their air conditioners, we at Tri-City Heating and Cooling would like to remind you about the importance of preparing your heating system for the long offseason ahead.
Here’s a simple end-of-season furnace maintenance checklist to help you out:
- Turn off the pilot light. If your furnace is old enough that it still uses a pilot light, turn it off at the end of the season to preserve fuel and prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear.
- Change the air filter. Since your furnace utilizes the same ductwork as your air conditioning, it makes sense to change the filters at the start of the season. Dirty filters limit air flow, increase wear and tear, and spike energy consumption. It is recommended to clean or replace your filters once per month to keep your HVAC system running in tip-top shape.
- Clear the surrounding area. Avoid the temptation to let items pile up around your furnace during the “off” season. Should you need to turn on your heat on a chilly spring day, clutter surrounding your furnace could present a fire hazard.
- Power it down. If your furnace has a dedicated switch on your breaker box, turn it off to prevent energy waste and eliminate the risk of fire.
- Schedule a professional service. Experts recommend having your furnace professionally inspected twice per year; at the beginning and end of heating season. A professional technician can evaluate any issues that may have surfaced over the winter, and fix them before they develop into a bigger problem.
- Consider off-season upgrades. The offseason is the perfect time to upgrade your heating system, since you aren’t using it. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, installing a new Energy Star heating system, or converting your oil furnace to gas.
If you live in southern Connecticut, trust the experts at Tri-City Heating and Cooling to prepare your furnace for the upcoming season. We offer heating system repairs, replacements, tune-ups, gas to oil conversions, and more! Contact us online to get started with a free estimate, or call (203) 303-5700.