Its that time of year in the Midwest where people are on the fence about turning on their furnaces. In fact, that first day of cold weather where the thermostat gets turned up high enough for that furnace to kick on – it’s a pretty big deal for us Illinoisans. Here’s what to look for when you first turn your furnace on.
Check the filter
One thing to check for while turning the furnace on is checking the filter. In general, if you hold up your filter to the light and can’t see any light coming through the filter, it’s time to change the filter.
We highly recommend changing the filter at least every 30 days to keep your system running efficiently. This can seem excessive, but frequent filter changes can help with the overall health of your HVAC system. Without regular filter changes, this can decrease the lifespan of the unit and cause breakdowns. You will also want to keep in mind the type of filter you have installed; basic filters improve airflow but need to be replaced more often, for example.
Keep your nostrils open for funky smells
After changing the filter and turning the unit on, one thing to look out for is funky smells coming from your furnace or vents. These bad odors can be signs of other issues with your HVAC system, and it may be time to schedule an appointment with one of our professional HVAC technicians. For example, strange or noxious smells from your HVAC equipment could indicate that a part needs to be replaced, that you may need a duct cleaning, or it could even be a cracked heat exchanger – something very critical that needs to be repaired ASAP. If you detect any smells from your HVAC equipment, we recommend you contact us for service right away.
Have you had routine furnace tune ups?
Even if everything seems to be running smoothly, routine tune ups on your system are still recommended. You can trust our professional HVAC technicians to look over your unit to make sure it’s working properly and running safely for your family’s ultimate comfort. We strive to offer the best HVAC service around and you can rest assured that your system is prepared for the fall and winter with a furnace tune up with us! Call 815-893-9276 to schedule your appointment.
