3 Things to Do Before Turning On Your Furnace

When temperatures start dropping in the fall, it’s time to fire up the furnace to keep your house warm. Before your furnace is ready to face the intense cold weather of winter, it needs a little TLC. Here at Fritch Heating & Cooling, Inc., we’ve worked with furnaces for over 35 years and know exactly how to whip it back into shape for the frigid Peoria winter. Before you turn on your furnace for the first time, be sure to do these three things:

1. Test the thermostat and replace batteries

The thermostat is the little wall-mounted device that tells your furnace how warm you want your house. Most thermostats are battery-powered and, like other devices that run on batteries, need to be freshened up every once in a while. Turn up the thermostat and listen closely to make sure your heating system kicks on. If you don’t hear anything, there’s a chance the batteries have gone dead. Ideally, you should change the batteries every six months.

2. Change the Filter

Inside every furnace is a screen that keeps the air in your home clean. It does this by catching dirt, dust, and other pesky particles that you wouldn’t particularly care to breathe in. If the filter gets too dirty, it can actually damage your heating system, which is why you should change it on a regular basis. If you own pets, you should change it even more frequently.

3. Schedule Professional Maintenance

The best thing you can do for your heating system is to schedule an annual tune-up. When technicians do regular maintenance, they inspect and clean the furnace in addition to making any minor adjustments or repairs. Not only does this increase the comfort of your home, but it lowers your energy bills and extends the lifespan of your furnace.

Your Local Furnace Partner

For over 35 years, we’ve provided top-rated furnace service to homeowners in Peoria, IL. Whether you need furnace installation, replacement, repair, or routine maintenance, Fritch Heating & Cooling, Inc. is the right team for the job. We also offer cooling and indoor air quality services. Contact us today and tell us about any issues you’re facing.