Follow these three simple DIY furnace tipsSeider Heating, Plumbing & Electrical customers know annual Clean & Checks are key to a safe and efficient furnace that will keep them warm all winter. If you haven’t prepped your system yet for cold weather, here’s why it’s time to come clean. Your system’s efficiency drops by up to 10 percent for every year it goes without maintenance. Just because things seem to be working fine doesn’t mean they are. A professional cleaning by our team is ideal, but we understand that some homeowners prefer a DIY approach. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Replace your air filter. Air filters capture airborne pollutants—like dirt, dust, and other contaminants—to keep them from recirculating through your home. Once it gets dirty, airflow is blocked and your system has to work overtime to move air through your home. That means higher energy bills and lowered comfort. Replace your filter at the recommended intervals, especially during the winter when you spend most of your time indoors. Give us a call if you’re not sure how often to replace your particular filter.
  • Clean floor vents. Air vents are great at collecting dust, pet hair, and food crumbs. They’re also great at obstructing airflow as dirt and debris build up. Use your vacuum to clean out floor registers—you’ll be more comfortable breathing cleaner air.
  • Clear the area around your furnace. During the summer when your furnace isn’t in use, you may have moved some things around or added to your storage pile—but your furnace needs room to breathe. Take time to clear the area surrounding your system or clean out the furnace room. Make sure no combustibles are nearby, and that your unit has plenty of room to operate safely and effectively.

Tune up your furnace now, before the cooler temps settle in for good. Follow the tips above and then turn your heat on for at least 15 minutes to make sure it’s working. If you notice odd odors or strange noises, give us a call. You may need a quick repair from our pros. Considering upgrading to a system from Carrier®? We can go over that, too, and have you ready for winter.