Be Safe and Enjoy Reliable Heat from Your Gas Furnace
Fall has arrived. The days are shorter, and the weather is cooler. Soon it will be time for the “moment of truth” when you turn on your gas furnace for the first time this season.
When you click your thermostat over to “Heat”, make sure you aren’t greeted by a chilly silence. Follow these tips to get your gas furnace back to work after its summer vacation. You’ll enjoy your heating system’s safe, reliable, efficient operation until warmer weather returns.
Easy Tips for Better Gas Furnace Operation
1. Banish airborne contaminants from your home.
Dust and other particles obstruct free circulation of air through your ductwork. This causes your heating system to work harder than necessary to maintain temperature. All the extra wear and tear can eventually lead to costly repairs or reduced service life.
Keep your heating system free of particles with a new air filter at least every 90 days. Clear your heat registers of pollutants, and ensure air from your vents can circulate freely. Vacuum and mop on a regular basis, to catch particles before they blow back into your air.
2. Give your gas furnace room to breathe.
Allow three to five feet of clearance around your furnace. This reduces the risk of fire, and it promotes the airflow your furnace needs to operate efficiently.
3. Use a programmable thermostat.
A digital thermostat is an easy and affordable way to control your system’s operation. Program your heating system to run at a lower temperature while you are asleep, or when your household is out for the day. When you run the heat only when you need it, you’ll save energy and money.
4. Install a ceiling fan.
Fans aren’t just for summer! When you reverse your ceiling fan’s direction of rotation, it will circulate warm air throughout the room. This results in more even distribution of temperature, and a reduced need to rely on your gas furnace.
5. Check for places where your home loses heat.
Windows and garage doors are notorious sources of heat loss. Make sure these openings are closed tightly and sealed, to prevent drafts.
6. Maximize alternate sources of heat.
Your gas furnace doesn’t have to be the only source of heat in your home. Use carpet or area rugs to trap heat in rooms and insulate against drafts. Dial down the thermostat when you use your oven to bake. Or open your curtains and blinds to get free warmth from one of the best-known sources of free heat – the sun!
Products and Services to Go a Step Further
When you’re ready to take your cool-weather comfort to the next level, investigate the installation of a humidifier to work with your gas furnace. Dry air isn’t just uncomfortable, it can actually make you feel colder. Humidifiers can raise the moisture in your air above the 40-percent level recommended for optimum comfort.
You can also invest in preventive maintenance, to catch potential problems before they become big, costly repairs. A trained service technician can inspect and clean your heating system, and recommend any needed service.
Need Gas Furnace Maintenance, Repair, or Installation?
At Custom Klimates, we want you to enjoy your home and to enjoy your free time. To keep you comfortable, we have a variety of heating products and services to save you time and money. Whether you need preventive maintenance with a comfort agreement, a repair, or installation of a new gas furnace, we’d love to help you.
And when the time comes for a full system replacement, call us or submit our form online. We’ll call you! We have the NATE-certified expertise to help you evaluate the best option for your home and your specific needs.
If expenses are a concern – ask us about financing. Our finance options help you install a more efficient heat pump or furnace to save energy costs right away.
