With fall well underway and winter just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about your furnace. Ideally, you should have your heating system professional inspected before using it for the first time each season, but even if you’ve already cranked it up a time or two this year, investing in a pre-season furnace inspection is still advisable. Neering’s is currently has a maintenance offer that you might still be able to take advantage of!

Routine heater maintenance and pre-season inspections are essential to the health of your home’s heating system. When you fire up the system for the first time without having it inspected and performing some basic maintenance, there is an increased chance of your system failing. Here at Neering’s Plumbing & Heating, we strongly recommend getting a professional heating inspection each fall, but there are a few things you can tackle yourself.

Filter Replacement or Cleaning

Taking care of your furnace’s filters is basic maintenance, and it’s something you should already be doing. Twice per year, ideally in the spring and fall, check your furnace filter for buildup and degradation, and replace or clean it as needed.

Your furnace filter removes dust and debris from the air, preventing it from being circulated throughout your home via your HVAC system. It also keeps your furnace clean. When your filter is dirty or damaged, air might struggle to pass through, forcing your heating system to work harder. In addition to causing you to spend more on your heating bills, the additional strain can decrease the lifespan of your system.

Clean Up Around the Furnace

Over the past several months, you may have used the area around your furnace for storage, but now is the time to clear it out. Items, especially those that are flammable or sensitive to heat, should not be stored within a 32-inch radius of your furnace. In addition to being a fire hazard, many items can be damaged by the heat of a furnace.

If you have an outdoor heat pump, clean up around it as well. Clear away brush and other objects within 24-inches of the pump to ensure safe and proper operation of the unit. If the condenser coils appear excessively dirty, you can hose them off or call in a professional for heat pump cleaning.

Clean and Seal Vents and Ducts

If your air vents and registers are dusty or clogged, the effectiveness of your heating system can suffer greatly. Check your vents to make sure that they are clear and airflow isn’t being restricted. Also, check to make sure that boxes, furniture, and other items are not blocking floor vents, and keep flammable materials away from all vents and registers.

To ensure the effectiveness of your heating system, leaks need to be taken care of as well. If there are any leaks, reinsulate the section using mastic and mesh tape. Thoroughly sealing your ventilation system can be tricky, but a professional can do it with ease.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Before you crank up your heating system this year, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries should be replaced, and units need to be tested twice each year. This is especially important if your heating system uses any type of fuel to generate heat.

Professional Pre-Season Furnace Inspection in Salt Lake City

While there are a number of DIY furnace checks, to ensure optimal safety and peak system performance, at Neerings Plumbing & Heating, we recommend professional pre-season furnace inspection from one of our expert Salt Lake City furnace repair techs. We can perform a number of tasks that the average homeowner can’t, like inspecting chimneys, calibrating the thermostat, testing safety controls and cleaning the blower. We know how to detect and repair problems quickly and safely.

At Neerings Plumbing & Heating, we offer pre-season furnace inspection in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. For an even better deal, take advantage of our Triple Play Tune-Up, which includes professional inspection of your heating system, air conditioner, and water heater. For the best plumbing and heating services in the Salt Lake City area, call Neerings Plumbing & Heating now!