Heading into the holiday season, you may be thinking about hosting family and friends for meals, seasonal baking, holiday parties, and more. Most people think about cleaning and decorating their homes, but might forget to give some attention to their heating systems or furnace.
You don’t pay much attention to your furnace when it is working properly, but if something goes wrong unexpectedly, it can derail your holiday plans. For that reason alone, you should add furnace maintenance to your checklist when you’re getting ready to host for the holidays.
Here are some tips that can help you get your home toasty warm for the holidays.
Schedule a Tune-Up
The number one thing you can do to ensure your furnace will keep heating your home all season long is to schedule a tune-up. Your furnace is used constantly throughout the winter, and while most systems withstand heavy use well, parts do wear out and break.
When you schedule a furnace tune-up, you can catch small issues and address them before they turn into big problems. It is also generally a good idea to prolong the life of your system.
Here are some of the tasks that are included in a routine furnace tune-up:
- Checking to make sure there’s no leaking carbon monoxide
- Inspecting high voltage wiring to make sure it is in good condition
- Testing all of the safety switches
- Cleaning dust and debris
- Making sure there is nothing that could cause a gas leak or fire
- Searching for unwanted critters like mice and insects in the ductwork
A maintenance appointment does not have to be a hassle. A professional can do a thorough inspection and be in and out in no time.
Don’t Put Off Repairs If You Need Them
Sometimes, furnaces can be temperamental, and a problem on Tuesday can seem to resolve itself by Wednesday. However, if you notice that your furnace isn’t acting quite right, it is time to call in the professionals. The last thing you want is to experience a total breakdown in the middle of the holidays.
Even if your furnace seems to be working for the most part, there are several signs that it is likely in need of repair:
- Inconsistent heating
- Constant cycling
- Unusual noises
- Not responding to the thermostat
- Lukewarm air
Most furnace repairs are routine and can be fixed quickly without incident. Don’t take any chances. Call in the professionals right away if you notice any of these issues.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you have a gas furnace, carbon monoxide poisoning is always a risk, no matter what time of year it is. Problems with your venting are not usually visible but they can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, which can be extremely dangerous.
If you are scheduling regular maintenance, the chances of carbon monoxide leaking are greatly reduced, but it is still a good idea to keep your detectors in good shape.
Double-Check for Flammable Objects
While most homeowners are generally careful with placing objects close to heating systems, the holidays can be chaotic, and it is easy to overlook simple things like this. Making sure that things like wrapping paper and boxes stay away from your furnace is critical to ensure the safety of your home.
Each year, dozens of fires are started because Christmas trees or other objects are too close to a furnace. It is especially important to remember to check the area surrounding your furnace if you are planning to be away from your home for any length of time for the holidays.
Adjust Your Thermostat
If you are hosting family or friends for the holidays, your thermostat does not need to be set to the same temperature as when it is just you and your family at home. With several additional bodies in your home, it is bound to heat up. In fact, it can take a while for your home to cool down!
In anticipation of this, turn down your thermostat before guests arrive. If you will be out of town for the holidays, you don’t need to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while you are away. Just make sure to set it warm enough to avoid pipes freezing.
Add Circulation
Turning up your heater is not the only way to keep it warm inside. Simple things like adjusting ceiling fans and opening the window shades will help to keep your home warm.
Ceiling fans have a switch on the base that reverses the direction the blades rotate. Changing this setting helps circulate the warm air that can become trapped near the ceiling. Ceiling fans can also help circulate the warm air created by the sun shining in during the day.
Prepare Your Furnace for the Holidays with Jones Mechanical
No matter your holiday plans, you should make time to get your home ready for the holidays. Whether you need a tune-up, repair, or a total furnace replacement, Jones Mechanical has you covered. Give us a call today!
