Fall Checklist for Your Furnace

When the trees begin to lose their leaves and the air becomes a little cooler, you know what time it is – time to tune-up your furnace. There is a good chance your furnace has not been on since March or April, and it needs a little maintenance before it begins heating your home this winter. Here is a quick fall checklist of furnace maintenance items to do before the winter months arrive.

  • Change the filter. It is always good to start the season with a fresh filter. Most furnace filters need to be changes once a month or every other month, depending on the amount of use and the type of filter.
  • Burn off the dust. The first time your furnace turns on, it is usually a little unpleasant. Dust in the vents and inside the furnace can create an odor. Fire up your furnace for a test run and open the windows and doors to air out the house while you burn off the dust of summer.
  • Clear vent areas. Blowing cold air is different than hot air. For safety, make sure nothing flammable is near vents or the furnace, and that the areas in front of vents are clear.
  • Schedule your tune-up. It can behoove you to schedule your annual furnace tune-up every fall to make sure everything is still in good working order. Routine HVAC maintenance can help efficiency and inspection of the equipment can identify issues that need repair before winter arrives.

Don’t wait for the cold weather to begin worrying about your heating system; get your furnace ready for winter this fall by crossing these maintenance items off your list.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

How Often Should You Change HVAC Filters?

One of the most important DIY maintenance you can do for your HVAC system is ensure the air filter is kept clean. A dirty or clogged air filter can put extra stress on your HVAC system, causing it to work harder and be more likely to have system issues. Plus, air filters help improve the quality of the air in your home for the health of your family. So, how often should you change your HVAC air filters?

First, there is not a set rule on changing your HVAC air filter as each home and filter is different. An air filter manufacturer may say to change the filter every two months, which is a good rule of thumb, but not always accurate for all filters. Most 1-3-inch filters are suggested to change in two month intervals, but you should check the manufacturer recommendations for your filter.

Secondly, consider the environment. If you use your HVAC every day and have kids, pets and a full house, your air filter is working overtime. It may need to be changed more often than recommended. On the other hand, if you only have 1 person living in a big home and only use the HVAC system when you are home, the filter may not need to be changed for 3-4 months. The best advice? Check it regularly – if it looks dirty before it is scheduled to be replaced, switch it for a new one.

Changing the air filter is just part of maintaining your HVAC system. You should also schedule regular tune-ups and service 1-2 a year. Your HVAC service tech will also check your filter and change it out if needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

Why Your Furnace Filter Is Important

Both the forced-heated air we use in the winter and our central air conditioning flows through the house in the same ducting in most of our HVAC systems.  And, as mundane as they look, our HVAC systems could not properly do the job they are intended to do without an appropriate air filter. Many homes today are also equipped with air exchange systems that literally exchange the air in our homes without our awareness. All of the air that we breathe in our homes, regardless of the season, flows directly through the furnace filter. 

As you can see, an extremely important component of your HVAC system maintenance is that this filter be changed, at the very least, every three months if not monthly. Your air filter has a major affect on the quality of the health and safety of your indoor air, as well as the efficiency of your cooling system. If you suffer from allergies, or have pets at home, it is even more important to remember to change your filter regularly. When your filter becomes dirty from the gradual build-up of trapped particles, it becomes more difficult for air to get through which will ultimately increase your energy bill and decrease the lifespan of your HVAC system. 

Furthermore, there are several different kinds of filters today and having the right furnace filter for your home may also contribute more to your comfort.  You can choose from the relatively inexpensive disposable fiberglass filters, disposable pleated or electrostatic, permanent electrostatic or high-efficiency pleated. Be sure to discuss these options with your local HVAC professional to make sure that you filter meets the individual needs of your home..