Fall brings colorful leaves and lower temperatures, and many households will turn on the furnace for the first time in several months. You don’t want to discover that you need significant furnace repairs when you need to turn up the heat. Thankfully, some basic preventive care will ensure the system is ready to go before the temperatures start to drop.

3 Tips to Get Your Furnace Ready for Fall

1. Check the Thermostat

If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure it's ready to go with the proper settings. Generally speaking, you can let temperatures get cooler at night while everyone's comfortable in bed and during the day when you're at work. 

It's also a good idea to test the thermostat to make sure it actually turns on the furnace. If the unit doesn't turn on even though the thermostat should activate it, check that the system's breaker is on. If the breaker is on and the furnace won't start, you may have a faulty ignition switch.

2. Change the Filters

A simple maintenance task you can perform is changing the furnace filter. The component traps dust, pollen, and other debris to improve indoor air quality. However, this can eventually result in clogs that make it harder for the furnace to draw air and heat your home. 

As the unit is forced to work harder than it should, you may experience uneven heating throughout the home and inflated energy bills. Change the filter at least every three months to avoid these problems.

3. Clear the Area

To ensure adequate airflow, keep the area around the furnace free of other objects. Ideally, you should keep other items at least three feet away from the appliance so that they don’t block airflow. This also reduces the risk of a fire, which could happen if flammable objects are stored too close to the system.

If you need furnace repairs to prepare your household for fall, count on Forquer Heating & Air Conditioning in North Canton, OH. Serving the Stark County area since 1996, this licensed and insured HVAC contractor provides top-quality work with factory-trained technicians. By scheduling a maintenance inspection before autumn, you'll ensure that the furnace will operate at peak efficiency, while also addressing any minor repair issues before they get out of hand. To learn more about their furnace repair services, visit them online or call (330) 630-2645.