As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop in southern Manitoba, homeowners are beginning to prepare for the inevitable cold months ahead. One of the most crucial steps in this process is ensuring that your furnace is in tip-top shape. Chad Brown, the team leader at Brown's Plumbing and Heating in Steinbach, shares insights on how to get your heating system ready for winter, along with essential safety tips.
Turn On Your Furnace Early
Brown emphasizes the importance of turning on your furnace well before the first snow falls.
“I would say the first thing is probably the easiest and that’s just, you know, turn on your furnace early and just check to make sure it’s working,” he advises.
Many homeowners delay this task, hoping to squeeze out a few more days of mild weather. However, discovering issues on a frigid night can be both uncomfortable and dangerous.
If you notice a slight smell when first turning on your furnace, don’t be alarmed. Brown explains, “Some dust can often settle on either the heat exchanger or the elements or the AC coil. As the heat is applied, that dust gets hot, and so a bit of a smell would be normal.”
Regular Maintenance Is Key
So, how often should you have your furnace serviced? Brown recommends regular cleanings and tune-ups to maintain efficiency and safety.
“Whether you have an electric furnace or a gas furnace, turn it on early and get it tuned up,” he says.
Regular maintenance not only prevents future issues but also ensures your family’s safety.
“Sometimes when we have our technicians in to inspect furnaces, we find out that that unit isn’t safe,” Brown explains. “Your home is your castle, and you should not have to worry when you’re in there.”
Changing Your Filters
Another critical aspect of furnace care is changing the filters regularly. Brown stresses, “Furnace filters should be changed ideally every month, but at the most, every three months.” This simple task can significantly enhance your furnace’s efficiency and improve your home’s air quality. “It protects the furnace from dust and crud building up in there as well,” he adds.
With so many filter options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. “If there’s a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating on a furnace filter, it’s going to do a better job of filtering, but too high of a MERV rating can actually become restrictive and hard for the furnace,” Brown explains.
He suggests looking for filters around a MERV rating of 8, as this offers a good balance of filtration without putting too much strain on the system.
Real-Life Stories
Brown shares that his team has encountered various furnace-related issues over the years.
“We recently had a furnace where there had been a small fire,” he recalls. “That probably could have been prevented if they would have had a professional out to do a full inspection.” Such stories underscore the importance of regular maintenance and checks.
In another instance, a homeowner experienced issues due to incorrect voltage coming into the house, rather than a malfunctioning furnace.
“We were able to help the homeowner figure that out and get it solved,” Brown says. These situations highlight how proactive maintenance can save homeowners from significant headaches down the line.
Setting the Right Temperature
As for the ideal temperature to set your furnace, Brown believes it ultimately depends on personal comfort.
“The temperature in your house is affected by both the temperature and the humidity,” he explains. “If the humidity is too low in winter, it’s going to feel cooler at the same temperature.”
He suggests using a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures at night for comfort and energy savings.
Safety First: Detectors Matter
Brown highlights a vital safety reminder that some homes require more than smoke alarms.
“If you have any gas appliances in your house, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” he says. “If you don’t have them, I would recommend adding them, at least on the level where the furnace is.”
Regularly check that these detectors are working and up to date, ensuring that your home remains a safe haven during the chilly winter months.