Fall in Southern Ontario can change quickly. One week we’re enjoying mild temperatures, and the next we’re waking up to frost on the lawn.
Before freezing temperatures arrive, a little preventative maintenance can help prepare your home and HVAC system for the heating season ahead.
Here are five things worth checking before the first frost.
Start with one of the simplest HVAC maintenance tasks: your air filter.
A clogged filter restricts airflow and can make your heating system work harder. Standard one-inch filters generally need to be replaced every one to three months, although the right schedule depends on your filter, household and HVAC system.
Starting heating season with a clean filter is an easy first step.
Don’t wait for the first freezing night to discover your furnace isn’t working properly.
Turn your heating system on ahead of time and pay attention to how it starts and operates. Is warm air coming from the registers? Is your thermostat responding properly? Are you hearing any unusual noises?
A loud bang or boom when the furnace starts shouldn’t simply be ignored. It can have several possible causes, including delayed ignition or the expansion and contraction of ductwork.
If something doesn’t seem right, have it assessed before colder weather arrives.
Your furnace has a dedicated emergency shutoff switch, and every adult in your home should know where to find it.
It may look similar to an ordinary light switch and can often be found beside the furnace, near the furnace room entrance or at the top of the basement stairs.
Take a moment this fall to locate yours so you aren’t searching for it during an emergency.
One thing you generally don’t need to do is completely wrap your central air conditioner for winter.
Outdoor AC units are designed to withstand the elements. Completely covering the unit can trap moisture and may also create an inviting shelter for rodents.
Instead, keep the area around the unit free of leaves and debris. If your unit is located beneath an area where large debris could fall, ask your HVAC professional whether a top-only cover is appropriate.
High-efficiency furnaces commonly have intake and exhaust pipes that terminate outside your home.
Locate these vents before winter and make sure the surrounding area is clear. Once snow begins falling, check them after heavy snowfall and drifting snow to make sure they haven’t become blocked.
Keeping furnace vents clear is particularly important during Southern Ontario winters, when accumulating or drifting snow can interfere with proper furnace operation and venting.
A few simple checks now can help you head into colder weather with greater confidence.
