As our leaves start changing colors, the weather begins to cool and the days become shorter — the time has arrived for us to switch our HVAC systems over to the heating mode.

To assist you in this regard, we at Lebanon Heating & Cooling prepared the following list to make sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter.

1. Switch Thermostat Mode

Switch your thermostat mode from cooling to heating and set your temperature to a couple of degrees above your room’s current temperature. Once it’s set, listen for the furnace to kick on. It should come on within a minute after setting it. If the heater doesn’t kick on within a minute, take the cover off the thermostat to make sure all the wires are connected properly and securely. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can give us a call for help. If all the wiring is connected and everything is tight and secure, check the power source of your HVAC system to make sure it’s on. If it still does not kick on, you can look at your furnace’s fan, or your heat pump or blower — however, your best move would be contacting a professional like us. We’d be happy to help you with your heating and air services.

2. Replace Your Air Filters

Your home’s HVAC system might have air filters in your wall, ceiling, or in its vents. Most of the time, however, HVAC systems have a single air filter inside it. You should be replacing your air filters regularly, and frequently, but at the very least every few months. However, if your system has a permanent electrostatic air filter, you are able to wash it out in order to continue using it. Switching out or cleaning your air filter regularly will increase the efficiency in removing airborne particles and pollutants that negatively affect your system and your Indoor Air Quality. Doing this regularly can increase your system’s lifespan as well. If your system has a humidifier this would be the time to replace its filter and adjust your humidistat.

3. Keep AC Condenser Covered

As the winter approaches and you are no longer using your AC system, this is the ideal time to clean off your AC condenser and cover it up for the winter. However, if your system is a heat pump, (heat pumps are often mistaken for air conditioners), you should NOT cover it because heat pumps operate year-round. Covering your AC unit’s condenser will protect it from the winter elements of snow, ice, and falling icicles. Experts suggest using large trash can lid over it using bungee cords to secure it. Or, even something like a board would suffice in covering the fan. However, it is not advised to wrap the AC in a plastic tarp or anything that would trap moisture within.

4. Time for a Tune-Up

Your home’s heat exchanger needs to be cleaned out every year. Having an expert brush it out and vacuum it every year allows the technician the opportunity to look for cracks that could be releasing dangerous carbon monoxide in your home.

5. Clean Blower Motor and Utilize Lubrication 

If you don’t already know, now is the time to look at your system’s owner’s manual to determine whether your motor is the type that requires lubrication. If it is, shut the power off, open your cover and clean off the caps that are covering your bearings. Then, remove the caps and lubricate your bearings.

6. Check Your Igniter Switch

If your system is an older type, you may have to relight your pilot light. Modern systems use electronic ignitors so this won’t be necessary if your system is newer. However, if your ignitor does not work, hit the button that says reset. If it still doesn’t work after that, you need to look at your breaker and check that. Finally, if all else fails it’s time to give us a call.

7. Check Detectors and Chimney 

The chimneys in our homes are known to collect carbon, or even become sanctuaries for small animals, which can make them unsafe. This is also where having a professional inspect your chimney periodically could be a lifesaver. Furthermore, you should be testing or replacing carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to make sure they’re ready for winter. Carbon monoxide is especially important to be on alert because it’s considered a “silent killer.”

8. Check Oil-Powered Systems

If your home heating system is powered by oil, now is the time to replace the oil filter and nozzle and determine the tank’s level. Contrary to a gas-fueled system, heating systems that utilize oil need to have their oil filters changed, their burner nozzles cleaned and the system requires a thorough brushing of the heat-exchanger to sustain efficient operation because oil does not burn nearly as clean as gas.

Schedule us for Heating Maintenance

As we alluded to earlier, residential heating systems require annual maintenance performed by a qualified technician. Not only will this ensure your system’s continuous optimal performance, lowering heating bills and extending the life of your system, but also it’s required by all heating system manufacturers to keep warranties valid.

If you’d like one of our friendly technicians here at Lebanon Heating & Cooling to come out and assist you in this regard, give us a call at (513) 540-1773 or click here to schedule an appointment now.