The weather is starting to change, which means you’ll need to start making some changes to your cooling and heating habits.

Tips for Getting Furnace Ready for Fall & Winter

1. Programmable thermostat. If you’re in the habit of using your programmable thermostat, it’s a good idea to turn it off when the weather starts to get unpredictable. If you let it run, it might cool your home unnecessarily. This will waste energy and money.
2. Insulation. The insulation in your home needs to be at its best. Fall is a great time to take a look at the insulation to see what condition it’s in. Upgrading insulation increases energy conservation and will lower energy bills.
3. Air conditioning. As the temperatures start to drop, lower your air conditioner as it does. You don’t need to have it running full blast. Lower the use of your air conditioner as the temperature outside decreases.
4. Heat pump. Heat pumps allow you to transfer energy form one area of your home to another. It can be useful to use in the fall to bring heat into your home.
5. Gas furnace. Gas will cost you less in the summer and it’s easier to fill it up too. Plan ahead so you’re prepared for unpredictable times of cold weather.

Stress Relieving Furnace Operation

After you have transitioned your home for fall, you can take steps to lower your energy costs and reduce the stress you put on your HVAC unit. Taking these steps will increase the lifespan of your unit and the efficiency of it too.
1. Monitor the air filters. When you change the filters on a regular basis you give your unit a little boost. Keep and eye on them and you’ll see the signs that they need to be changed. Buy extra filters now when the prices are cheaper.
2. Clean around the furnace. Make sure you sweep and remove debris that can accumulate under and around the furnace. This will help keep the filter clean and reduce the risk of fire.
3. Clean air vents & ducts. Regular cleaning will keep the pathways open and prevent the unit form having to work so hard.
4. Use a programmable thermostat. You turned it off during the transition period, but when the temperature outside is consistent, you can use it to heat your home to suit your needs and habits.
5. Bleed the valves. If you have a hot-water radiator, it’s a good idea to open the valves a little bit and then close them when you start to see water. This will prevent the water from freezing in the pipes.

Furnace Inspections, Repairs & More in Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York

Pre-season furnace prep is important for reliable heat all winter long. When the first cold snaps hits, the last thing you want is to turn the furnace on only to discover it’s not working. Make sure it’s ready to keep your family warm. Call Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today for an inspection and/or maintenance.