Before you start planning your adventures for the warmer season, don’t forget to tend to your post-winter home maintenance tasks. Of course, your to-do list should include shutting down your furnace.
Here are a few reminders from Azam Air Systems, one of the best heating and air conditioning companies in the area, to help ensure the proper shutdown of your furnace.
Shutting Down a Gas Furnace
Gas furnaces typically have a standing pilot light, which requires a consistent flow of gas in order to keep lit. The amount of gas used here seems small, but this can easily add up over a certain period. To avoid this unnecessary expense, you should consider shutting down your gas furnace. You can simply do this by turning off the gas valve that supplies fuel to the entire system as well as its pilot light. Once you turn this valve off, the pilot light should go out.
Checking Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Furnace companies usually recommend homeowners to have carbon monoxide detectors, especially if they are using a gas furnace. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, so it’s not easily noticeable. That is why having CO detectors in your home is very important. Moreover, your CO detectors should always be in good condition. You can use the “test” button to know if it’s working. It’s best to do this when you’re testing your furnace before winter and when shutting it down for spring.
Cleaning the Area Surrounding Your Furnace
Keep in mind that you should never place or store things next to or near your furnace. For one thing, this can create a fire hazard in your home. Make sure to get rid of any ignitable materials nearby, such as oil, rags, cardboard boxes, paint, wood stain, or clothes.
Aside from that, you should vacuum the area surrounding your furnace as well. If this area is full of dirt, dust, or lint, there’s a possibility that the intake filter of the furnace could become dirty more quickly.