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Turning On Your Furnace for the First Time

Guidance from Your HVAC Pros in Pennsylvania

The cold weather is coming, and you are probably starting to think about turning the furnace on for the first time this season. As it has likely been months since your furnace was last active, it is important that you do not simply flick the on switch and walk away. We have put together a few simple but key steps to follow that ensure you turn your furnace on properly.

5 Things to Do When Turning on Your Furnace for the First Time

With modern technology, turning onthe heat in your home is as simple as flicking a light switch. While this process is perfectly safe, there are some important steps we recommend you follow to ensure everything goes smoothly and your unit is in good working order. Here are 5 things to do when turning on your furnace for the first time this winter: 

  • How to prepare: Before turning everything on, it is important to make sure you have prepared the unit and surrounding area. This includes ensuring the filters are new and properly installed, clearing the area around the furnace to avoid the risk of fires and testing the smoke and CO2 alarms in your home. 
  • Time it right: Many homeowners make the mistake of waiting until the cold weather has arrived to turn on their HVAC unit for the first time. This is not a problem, so long as everything is working perfectly, but if something is not, then this can lead to some cold nights while you wait for a technician to come. Turning on your unit to check before you need the heating will ensure this does not happen, avoiding any potential emergency maintenance visits.
  • Open windows: After months of inactivity, it is not uncommon for homeowners to report odd smells when they turn on their furnaces. This is often caused by dust buildup in the ducts. The best thing to do is just open a few windows at first and wait for the smell to pass. If, after a few hours, the smell is not gone, this could be indicative of a larger issue, and it is best to call a technician.
  • Keep an eye on it: Furnaces are designed to spend long periods of time inactive, so there is not usually anything to worry about when turning them on. However, if there is an issue that might have gone unnoticed from the last winter, it is more likely to arise then. Generally, it is wise to keep an eye on your furnace during the first 24 hours of use, listening for odd noises and watching for heating irregularities, which could indicate an issue.
  • Schedule your next maintenance: Every furnace comes with manufacturer recommendations for how often your unit should be checked by a HVAC technician. If you have not already done so, be sure to familiarize yourself with this and book your furnace in for a checkup at the recommended time. This not only keeps your warranty active, but also ensures your furnace will last you a long time. 

The best thing to do to ensure your furnace is working well for the colder weather is to have it regularly serviced by a trained and experienced HVAC technician. This helps to prevent breakages or issues when you need your heating system most.

At Comfort Solutions, our team of highly experienced technicians have built a reputation within our community for excellent service and knowledge of all makes and models. We not only help fix furnace systems but also work to educate our clients about how best to use and care for their units. Our customers trust us to help keep their furnaces working and their families warm through the winter.

To learn more about keeping your furnace running smoothly throughout the winter, consult with our team of experts at Comfort Solutions. Call us at 610-438-9300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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