Start With Your Furnace
The first step in getting your home ready for heating season is making sure your furnace is ready to do its job.
If your furnace has been sitting mostly unused through the spring and summer, don't wait until the first freezing morning to turn it on for the first time. Run your heating system before you actually need it and pay attention to how it operates.
Does it start normally? Is the airflow strong? Are you hearing unusual noises? Does your home heat evenly?
Unusual sounds, frequent cycling, weak airflow or difficulty maintaining your thermostat setting can all be signs that your system needs attention.
A professional fall furnace service can also help identify potential issues before they turn into an inconvenient heating failure.
Check Your Air Filter
One of the simplest things a homeowner can do before heating season is check the furnace filter.
A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow and make your HVAC system work harder. That can affect comfort and contribute to unnecessary strain on the equipment.
If you can't remember the last time you changed your filter, October is a good time to check it.
Your filter isn't just about protecting your furnace. Proper airflow plays an important role in how effectively your entire home heating system operates.
Make Sure Your Vents and Registers Are Clear
Take a walk through your home and look at your supply vents and return-air registers.
Are they covered by furniture? Blocked by rugs? Closed or accidentally obstructed?
Your heating system needs proper airflow to distribute warm air throughout your home. If furniture or other objects are blocking vents, your furnace may be running, but your home may not be receiving the full benefit of that heated air.
This is an easy October checklist item that can make a noticeable difference in comfort.
Check Your Thermostat
Your thermostat controls when your heating system turns on and off, so make sure it is ready for the season.
Replace the batteries if necessary and make sure the thermostat is responding properly when you adjust the temperature.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, review your settings before the heating season gets into full swing. You may be able to create a heating schedule that keeps your home comfortable while avoiding unnecessary heating when everyone is away.
If your thermostat is older or you're constantly adjusting it because certain areas of your home are too hot or too cold, it may be worth having a professional evaluate your system and comfort needs.
Don't Forget About Humidity
Michigan winters can bring more than just cold temperatures. Heated indoor air can also become dry, which can affect how comfortable your home feels.
A properly operating whole-home humidifier can help add moisture to the air during the heating season.
If you have a whole-home humidifier, fall is a great time to make sure it's working properly and that the humidifier pad is ready for another season.
Your HVAC system isn't simply about heating the air.
Whole-home comfort also involves airflow, humidity, temperature control and indoor air quality.
Pay Attention to Uneven Heating
If some rooms in your home are consistently colder than others, don't simply assume that's normal.
Uneven temperatures can have a number of causes, including airflow problems, ductwork issues, insulation, thermostat placement or equipment that isn't properly matched to the home.
If you're noticing cold rooms now, October is the time to address them — not when Michigan temperatures are at their lowest.
A professional HVAC evaluation can help determine what's contributing to the comfort problem and what options may be available.
October Is Also the Time to Think About Your Furnace's Age
If your furnace is getting older, heating season is the worst time to discover that it's nearing the end of its service life.
An older furnace doesn't necessarily need to be replaced simply because of its age. However, if you're experiencing repeated repairs, increasing heating costs, inconsistent comfort or declining performance, it may be worth discussing your options before an emergency occurs.
Planning ahead gives you time to evaluate replacement options rather than making a rushed decision on the coldest day of the year.
Get Ahead of the Michigan Heating Season
The best time to discover a heating problem is
before you need your furnace every day.
For homeowners throughout
Oakland County, White Lake, Highland, Milford and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities, October is the perfect month to walk through your home's heating checklist.
Test your furnace. Check your filter. Make sure vents and registers are clear. Verify your thermostat is working properly. Check your humidifier. Pay attention to uneven temperatures. And if your system is older or showing signs of trouble, have it evaluated before winter arrives.
At
Mulligan Heating, Inc., we've been helping Michigan families stay comfortable since 1955. Our team can help make sure your heating system is ready for the season ahead and help you identify potential problems before they become heating emergencies.
Don't let the first cold snap be your furnace's first test.
Call
Mulligan Heating, Inc. at (248) 698-9700 or visit
www.MulliganHeating.com to get your home ready for heating season.
Complete Home Comfort. Trusted Since 1955.
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