Your furnace has probably been sitting quietly since spring.
So has the exhaust and intake piping outside your home.
And while you weren’t thinking about it, birds, mice, insects and other critters may have noticed that an open vent pipe can make a pretty convenient place to nest or build a home.
Before the first cold snap hits Ohio, take a few minutes to check it.
This isn’t about scaring you. A blocked or obstructed vent is one of the issues our technicians can encounter when heating season gets underway.
A quick check now can help you find a potential problem before you’re depending on your furnace to keep your family warm.
Start Outside – Not at the Thermostat
Take a look at where your heating system’s exhaust and intake pipes exit your home.
On many newer furnaces and high-efficiency systems, you’ll see one or two white PVC pipes coming through an exterior wall.
Older systems may have a metal flue or chimney-style vent that exits through the roof.
You’re looking for obvious obstructions such as:
- Nests
- Leaves
- Mud or debris
- Insects or spider webs
- Anything that appears to be packed into the opening
Your furnace needs proper ventilation to safely operate. If an exhaust vent becomes blocked, combustion gases may not be able to leave the home as intended. Many modern systems have safety controls designed to shut the furnace down if a problem is detected—but it’s still better to find an obstruction before heating season begins.
Loose leaves or cobwebs around the opening can usually be cleared away.
If something appears to be inside the pipe or firmly packed into the opening, don’t try to dig it out yourself. Call a qualified HVAC professional to inspect it.
Turn on Your Heat Before You Really Need It
Don’t wait for the first freezing night of the year to find out your furnace isn’t ready.
On a mild fall day, turn your thermostat up and let your heating system run for 15–20 minutes.
That gives you a chance to notice anything unusual while you’re still weeks—or at least days—away from needing your furnace around the clock.
A little burning-dust smell the first time your furnace runs is generally normal. Dust can collect on components while the system isn’t being used and may burn off when the heat comes on.
But pay attention to anything unusual, including:
- A strong or persistent burning smell
- A burning-plastic or electrical smell
- Loud banging, rattling or unusual noises
- The furnace starting and repeatedly shutting down
- Poor or inconsistent airflow
- The system struggling to maintain the temperature
And if you ever smell rotten eggs or sulfur, treat that differently. Leave the home and contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location. Don’t assume it’s an HVAC problem.
Start Heating Season With a Fresh Filter
Your HVAC filter has been working all summer if you have a central air system—and even if it hasn’t, it’s worth checking before heating season.
A dirty filter restricts airflow and can make your HVAC system work harder than necessary.
Check your filter before the heating season begins.
If it’s dirty, replace it with the correct size and type for your system. You can order the right size right here.
A good rule of thumb is to check your filter monthly and replace it as needed. Homes with pets, construction activity, or higher levels of dust may need more frequent changes.
Not sure what filter you need?
We’re happy to help you identify the right one for your system.
There’s One More Check You Can’t Do From the Driveway
A homeowner can perform some basic visual checks.
A professional furnace tune-up and safety inspection goes much further.
During a heating-system service, a qualified technician can inspect and test components that aren’t accessible through a quick homeowner check, including safety controls, burners, electrical components, airflow and other system-specific components.
For gas furnaces, the technician can also evaluate combustion and venting and inspect accessible areas of the heat exchanger as appropriate.
And if your home uses a heat pump, don’t skip the seasonal check just because you don’t have a traditional furnace.
Heat pumps work year-round, providing cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. Fall is a great time to make sure the system is ready for the heavier heating demands ahead.
Get Ready Before Ohio Gets Cold
The easiest time to prepare your heating system is before you need it.
- Check your venting.
- Check your filter.
- Run your heat.
- Pay attention to anything unusual.
- And consider scheduling professional heating maintenance before the first major cold snap.
Don’t wait until the first really cold night to find out your furnace isn’t ready.
Give us a call at (937) 888-3790 or contact us here to schedule your fall heating service…we’ll get your system looked at while the weather is still on your side. We are here to help!
We’re here to help keep your Ohio home safe, comfortable and ready for winter.