Fall is creeping in, and before you know it, you’ll be trading flip-flops for fuzzy socks. That means it’s time to show your furnace a little love before it’s forced to run a winter marathon. After all, the last thing you want is to fire it up on that first chilly night only to get cold air and a whole lot of regret. And if you’re dealing with heating in Huntington Beach, you already know our SoCal weather can flip from sunshine to sweater weather fast, so staying ahead matters. A fall furnace check doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, here are seven easy must-dos before the cold hits.
1. Swap Out The Filter
Your furnace uses filters to trap dust, hair, pet dander, and other airborne particles that may accumulate in your home. When they clog, your unit works harder and your energy bill increases. Replace the filter every 1–3 months in fall and winter for cleaner air and a happier furnace.
2. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
If the room where your furnace is located looks like a garage sale exploded, it’s time to tidy up. Boxes, tools, and laundry baskets restrict airflow and can even become fire hazards. Give your furnace breathing room.
3. Test the Thermostat
Turn that thermostat to heat mode and give it a spin. Does warm air start flowing? If not, don’t panic—sometimes it’s a simple wiring issue or a dead battery in the thermostat itself. Better to catch it now than when a cold snap hits and you’re wrapped in blankets.
4. Check Your Vents and Ducts
Blocked vents = inefficient heating. Walk around and ensure that no furniture or toddler toys are blocking airflow. Consider booking a duct cleaning if you notice excessive amounts of dust by the vents.
5. Listen for Odd Sounds
Bang, clank, hiss—those aren’t fall sound effects. Strange noises can mean loose parts, worn bearings, or ignition issues. Think of them like your furnace trying to talk, and it’s not whispering sweet nothings.
6. Inspect the Flame
For gas furnaces, peek at the flame. It should be steady and blue. Yellow or flickering flames can indicate ventilation problems or even a risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Safety first—always.
7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Furnace maintenance should be scheduled every year, even here in Southern California where you don’t use your heating system as much. Our certified technicians will perform a thorough inspection, clean the system, tighten connections, inspect components, and ensure it’s winter-ready. Consider it a spa day for your furnace.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Wait!
We all procrastinate, but colder nights sneak up quickly. Taking care of your furnace now saves you stress, money, and hassle later. Your home’s comfort matters—especially when temperatures drop, guests arrive, and hot cocoa becomes a nightly ritual.
Need help getting everything tuned up and ready for cozy season? We’re here, tools in hand, smiles included. Heating maintenance now can help you avoid costly repairs and surprise breakdowns when you need warmth most!
Contact our team at Command Comfort today! Climate Control for Life.