No doubt about it. Winter is almost here. Let’s be honest. The last thing you probably think about is the current state of your furnace. We all often take it for granted. You expect it to work and keep your house warm. That’s what a furnace is supposed to do. If you want to depend on consistent heat this winter, have your furnace serviced/ maintained yearly.
Air filters and your gas furnace
Some thermostats are equipped to notify homeowners when the HVAC air filter needs to be changed. An ineffective or clogged air filter can cause your entire system to have to overwork to draw in the amount of air required to work properly. Changing your filter in a timely manner can reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system. A fresh filter can also improve the air quality in your home, capturing particles and dust on a daily basis. This is especially important in the colder winter months as most homeowners are less likely to open their windows to let fresh air circulate in the house.
Have you ever asked your kids, “Were you born in a barn?” when they leave the front door wide open? Keeping windows and doors closed in the winter means little to no air exchange in the house. With fewer fresh air exchanges, your home is more susceptible to airborne pathogens that contribute to winter colds and flu. C.M. Mose and Son recommends you change your air filter every six months. If there is a smoker in the house or your fireplace does not vent effectively, filter changes every three months are recommended.
Better air quality with an air purifier
An air filter will help with air quality but if you or a family member is more prone to colds and allergies than most, installing an air purifier that works in conjunction with your furnace is a good investment in your health this winter. The very young and old are usually more susceptible to pathogens that cause colds and flu in the air. An air purifier uses an ultraviolet light to kill germs before they can enter your home, affecting the air you breathe. Installing an air purifier helps reduces germs and keeps the incidence of winter colds and flu in your own home to a minimum.
Gas furnace and carbon monoxide
A gas furnace that emits high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can potentially be dangerous. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced in combustion flames. This occurs in many situations, including burning wood (in fireplaces), gas ranges, and a home heating system that uses anything but electricity as an energy source. When CO builds in a home, it can produce a variety of symptoms for people living inside. These include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and even passing out. There may be a tendency to confuse these issues with other winter sicknesses.
It is vital that your gas furnace is not emitting dangerous CO fumes. The Center for Disease Control recommends that your heating system is serviced by a qualified technician every year. Customers with a Service Agreement from C.M. Mose and Son enjoy the peace of mind of a twice-a-year inspection and service call. The technicians will ensure that the gas furnace and air conditioner are operating safely and efficiently. The fall/winter inspection includes:
• Testing your equipment for CO levels.
• Replacing the air filter.
• Cleaning the equipment’s moving parts to improve the reliability, efficiency and extend the life of your furnace.
Maintain your gas furnace
Your gas furnace, if properly maintained, will keep you warm and comfortable for years to come. Changing the air filter regularly will improve the air going into your equipment. This reduces the stress on the motor. Installing an air purifier neutralizes pathogens in the air, so you breathe better air and stay cold and flu free this winter. So, what should you know about your gas furnace? You need to have it serviced by a qualified C.M. Mose and Son technician to ensure that it runs safely and efficiently this winter.
This blog was originally posted in November 2017 and was recently updated.