Fall in Burke County brings crisp air, falling leaves, and rapidly dropping temperatures. Before the first real freeze hits Valdese, it is crucial to ensure your furnace is up to the task. Relying on an untested heating system on a freezing November night is a gamble you don't want to take. Taking a few proactive steps now can extend the lifespan of your equipment, keep your home comfortable, and keep your energy bills low. Here are four essential checks to perform this fall:

1. Swap Out Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter is the number one cause of avoidable furnace breakdowns. Over the summer, your filter collected dust, pet dander, and pollen. Starting the winter with a clogged filter forces your furnace to work twice as hard to pull in air, wasting energy and risking system overheating. Swap it out for a fresh one before firing up the system, and plan to check it every 30 days during peak heating season.

2. Clear the Area Around Your Units

If you have a heat pump or an outdoor HVAC unit, check for fallen autumn leaves, branches, and tall weeds. The unit needs at least two feet of clearance on all sides to pull in air efficiently. Indoors, do a quick walkthrough to ensure that winter furniture arrangements, heavy rugs, and long curtains aren't blocking your supply vents or return air registers.

3. Test Run Before the Freeze

Don't wait until a 20-degree night to find out your heater is broken. Turn your thermostat to heat and raise the temperature a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. Listen for strange banging or rattling noises and pay attention to any persistent smells. A brief smell of burning dust is normal on the first run, but it should fade quickly. If the air feels lukewarm, call a professional.

4. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Gas and oil furnaces produce carbon monoxide, and a compromised heat exchanger can leak this odorless gas into your home. Fall is the perfect time to test your carbon monoxide detectors and put in fresh batteries. If your detector is more than seven years old, it is time to replace the entire unit.

Schedule Your Fall Tune-Up

Preventative maintenance is the secret to a stress-free winter. Don't risk an emergency breakdown when you need heat the most. Schedule your fall heating tune-up with SmartFlow Heating & Cooling today, and let our expert technicians ensure your system is safe, efficient, and ready for whatever a Valdese winter brings. Call us or book your appointment online!