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Fall is here and the home heating season is about to begin. Take the necessary steps now to ensure your furnace is working efficiently and up to the task of keeping your home and family warm during the next several months.

If you have not yet turned your furnace on for the season, now is a good time to do a test run. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Make sure the heating vents in your home are in the open position and that nothing is blocking them. If you have radiators, open the valves by turning the handles counterclockwise all the way. May we also suggest replacing radiators with a modern, efficient system that will save on utility bills.
2. Replace the filter on your furnace. This is easy, inexpensive, and highly effective in improving its efficiency.
3. Set the thermostat to the “heat” function and turn the fan switch to the “On” or “Auto” position.
4. Set the thermostat for a higher temperature than the current temperature in your home. The heat should come on and the home should start warming up.
5. If you’ve taken steps one through four and the furnace doesn’t turn on or the home is not warming up effectively, it is time to call a heating professional.
6. Similarly, if you notice strange smells, hot and cold spots or a grinding noise from your furnace, it also means it’s time to call.

Related read: Timely service saves your heating system and your bank account

Other reasons to call for assistance include:

• You haven’t had your furnace tuned up this year.
• The heating system is not maintaining a constant temperature in your home, or you have to change the thermostat setting often to keep it comfortable.
• The furnace is cycling on and off frequently or making a lot of noise.
• Your furnace is more than 10 years old.

 The average life of a well-maintained furnace is 12 to 17 years. As long as you have your heating system regularly serviced and professionally maintained, you can expect it to run efficiently longer than the average. If your furnace is older or not equipped to handle the size of your home, it may be time to consider replacing it with a unit that will heat your home more reliably and efficiently.Related read: Knowing when to repair or replace your furnace

Home Comfort Experts provides heating system installation, service and maintenance in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. Call us at (574) 255-4600 to learn about your heating system options, including eco-friendly and high efficiency furnaces and heat pumps.