Why September Is the Best Time to Schedule Furnace Maintenance

September in Central Ohio brings lingering summer heat, along with cooler mornings that signal a change in seasons. Before long, it'll be time to turn on the furnace.

That's why September is a smart time to schedule fall furnace maintenance. Having your system checked before temperatures drop helps ensure it's operating properly, identify safety concerns, and catch minor issues before they turn into bigger problems during the winter.

Start Furnace Season With a Professional Tune-Up

A September furnace tune-up gives a technician a chance to inspect your system before it's running every day. During the visit, a technician can:

• Inspect the furnace and important components like the heat exchanger, burners, blower, and ignition system
• Check for safety concerns like cracks in the heat exchanger or gas leaks
• Examine the filter and airflow
• Identify worn or faulty components
• Make sure the system is operating properly and efficiently

One Atlas Butler customer experienced firsthand why a routine inspection can make such a difference:

"Atlas Butler did a great job! Our furnace was turned off when they found a crack starting in the metal during a routine furnace checkup. They came out the next day at 8:00 a.m. to install a new furnace and AC." — Kris, Clintonville

Routine professional inspections can also uncover safety concerns that aren't obvious during everyday use. Learn more about what to watch for in How to Know Your Furnace Is Working Safely.

How Furnace Maintenance Helps Prevent Breakdowns and Safety Issues

Most furnace failures don't happen without warning — they show up as small things a homeowner has no reason to notice. A flame sensor coated in residue, a blower wheel packed with dust, a limit switch that's already tripping on cold mornings. A trained technician can find and fix these minor issues during a maintenance visit.

Your filter is one clue you can check yourself. Check it regularly and replace it as needed, since a dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your HVAC system work harder. Staying on top of filter changes is a simple way to help keep your system running efficiently. And a clogged filter doesn't just cost you efficiency: restricted airflow overheats the heat exchanger, trips the safety limit, and shuts the furnace down mid-cycle. That's often what's behind a furnace blowing lukewarm air or cycling on and off every few minutes. Learn more about How Often to Change a Furnace Filter.

For gas furnaces, maintenance is also an important part of home safety. A professional inspection can check for issues such as:

• A cracked heat exchanger
• Gas leaks around the furnace or connections
• A failing ignitor or burner problems
• A blocked or damaged flue that prevents combustion gases from venting properly

Customer Bridgett, Forest Park experienced the value of regular maintenance firsthand:

"During our regular scheduled Heating Maintenance, it was discovered that our heater had the potential of leaking carbon monoxide due to a part that was rusted out. Our technician, Doug pointed the problem out to us and, told us he would need to order the part and would return to fix the problem when the part arrived. He did so and all is well. Excellent, excellent, customer service as always!!!" — Bridgett, Forest Park

What Homeowners Can Do and When to Call a Professional

There are a few simple things homeowners can do to prepare a furnace for winter:

• Check the furnace filter. Inspect it for dust and debris, and replace it if it's dirty or restricting airflow.
• Keep the furnace area clean. Clear away clutter and dust.
• Check vents and airflow. Make sure furniture, rugs, or other items aren't blocking vents.
• Test carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they're working properly before the heating season.

Beyond that, it's worth having a professional take a look. Call us if you notice:

• Banging, screeching, or rattling when the furnace runs
• A burning smell that lingers past the first day of turning the furnace on
• Rooms that stay noticeably colder than the rest of the house
• A furnace that runs constantly without reaching the thermostat setting

Scheduling furnace maintenance before the cold arrives can help catch potential problems early and make sure your system is ready for colder Central Ohio weather. Call 1-800-FURNACE or visit atlasbutler.com to schedule your furnace tune up or join the Comfort Club today.