Before firing up your furnace and/or fireplace, it’s crucial to ensure that everything is in working order. This way, you’ll keep your energy costs in check and lessen the chance of a dreaded “something’s wrong and I don’t know how to fix it” situation in the dead of winter.
Fireplace: If it’s been a while since your fireplace has been inspected and deep-cleaned, consider hiring a professional chimney sweep to clean the flue and tackle any repairs. If your fireplace damper is damaged or nonexistent, install a chimney balloon to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home.
Furnace: A less-daunting task is replacing or cleaning a furnace filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Before you do, sweep or vacuum the area around your furnace. Regular cleaning or replacing of a furnace filter increases efficiently and prevents dirt and allergens from circulating around your home. And while you’re at it, sweep or vacuum in and around heat registers to get rid of accumulated dust and dander.
Insulation, seals: Finally, inspect caulk around windows and doors to ensure that any leaks are nipped in the bud before winter hits. Fall is also a good time to check on the condition of the insulation.