The warm weather is finally here. That’s doesn’t mean you can forget about your furnace, though. Whether you realize it or not, it’s important to perform some basic furnace maintenance before the summer heat sets in. Here are some ways you can get your heating unit ready for summer.

Clean it up
It’s a good idea to clean your unit any time the season changes, and it is especially important to do so when winter changes into spring and then summer. Dirt and debris can still build up even when your unit is off. Accumulated debris can negatively impact air flow, making heating and cooling and difficult task for your furnace. Use a vacuum to clean accessible areas and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

Change the filters
Your furnace may be dormant all summer long. It’s air filter isn’t. So even though you aren’t using your furnace in the summer heat, you still need to change the filter. If the filter is dirty, the air flow is restricted. Then, you guessed it, your unit has to work harder. Make sure you change it at least once at the beginning of the summer. Once you start using it again, change it roughly once a month.

Schedule furnace maintenance
An important part of getting your furnace prepared for summer is calling a professional to schedule furnace maintenance. They will be able to run an inspection to see what condition your furnace is in. They can also help keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently. Finally, they will be able to complete certain furnace maintenance tasks that are too dangerous for you to do yourself. Most HVAC services can do a thorough inspection of your entire heating and cooling system in one to two hours.

Switch off the pilot
If you still have a furnace that uses a traditional pilot light, summer is the time to switch that puppy off. Letting it burn all summer can actually have an impact on your energy bills. The pilot will also add unnecessary heat to your air conditioner, making it work harder to cool your house. Of course, if you don’t know how to perform this procedure the right way, trust your HVAC contractors to do the job for you.

Test your carbon monoxide detector
Finally, you want to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer,” and you don’t want to risk anything. You should be testing the detector on a regular basis. It is especially important to do so whenever you start or stop using your furnace.

When the warm weather rolls around every year, make sure you don’t forget about your furnace. Clean it, change the filters, switch off the pilot, schedule routine furnace maintenance, and test your carbon monoxide detectors. On average, furnaces typically last about 15 to 18 years. Performing this furnace maintenance to prepare your unit for the warm weather can help make it last even longer!