August Home Checklist

August is a good time to get the house ready for the changing season by ticking off some of these things on your checklist.

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Check all of your safety devices. 

Make sure you test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and get all your batteries replaced as needed. Watch for the expiration date on the extinguisher and replace what is needed.

Remove all your window air conditioning units. 

If you make use of window AC units, it is now time to either cover them with insulation or remove them. It is best to remove the units as this will help you to shut the windows, reducing loss of heat during the chilly weather. In case you choose to leave them during the coming months, make sure to buy insulating covers made for this purpose and attach them outside securely.

Use weather stripping. 

The contemporary double-pane windows do not require weatherstripping, However, if you have old windows, then weatherstripping can assist in retaining heat and stopping drafts. Inspect areas that have weatherstripping from last season and replace or remove as needed.

Check the gutters and roofs. 

It is normally fine to wait till all the autumn leaves have fallen for cleaning out the downspouts and gutters, but giving a quick visual check to these areas is always a good idea. Pull out the debris obstructing the gutters, and keep a note of any seals that are worn-out around chimneys and vent pipes. In case you feel uncomfortable using a ladder, hire a specialist to do the job for you. Plan any required repairs now to make sure your house is secure during the winter months.

Schedule furnace and chimney maintenance. 

Make sure the heating system and fireplace are safe, clean, and ready by having a professional inspect it. If your chimney is clean, make sure you don’t start a fire with an animal family inside. And in case there is no chimney cap, get one installed. 

Consider increasing the insulation. 

If you want to save on your electricity bills this season you should think about adding more insulation to the attic space or within the walls. This will help and make a huge difference in how well the house retains heat during winter time and how the house stays cool during the summers.

Order firewood. 

In case you utilize a wood stove to get the coziness and warmth, it is a good time now to stock upon firewood. However, to avoid pests, do not store the wood right against the house, but make sure you keep it secured from snow and rain by keeping it beneath a shelter.

It is time to get everything in place so that your house is cozy and comfortable during the entire season. You can also call a professional HVAC expert to get your space in good shape.

What to Look for When Considering a Used Furnace?

If your furnace has stopped working, you may be exploring different ways for saving on replacing the system. Buying a new furnace can be extremely expensive but there is another way of saving money: by buying a used furnace.

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Here are some things one must look for to get a good deal.

Always buy from a commercial seller who offers refurbished furnace

You may be tempted to buy a used unit from a private seller. However, the possibility of added costs and scams are not worth it. The seller may hide problems, and in case the system requires uninstallation, that will be an added cost.

Purchasing from a commercial seller is a lot safer. You can depend on the claimed quality of the equipment. However, it is still wise to get a technician to inspect the unit professionally before buying it.

Things you should ask a seller selling a used furnace:

Do not get roped into promises of a cheap rate. You must ask the furnace seller the following questions:

1. How old is the furnace?
2. Why did the previous owner want to sell?
3. Which brand is this?
4. What kind of fuel does the furnace use?
5. How good is the performance?
6. Has the furnace received regular maintenance?
7. Is the furnace under warranty?

Some of the things you must check before making the purchase:

You must remember that any heater that was previously owned has experienced at least a little wear and tear. This may lead to several issues. Make sure you check the state of following components before you purchase a used furnace:

1. Pilot light or electronic ignition
2. Burners
3. Heat exchanger
4. Motor and blower fan
5. Pressure switches, limit switch
6. Mechanical gears that may squeak, rumble, or rattle

Things to consider when installing a used furnace:

Installing a refurbished furnace to save money is a great idea. However, if you do not get it installed professionally, you may miss an important aspects required for efficient, safe, operation, such as fuel and venting pipes needed for models with high-efficiency. The ductwork may also waste energy by leaking, leading to increased heating bills.

Investing in a proper installation done by a specialist will add to the upfront cost of purchasing a refurbished furnace. However, improved longevity and performance are all worth it! Moreover, you can be rest assured that your system is properly installed.

If you are worried about investing money in a refurbished or used product, you have other choices for saving money. You can purchase a furnace from a wholesaler at reasonable rates. Models of the previous year can also be bought at a discounted rate.

Irrespective of where you purchase a new furnace for sale, it is extremely important to hire a professional HVAC expert. It takes years of knowledge and experience to diagnose the issues, determine overall condition and assess the age of the furnace.