The leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and winter is on its way. Get your home ready for the cold months ahead and save money on heating bills with our guide to preparing your furnace for the winter! Learn how to check vents, clean filters, inspect ducts, and more.
Baylor Heating & Air Conditioning has a team of experienced professionals to help you make sure your furnace is ready for winter. Give us a call today and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe and warm!
Here are 9 ways to prepare your furnace for the winter:
Change Furnace Filter
Replace your furnace filter at the start of every season or once in a few months, depending on how often you use it. If you have pets in your home or someone suffers from allergies, you may need to change your filter more often. When your filter is clean, your furnace will run at peak efficiency, saving you money on energy costs.
Set Thermostat to “Heat “
Set your thermostat to “heat” mode and adjust the temperature setting. This will ensure that when you turn on the heat, it runs properly and efficiently. While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many people forget to do this during the fall.
Clean Burners
Your furnace has little or nothing to do during summer. As a result, dust and dirt can accumulate on the furnace’s burners. When you put it on for the first time after a while, and the burners have dust on them, your home may become filled with a dusty smell. To avoid this, clean the burners and get rid of all dust before you start using your furnace for the winter.
Check And Oil Blower
After months of being idle, some components, like the furnace blower, may break down. Oil the blower yearly to ensure it runs properly. When you turn on the furnace, take note of the blower sound. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, call your HVAC contractor at once.
Uncover Heating Vents
Blocked heating vents cannot circulate warm air and can lead to a furnace breakdown. Make sure that all the vents in your home are uncovered and free from dust, dirt, and debris. If there are furniture or other items blocking the vents, move them out of the way so that your furnace can run efficiently and effectively.
Clear Chimney And Vents
Does your furnace lead to a direct vent in a wall or through the chimney? If yes, dirt and small animals could have accumulated in and around the venting system during the summer. Clear vents and chimneys of any obstructions before turning on your furnace for the winter.
Test Run Safety Monitors
Your home likely has smoke, carbon monoxide, and radon detectors. If it doesn’t, now is the time to invest in them. Check the batteries and then test the safety monitors to make sure they are working properly, and that you can hear them when they detect any danger. If they’re okay, you’re ready to turn on your furnace.
Check For Noises or Smells
After you’ve started your furnace for the first time for the cold season, pay attention to any noises or smells that may arise. If you hear a loud bang or detect a pungent smell, turn off the furnace and contact your HVAC contractor for assistance. While minor and short-lasting noises and odors may just be your furnace adjusting to the new season, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Preparing your furnace for the winter is a vital part of staying comfortable and efficient. Make sure you follow these steps before you start using your furnace so that you can keep warm all through the harsh months ahead.
Schedule Professional Heating Maintenance
A professional tune-up is the best way to ensure your furnace is running safely and efficiently. Our expert HVAC technicians have the best tools and knowledge to inspect, clean, and test your furnace for any potential issues. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional technicians!
