As the colder months approach, now is the perfect time to ensure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and cozy. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your furnace but also improves efficiency, reduces the risk of breakdowns, and helps lower your energy bills. Here’s a comprehensive checklist from Expert HVAC to help you prepare your furnace for winter.
1. Replace or Clean Your Furnace Filter
The filter in your furnace plays a crucial role in trapping dust, dirt, and other particles, keeping the air in your home clean and helping your furnace run efficiently. Over time, filters can become clogged, forcing your furnace to work harder to push air through. For optimal performance, replace or clean your furnace filter every one to three months during the heating season.
2. Inspect and Clean Vents and Registers
Ensure that all vents and registers in your home are clean and unobstructed. Dust and debris can accumulate in these areas, reducing airflow and making your furnace work harder. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the vents, and ensure that furniture or rugs are not blocking them. Clear airflow helps your furnace distribute heat evenly throughout your home.
3. Test Your Thermostat
Turn on your thermostat to test if your furnace is responding and cycling on as it should. Set your thermostat to a few degrees higher than the current room temperature and listen for the furnace to kick on. If there’s a delay or no response, it might be time to replace the batteries or recalibrate your thermostat. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already, as this can help manage your home’s temperature and save on heating costs.
4. Check and Clear the Furnace Area
Keep the area around your furnace clear of any items, especially flammable materials like cardboard boxes, paint, and cleaning products. Allow at least three feet of clearance around your furnace to ensure proper ventilation and reduce fire hazards. A clear area also makes it easier for technicians to perform inspections and maintenance.
5. Inspect the Pilot Light (if applicable)
For gas furnaces with a pilot light, inspect the flame to make sure it’s burning blue. A yellow or orange flame could indicate a problem with the gas mixture or airflow, which may lead to carbon monoxide production. If you notice a flame that’s any color other than blue, contact a professional to investigate and address the issue immediately.
6. Test the Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Your furnace is a source of heat, but it can also pose risks if there’s a malfunction. Testing your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors ensures that you’re alerted to any dangerous situations early on. Replace batteries as needed and test each detector to make sure they’re in working order. Place a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace for extra peace of mind.
7. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
While you can handle many of the steps on this checklist yourself, a professional tune-up is the best way to ensure your furnace is ready for winter. Our $99 furnace tune-up at Expert HVAC includes a comprehensive inspection and cleaning, where we check for worn-out components, clean burners, and test the system’s safety controls. Regular tune-ups can help prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your furnace.
8. Examine the Furnace Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is a small component that plays a big role in keeping your furnace safe. It detects whether the burner is producing a flame, and if it doesn’t, the sensor will shut down the furnace to prevent gas buildup. Over time, the flame sensor can get dirty and stop working correctly. Cleaning the flame sensor with a soft cloth (if you’re comfortable doing so) can help prevent furnace shutdowns.
9. Check for Any Strange Noises or Smells
As you turn on your furnace for the first time this season, listen for any unusual sounds like banging, rattling, or squealing. These noises could indicate issues with your furnace’s belts, motor, or other components. Similarly, if you smell a burning odor, it could just be dust burning off, but if the smell persists, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. Unusual sounds or smells should be checked out by a professional.
10. Consider Insulating Your Ducts
Insulating your ducts, especially in unheated areas like the attic, basement, or crawl spaces, can reduce heat loss and improve efficiency. While this is often a job for a professional, it’s a worthwhile investment that helps your furnace maintain the desired temperature without working overtime.
Keep Your Home Warm and Safe All Winter Long
Preparing your furnace for winter is an important part of maintaining a comfortable and safe home. Following this checklist can improve your furnace’s efficiency, extend its lifespan, and reduce the chance of an unexpected breakdown.
At Expert HVAC, our team is here to ensure your furnace is in top shape. Schedule your tune-up today and rest easy knowing your system is ready for the cold months ahead. Give us a call to book your appointment, and let’s make sure you stay warm all winter long!
