The temperature outside is dropping, and the time for winterizing your home has come. Don’t be left out in the cold when the next big freeze happens. Your furnace will be working around the clock to keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter months. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, it is wise to prep your furnace before the temperatures plummet outside. Here is a comprehensive furnace maintenance checklist to help you prepare your furnace for a heavy winter.
How to Prep Your Furnace for a Heavy Winter
- One of the most important things you can do for your furnace is changing out filters. A dirty filter will not only reduce its efficiency, but dirt also finds its way onto all parts inside, including sensitive electronics and heating elements that get shorted out by corrosion caused by mineral build-up in a clogged-up system. Extend the lifespan of your furnace and ensure it works properly all winter long by changing the filter at least every three months, if not more often. Make sure to stock up on clean furnace filters during the warmer months when prices are lower.
- The best way to avoid a fire is by removing any items that are near the furnace, particularly anything with flammable material. Also, make sure you get rid of all household objects that may be on top or in front of your air ducts and return vents.
- For homeowners that have gas furnaces, It’s a great idea to have your gas company fill up the tank before the fall and winter months. Gas is much cheaper in the summertime. Don’t get caught in a situation where you are unable to schedule a refill in time for the colder weather.
- Check your thermostats! Switch from cooling to heating and by setting the temperature a couple of degrees higher than normal. If you don’t hear any heat kick on within a minute, pull off the cover of your heating & air conditioning system to check for any obstructions. If it’s still not working, you could check the furnace fan, blower, and heat pump before calling a professional.
- Inspect and clean the heat exchanger. A trained professional furnace technician should be called out to clean and vacuum out your heat exchanger once a year. They will also check for cracks, which could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks that would put you and your family at risk if left unchecked.
If your budget allows, there is no doubt that calling a furnace maintenance professional to come and inspect your furnace prior to the winter weather coming. They will come out and conduct a regular maintenance inspection to clean your furnace while also making sure it’s in good working condition.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up with Service Today 24/7
Serving the entire Twin Cities metro area, Service Today is trusted for heater, furnace, and boiler maintenance (and other heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services). We’re familiar with all the advantages of heater inspections and heating & air conditioning tune-ups and provide a thorough examination of all components and moving parts. Receive regular maintenance as a member of our SHAPE Membership program and call (888) 409-9784 to schedule your heater tune-up appointment today!
