How to Prepare a Furnace for the Winter
Before the temperatures drop significantly, check that the furnace is functional, safe, efficient, and ready to handle the coldest months.
The furnace is one of the most hardworking pieces of equipment during winter and provides much-needed warmth and comfort. Before the temperatures drop significantly, check that the furnace is functional, safe, efficient, and ready to handle the coldest months. The last thing any homeowner would want is to be stuck without an operational heating system when it is freezing outside.
Here are a few tips to ensure that the furnace is in its best shape and fully prepared for the season:
Switch the thermostat to heating
A homeowner should change the thermostat setting from cooling to heating, keep the temperature a few degrees higher than the room temperature, and let the heat turn on. If the heat doesn’t kick on, check the wiring to ensure it is correctly secured. If everything looks good and the heat still fails to turn on, call an HVAC professional for an inspection.
Replace the air filters
Regular filter replacement keeps the furnace free of dirt and debris, improves efficiency, increases longevity, and saves money on expensive repairs. Replacing air filters is a critical heating system maintenance task that a homeowner should never neglect. Usually, the air filter is located over the furnace’s intake vent. Clean or replace the filter before the winter begins and change it every one to three months, depending on whether the home has pets or how often the filter gets dirty.
Check the ducts and vents
Leaks are common with ductwork that can waste energy and raise utility bills. Inspect the ducts properly for holes, gaps, and damage. Consider cleaning them if they appear clogged. The vents, too, can accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants that can affect indoor air quality. Clean all the vents using a wet cloth and ensure that nothing blocks the vent openings.
Clean the heat exchanger
A heat exchanger requires annual cleaning by a trained professional. During cleaning, the technician can inspect the component for cracks and other issues, which can result in hazardous carbon monoxide leaks.
Clean the drainage tube and sensor
A clogged or dirty drainage tube can prevent the excess moisture from draining out of the furnace, which can result in overheating. Remove the drainage tube and pour some white vinegar to clean it. The furnace’s flame sensor also requires cleaning before winter. Use a soft cloth to wipe it after removing it from the unit.
Oil the motor
Another crucial step to preparing the furnace for winter is lubricating and cleaning the blower motor. Doing so will improve its performance and prevent unusual noises during operation. Avoid using too much oil to prevent overheating.
Other critical steps to take to get the furnace ready for winter:
Remove all the clutter surrounding the heating unit.
Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for proper functioning and replace batteries, if needed.
Test the furnace for any unusual signs like loud noises, improper heating, and thermostat problems
Keep the burners free of dust and debris
Check the chimney for any buildup and clean it
Schedule a professional tune-up
Preventative maintenance is the key to keeping the furnace working correctly throughout the winter. Hire a local heating and cooling professional for annual furnace tune-up to ensure all its components run smoothly.
Evenflow Home and Commercial Services of San Antonio offers impeccable house cleaning services, professional plumbing, electrician services, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians offer 24-hour emergency electrical and HVAC service for San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and more. Call us at (210)941-3503.
