As the colder weather approaches, we’re all considering shutting down our AC systems for the winter and cranking up the heat to stay warm and comfortable. Unfortunately, your furnace is at higher risk of issues after sitting unused for the summer months. Below, we’ll be discussing 10 steps you can take to prepare your furnace for constant use again to ensure it functions as intended through the winter.
Why Fall Furnace Preparation Is Important
Many homeowners neglect furnace and HVAC prep before the colder weather comes, which is why about one in 10 homeowners will experience furnace failure each winter. Avoiding maintenance before the winter means your system is more likely to fail and run inefficiently.
Ultimately, doing proper HVAC maintenance in the fall can extend your equipment’s lifespan and reduce energy costs in the meantime.
Below are the top ten things you can do to ensure your furnace is running as intended this winter.
1 Keep the Unit Clean
One of the easiest things you can do to help keep your furnace running is to clean it and the space around it in your utility room. Dirt, soot, and dust on your heating system can reduce its efficiency, making it work harder and use more energy.
2 Replace Your Filters
HVAC filters can quickly get clogged with air pollutants, including dust and pollen. Replacing them each fall will help ensure your system is running as smoothly as possible with no blockages.
3 Install a CO Detector
Furnaces naturally give off carbon monoxide, but the levels increase if the system isn’t running efficiently. Installing a CO detector or testing your existing one will help identify potential problems before they become severe.
4 Get Your Ducts Cleaned
HVAC ducts can get clogged with dust, pollen, pet hair, and other pollutants. Schedule a duct cleaning to ensure there is no blocked airflow in your system.
5 Confirm Your Pilot Light Is Lit
If you have a gas-fired system, make sure the pilot light is on. If it isn’t, your furnace will be wasting precious energy when it attempts to turn on to heat your home.
6 Check Your Chimney
If your furnace vents to a chimney, make sure the chimney is clear of soot, debris, and animals. Reduced airflow will naturally reduce the furnace’s efficiency.
7 Seal Your Ducts
Leaking ducts can cost you hundreds of dollars in heating costs each month, and they also make your equipment work unnecessarily hard. Sealing any gaps or leaks will help increase HVAC efficiency.
8 Open Your Air Vents
This might sound like an obvious step, but some homeowners forget to open their air vents, which means your furnace will stay on, wasting energy and working harder than it needs to.
9 Winterize Your AC Unit
Winterizing your AC unit while it’s out of commission for the winter will reduce how much heat you lose from your home. Ultimately, your heating system will work less hard and last longer as a result.
10 Schedule a Heating Maintenance Appointment
Finally, contact our professionals to schedule your annual heating maintenance appointment. We’ll ensure your equipment is working correctly and efficiently to reduce downtime and risk of damage throughout the winter.
