The furnace in an HVAC system usually sits idle all summer, and sometimes for parts of the spring and fall. All that time unused can lead to issues when it is fired up that first frosty day. To keep your home warm this winter, prepare your furnace early. Avoiding this first step might mean an expensive service call and a cold night’s sleep. Preparing a furnace for use will help ensure it is working efficiently, resulting in lower heating costs than an inefficient one.
Replace The Furnace Filter
Replacing or cleaning a furnace’s filter should be the step to furnace care when temperatures drop. Regularly inspecting the filter during winter (once a month is a good frequency) ensures the air coming from the furnace is unobstructed. Clean filters also improve the quality of air in a home, helping to safeguard it against polluted air.
If their furnace is still using a simple panel filter, homeowners may wish to consider upgrading to a pleated filter, high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter, or electrostatic filter. A better filter type will increase the system’s efficiency and increase air quality.
Clean Vents And Ducts
Another crucial step in furnace care is cleaning the vents. Using the hose attachment of a vacuum or a handheld dust buster, homeowners can suck up dust and particles that have settled in the ductwork. They may also consider removing the vents and checking for dust buildups just inside the ducts and removing these if present. Ensuring clean ducts and vents keeps airflow strong and air quality high.
Check The Blower Belt
Every year, the blower belt inside a furnace should be inspected for cracks. For safety, homeowners should trip the breaker that supplies power to the furnace before taking this step. Once the power is off, remove the furnace cover and inspect the belt. If the belt has any obvious cracks or damage, it should be replaced.
Inspect The Flue For Obstructions
The exhaust flue on the outside of a home is how the furnace expels unnecessary air and dangerous carbon monoxide. If the flue is blocked by debris, like a bird’s nest, it can result in damage to the furnace or the dangerous buildup of exhaust fumes. Additionally, be sure your furnace area is free of clutter and that nothing vulnerable to heat is near it.
Set And Program Thermostats
If you changed your programmable thermostats, take a peek at them to be sure your schedule for turning on and off is the same. Programmable thermostats connected to smart systems need to be set to allow the home to be cooler at times when no one is home and to warm up later.
Preparing a furnace and HVAC system for winter is a bit of work, but it can help prevent serious problems. Replacing filters, inspecting blower belts, and setting thermostats help keep a home warm all winter long and reduce the chances of needing a furnace repaired. If you need assistance testing and preparing your furnace for the upcoming winter, contact us today.
