Preparing your Furnace for Winter

With summer (if that’s what we want to call it this year) coming to an end, we all know what is right around the corner. Cold winds, snow, and cranking on our furnace. Don’t wait until the first frost comes to find out you have a problem. Get ahead of the game and check out that furnace before you actually need it.

If you are a hands-on, do-it-yourself kind of person, here are a few things to check and test to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape for that first cold spell.

• Replace your filter. This point can’t be stressed enough. Your furnace filter collects dust and debris and can easily get clogged causing reduced air flow throughout your home.

• Clean the surrounding area. Take some time to move anything that may have piled up over the summer away from the furnace and ensure that the space around your furnace is clean.

• Get out the vacuum. Make sure the power is off first. Then, take your vacuum and remove the cover of your furnace and suck out any dirt and dust that may have built up around the burners.

• Check your vents. Go over all the vents making sure they are all open to ensure airflow is reaching each room of your home.

• Moving on to the motor. Again, be sure that the power is off first. Seeing as the motor is a moving part it is a good idea to oil all oil able motors. This will keep all the parts operating smoothly and also gives you a chance to see if there is any rust or evidence of anything being broken.

• Thermostat time. If your thermostat requires batteries, now is the time to change them. Turn on the thermostat to see if it is in good working order. You should here your furnace kick on almost immediately after flipping the switch.

Know when to call the professionals!

Even though you’ve been doing your seasonal preparation, it is recommended that a technician pay you a visit at least every other year to provide a thorough inspection of all safeties and gas pressures to ensure proper operation, maximum lifespan, and greatest efficiency. Not everyone has the time to dedicate to getting their unit up to par for the winter months, but if you decide to give it a whirl on your own and find at any point the job has become too much for you to handle, don’t hesitate to make that call to someone who has the experience and knowledge to finish the job.

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