Maintenance Checklist for Your Furnace to Get Ready for the Winter Cold

The winter season is coming near, and it's time to begin getting ready. Prevent unexpected issues in your HVAC system by ensuring it's in good condition this coming the winter months.

The furnace must be prepared for the winter, specially in the evening when temperatures drop. Unmaintained furnaces can waste energy and can be very expensive. It also releases harmful fumes, causing the risk of winter-related health issues. There are some things you can take care of to test your body and prepare when there's time.

Check out this checklist to help get ready for winter:

Replace filters. Make sure to change your filters frequently. It's an easy and cost-effective task, and the clean filter helps keep dirt from the system while also promoting airflow. This helps make the unit more effective, which reduces the cost of heating and maintenance and prolongs the life of the furnace. The best guideline is to change filters as changes in the weather. It is recommended to check them each month and replace them sooner, should they be required.

Examine the chimney. Inspect the fireplace to ensure there isn't a hazardous accumulation of soot and debris. Soot may build up inside the chimney and cause blockages, which allows poisonous gases (e.g., carbon monoxide) to escape your home. Be on guard for any potential fire dangers (like nests of birds) within or on top of your chimney. Pests can also get into the chimney and die, causing the need to call for an animal control service or a pest control service.

Cover all air leaks. Leaks in your home can let the air escape, reducing the temperature inside and using valuable energy. Examine the home thoroughly for leaks (e.g., window frames that are drafty and damaged or sagging weather strips around doorways, as well as the gaps between chimneys and flues). It is recommended to add insulation (especially in the attic and basement) to eliminate or minimize air leaks that affect the efficiency of heating in your home. If you've not been to the attic in a while (and you've heard the sound of someone scurrying around or squeaking in there), it's best to contact an insect service to conduct an inspection before having your duct repair professionals change the insulation.

Clean your windows. Let the sunlight in by cleaning your windows of dirt and dust. The sun's exposure can help warm the home and reduces the burden on the heating system. Additionally, it helps reduce your energy bills. The south side of your home makes the most of the sunlight.

Set the thermostat to your liking. Set a temperature where your family is at ease. If you prefer your home to be at 70 degrees (or approximately 20 degrees Celsius) all year round, do not increase your thermostat in the winter months. It is possible to save on energy costs by purchasing an adjustable thermostat. Contact a professional duct cleaning service to help you choose the most efficient thermostat settings.

Make sure you inspect the heater (e.g., connections to oil and gas, as well as heat exchangers and the combustion of your burner). These systems can pose dangers to your safety if they're not operating properly, particularly connections to oil and gas. The parts that are dirty and damaged can decrease the efficiency of your system, which can increase the cost of energy. Maintain the furnace's components to enhance their performance and ensure they function in a safe manner. Regular maintenance keeps the furnace in good order, which increases the lifespan of the furnace.