Your pre-winter furnace checklist important expert tips to follow
Love it or hate it, snow is just around the corner. When winter hits, every homeowner will appreciate that there is a furnace churning out regular warm air to keep their home comfortable and cozy. To make sure the heater can keep running through winter without issue, take a look at this pre-winter checklist, and make sure it’s filled out before the first sign of snowflakes arrives.
Check the Windows and Doors
Double-check the seals around the windows and doors throughout the house, as these are where cold drafts and chill winds will sneak through. Replace the weather stripping as needed, as any cracks or openings will mean that cold air has a path inside, as well as providing a way for warm air to escape.
Set the Thermostat Appropriately
Remember to switch the thermostat from cooling to heating as the cooler temperatures become the norm, and to reset the temperature as necessary. This is also the ideal time to upgrade or replace the home’s thermostat with a programmable model. This way, not only can the temperature be automatically regulated throughout the house — saving money in heating and cooling costs — but it can also be reset on the fly from a smartphone.
Clean or Replace the Furnace Filters
The general rule of thumb with replaceable furnace filters is that they should be checked and changed every 90 days, or if it is a permanent filter, then it should be checked and cleaned. This, of course, is dependent on how frequently the HVAC system in your home is running, and how vigorously. If it cycles more often, then this should be done closer to every 4 to 6 weeks, to ensure that debris and dust are kept from blowing back through the system and your home.
Check and Clear the Vents
Clean vents keep a furnace running smoothly. Take stock of the vents around your home, and make sure that they dust-free, opened or closed as necessary, as well as cleared of any potential blockages or barriers. If the vents get clogged or blocked, this can make your HVAC system run harder than it needs to while circulating air through your home.
Schedule a Furnace Inspection
If an annual furnace inspection hasn’t been scheduled yet, now is a great time to do it. Being proactive while the weather is warm means catching any minor repairs or updates long before they pose a potential threat to the functionality of the furnace. Inspections should be done annually, and are best done in the months leading up to fall. A professional technician will be able to see that the parts within your furnace are working properly, are lubricated as needed and that the switches, wires, and connectors are all functioning properly.
There’s nothing like looking on at a winter night from the controlled comfort of a warm, temperate living room. Making sure the furnace keeps running to keep that room warm requires just a bit of upkeep and a little regular maintenance. If you’re looking to schedule your annual furnace inspection, or have any questions about how your furnace is running leading up to the winter months, reach out to the technicians at Duane Blanton Family Home Services. Available 24/7, the technicians of Duane Blanton are able to cover all HVAC issues, as well as any plumbing or service needs that arise. Give them a call today at (815) 781-2567, or schedule online through their online scheduling portal.
