Winter Furnace Maintenance
Preparing your furnace for winter is an important part of caring for your HVAC system. Routine maintenance not only helps prevent unexpected breakdowns but also ensures it runs efficiently when you need it most. If you’re not sure what needs to be done, this winter furnace maintenance guide outlines preventative measures you can take before and during the colder months to maximize your equipment’s safety and performance.
Change the Filter
Replacing the filter is one of the most important winter furnace maintenance tasks. Clean filters allow the unit to circulate air more easily, reducing energy usage and equipment strain. This leads to not only lower energy bills but also extended unit lifespan, so be sure to change your furnace’s filter before the heating season starts and then again every 90 days afterward.
Clear the Area
It’s also important to make sure there’s at least three feet of clearance around the furnace to ensure proper airflow. This will help your unit operate more efficiently, reducing strain that can cause damage to essential components like the heat exchanger. To improve safety, remove flammable objects like paper, cardboard and cleaning products containing ammonia or chlorine, as these pose significant fire hazards.
Seal Air Leaks
Cracks in your home allow cold air to enter, forcing your furnace to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. To improve your furnace’s efficiency, inspect your home for gaps around windows and doors before the heating season begins. If you see any openings, fill them in with caulk or weatherstripping–this will help keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
Insulate Vulnerable Areas
As explained by HVAC manufacturer Goodman, it’s a good idea to check the insulation in places like the attic, basement and crawl space before the cold weather comes. Good insulation slows heat transfer, helping maintain indoor temperatures with minimal energy use. So, if you notice unexplained drafts in your home, be sure to contact a licensed technician for assistance.
Maintain the Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat makes it difficult to use your furnace, so be sure to check it in the fall to make sure it’s working properly. In addition to changing the batteries, adjusting settings on programmable units, like lowering temperatures at night, optimizes energy use and reduces utility costs. If your home seems warmer or colder than the thermostat setting suggests, schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician to calibrate it to maintain accuracy.
Test the Furnace
Another important winter furnace maintenance tip is to test your unit before the heating season begins. If it doesn’t work properly or doesn’t turn on at all, you can contact an authorized technician or licensed electrician to solve issues before winter begins–the last thing you want is to find out your furnace isn’t working properly when you need it the most.
Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you have a gas, oil or propane-burning furnace, carbon monoxide detectors are critical to your family’s safety. Minimize carbon monoxide hazards by installing detectors on every floor and in every bedroom. Remember to test them each fall to ensure they’re in good working order for the upcoming winter. If the units are more than 5-7 years old, replace them to reduce the risk of failure during the winter.
Consider a Humidifier
Dry winter air can be more than just uncomfortable–it can cause health issues like cracked skin, as well as cracks in wooden furniture and floors that damage your home. Since your furnace dries the air out even more during the heating process, consider adding a humidifier to your home’s HVAC system to keep the indoor humidity levels comfortable.
Schedule an Inspection
No list of winter furnace maintenance tips would be complete without mentioning the annual inspection. In addition to the spring service visit for your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to schedule another appointment in the fall to focus on your heating system. Whether you have a gas, oil or electric furnace, the authorized technician will perform a variety of tests, including:
- Check the pilot light
- Clean the flame sensor
- Maintain the flue pipe
- Inspect the wiring
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Repair the ductwork
- Clear the air intake
- Brush the blower assembly
- Replace broken blades
- Inspect chimney and fireplace
- Lubricate moving parts
- Test safety controls
- Tighten electrical connections