As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, your home becomes a cozy place to escape the cold. But to keep it that way, your furnace needs to be ready for the job. Preparing your furnace for winter isn’t just a task to check off your list—it’s a must if you want to keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient all season long.
This guide from Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning will walk you through the steps you can take to make sure your furnace is ready for the heating season ahead. We’ll also share how our professional furnace tune up services can make a significant difference for your HVAC system.
Steps to Prep Your Heating System for Winter
While a professional furnace tune up should never be skipped, there are additional steps homeowners can take to prepare their furnaces, and homes, for winter. These regular maintenance tasks can help ensure your system is ready to keep your home warm and cozy.
Replace the Air Filter
Forced air heating and cooling systems, like furnaces, AC systems, and heat pump units, use air filters to remove impurities from the air, which protects internal components. The air filter in your furnace should be replaced at least every three months, and more often if you have pets or suffer from allergies. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder to heat your home, which can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter system lifespan.
Clean Around the Furnace
Ensure that the area around your furnace is clean and free of any debris, dust, or clutter. This not only prevents fire hazards but also promotes the efficient operation of your furnace.
Reprogram Your Thermostat
Before winter sets in, adjust your programmable thermostat settings to reflect the colder months ahead. Account for any seasonal scheduling changes and adjust set temperatures to reflect what you’d like for heating instead of cooling.
Check the Vents
Walk around your home and check all the air vents to make sure they’re open and unobstructed. Blocked vents can prevent your furnace from distributing heat evenly throughout your home, causing cold spots and wasted energy.
Listen for Unusual Noises
HVAC systems aren’t silent, but your furnace shouldn’t make loud or unusual noises. Banging, clanking, or squealing sounds can be signs of mechanical issues that need to be checked out before they turn into bigger problems. Be sure to tell your HVAC technician about any noises you’ve heard when they arrive to perform your heating tune up.
Seal Windows and Doors
Your furnace has to work harder if warm air is escaping through gaps in windows and doors. Check for drafts and seal any leaks with weatherstripping or caulk. This simple step can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Why You Still Need a Professional Furnace Tune Up
While these DIY steps are important, nothing replaces the expertise of a professional technician. A professional furnace tune up with Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning provides in-depth servicing beyond what most homeowners can tackle themselves.
During your heating tune up, a professional technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your furnace, checking all the critical components, including the heat exchanger, blower motor, and electrical connections. They can spot issues that an untrained eye might miss. This way, you’ll know about issues now and can fix them now, instead of risking costly breakdowns in the middle of winter.
Cleaning is another important component of our regular maintenance services. Dust and debris can accumulate inside your furnace over time, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage. During a furnace tune up, a technician will clean the internal components, ensuring your furnace operates smoothly and efficiently. It’ll use less energy and help your system last longer, allowing you to save money on heating bills and the cost of a new furnace.
Professional furnace tune ups also include adjustments to the system’s settings and calibration for optimal performance. This might involve tweaking the burner, optimizing the gas pressure, or adjusting the blower to improve efficiency and comfort.
Safety is a top priority during a professional furnace tune up. Our HVAC technicians will check for potential hazards like gas leaks or carbon monoxide issues, ensuring your furnace is safe to operate all winter long. Knowing that your furnace has been professionally inspected and tuned gives you peace of mind that it’s ready to handle whatever winter throws at it.
Request Service and Schedule Your Furnace Tune Up Today
Preparing your furnace for winter is an essential part of home maintenance that can’t be overlooked. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can help ensure that your heating system is ready to keep your home comfortable and safe as the temperatures drop.
For best results, it’s always wise to schedule furnace tune up services with Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning. Our expert technicians are ready to provide the thorough care your furnace needs to operate at its best all winter long. Don’t wait until the first cold snap—get your furnace ready now! Contact us today to schedule your fall furnace tune up and enjoy a worry-free winter.
