Prepare Your Furnace for Winter with These 6 Tips

Winter is fast approaching, and while everyone is thinking about pumpkin spice lattes, holiday food, and shopping, don’t let your furnace prep slip through the cracks. Here are six tips to prepare your furnace for the cold winter season ahead:

1. Schedule a Tune-Up

Fall maintenance is critical for the efficient operation of your furnace. When one of our technicians performs a tune-up on your system, they will thoroughly check all parts for wear and replace them if needed. They will also clean and lubricate all working parts and ensure your system is operating as it should. These tasks help prevent an unexpected breakdown in the middle of the cold winter.

2. Change or Clean Your Filters

Your air filters are directly related to the efficiency of your system and the quality of your indoor air. If your filter is full of allergens, dust, and dander, it will restrict airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder to heat your home. The air filter should be changed with the start of every new season. If you have pets, you may need to replace the air filter every month for optimal performance.

3. Program Your Thermostat

With colder days and nights, it is time to reprogram your thermostat. Energy Star recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and a few degrees lower at night for maximum efficiency and energy savings.

4. Clean Your Return Vents and Registers

Remove the covers from your vents and vacuum them out. Also, make sure that none of the vents are being blocked by furniture or other objects. Cleaning your vents will help improve your indoor air quality and airflow. Blocked vents can restrict heated air from flowing into rooms, creating wear on the system and uneven heating throughout your home.

5. Check Your Ductwork

Now is the perfect time to inspect your ductwork for cracks, holes, and cleanliness. Cracks and holes result in loss of heated air, which can make your furnace run longer to heat your home. If you notice that your ductwork is damaged or excessively dirty, schedule a cleaning and duct sealing. You may consider replacing your ductwork if it is old or not efficiently designed.

6. Winterize Your Home

Check your home for leaks around doors and windows and seal them up. You may also want to evaluate the condition of your insulation. Up to 30% of your home’s heat can be lost through the attic if it is poorly insulated.

Eagle Heating and Air Conditioning was founded in 1973 by Ted Moseley. We are a veteran-owned business with an A+ rating from the BBB. Our company specializes in residential and light commercial HVAC services and sheet metal fabrication. Offering quality products at reasonable prices, we treat every customer with honesty, integrity, and respect to ensure the best service possible.