6 Ways To Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

6 Steps To Get Your Furnace Ready in Time for Winter

Your furnace has remained dormant for the summer. It is about to get used a lot more often, and you need to be confident it is up for the task. This includes seeking out furnace repair while it is still warm outside, so you can be certain the HVAC system will work when you really need it. Here are a few ways to ensure your HVAC unit will work properly for the upcoming winter months.

1. Change Air Filters
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You should replace the air filter in the vent grill once every few months or once monthly depending on how often you use the HVAC unit. A furnace filter that is clogged with dust, pet dander, and other particles will cause your furnace to work harder because of decreased airflow. Being your furnace has to work harder, this means it is using more energy to operate. Changing your furnace filter regularly will help prolong the lifespan of your furnace as well as make sure the air circulating in your home is clean. 

2. Check the Furnace in Autumn

It is recommended to conduct a test before the temperature starts to drop significantly. You can do this by setting the temperature slightly higher than the current one in the room. You should hear the system kick on in less than a minute. If it does not, then there may be an electrical issue at play. For safety reasons, you should hire a professional to inspect all the wire connections. 

3. Inspect the Igniter Switch

Autumn is also a good time to test your igniter switch. Older systems will require you to relight the pilot, but if you have a newer system, then you should just be able to reset the electronic ignitor. In the event nothing happens, you should check the breaker. If still nothing happens, then you will need to hire a professional to provide you with in-depth heater service. 

4. Cover Up the Condenser

You can skip this step if your HVAC system uses a heat pump. Otherwise, you need to cover the unit’s condenser to make sure falling leaf’s, debris and other things don’t accumulate within it. Do not wrap it in a plastic tarp that traps moisture. 

5. Lubricate the Blower Motor

You should first read through the owner’s manual to see if your system requires lubrication. Hiring a professional is recommended for this, but you can do it yourself. You first need to shut off the power. Next, you should open the cover and sanitize the bearing caps. This will allow you to lubricate the bearings themselves. 

6. Replace the Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter is also a good time to have a professional visit your home to clean the chimney. This structure can lead to a buildup of carbon, and small animals have been known to get trapped in them. You should also have someone go around your home to inspect the carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, so your family relies on these detectors to remain safe. 

Homeowners in need of an HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa need to call Next Level HVAC. You can send us a message via our online contact form, and we will have someone reach out to you shortly to address the issue. Stay in the loop by subscribing to our blog and following us on Facebook. We are here to help you, and you can see our quality in the fact we are Diamond Quality Certified and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.