As the cold weather of winter approaches, it’s important to make sure your furnace is ready for the season. A properly maintained furnace helps keep you and your family warm and safe throughout the chilly months. To help ensure that your furnace is adequately prepared for winter, here’s a checklist with five essential steps:
1. Change The Furnace Filter:
A clean filter is essential for the efficient operation of your furnace. Clean filters help improve air flow and reduce energy costs. Check the instruction manual provided with your system to determine how often you should replace the filter, then check or change it as required. Keeping the filters is also important for fire prevention.
2. Schedule A Professional Maintenance:
Many furnace manufacturers suggest that you have your furnace serviced annually by a licensed HVAC technician. During an inspection, the technician can check for any issues with the system and perform necessary maintenance to keep it running smoothly. A yearly inspection may actually be required for some leasing agreements or building codes.
3. Check Your Ventilation:
The ducts and vents associated with your furnace should be checked for cracks or gaps that can let heated air escape or cold air enter. If any are found, they should be sealed right away to keep your system running efficiently and effectively. Maintaining secure ventilation will save you money as well as making sure that nothing gets into the furnace that could cause damage.
4. Check The Thermostat:
It’s important to make sure that the thermostat is in good working condition each winter, as it’s responsible for controlling the temperature in your home. Have a professional come and check it for you to make sure that it’s properly calibrated and working correctly. The wrong calibration on a thermostat can cause your furnace to work harder than necessary and waste energy.
5. Check For Carbon Monoxide Leaks:
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled over long periods of time. To avoid any potential risks, it’s important to have a professional check for carbon monoxide leaks from your furnace. A furnace needs to be check for carbon monoxide at least once a year, as well as after any repairs that were made.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your furnace is ready for the winter and help keep your family safe and warm throughout the cold months. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance checks and replace filters as needed to ensure that your furnace is operating properly and efficiently.
Stay safe this winter and stay warm with a well-maintained furnace!