Winter is coming! This means that the furnace will be running more often, and it’s important to winterize your furnace before you get too cold. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 12 steps for home furnace maintenance, ensuring that you’re safe and warm all winter long.
Step One: Change Your Filter
Here is the first step to home heater maintenance. One easy way to make sure your furnace is ready for winter is to change your air filter. A dirty air filter can cause problems with the furnace, which makes changing it now a great idea.
Step Two: Check the Vents
The next step in your furnace winter maintenance is to make sure that all of your vents are clear and clean so that warm air comes out in every room where you need it most. If there are any vents that are blocked, open them up so that the air can flow freely.
Step Three: Check Your Ducts
Dirty ducts aren’t just an eyesore; they reduce airflow, which leads to an inefficient furnace and higher energy bills. As part of your furnace winter maintenance, make sure your home’s ductwork is clean before winter begins!
Step Four: Test for Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas, and it can leak from your furnace during the winter months if you do not test properly. Prepare your furnace for winter by making sure to check for leaks by simply turning on the furnace and using a detector. Or, for a more thorough check, contract our furnace service in Elmhurst.
Step Five: Check the Fan
During the winter months, your air conditioner will be turned off. This means that you’ll have to circulate warm air throughout your home by using an electric fan or opening up windows to let in cool night-time breezes. Make sure that there are enough fans circulating this warmer indoor airstream so no one feels a chill.
Step Six: Turn Up the Thermostat!
Keep your thermostat at a comfortable temperature for most of the day to make sure you don’t have any issues with humidity or excess moisture in air ducts and vents, which can cause problems down the road.
Step Seven: Reduce Humidity Levels
High humidity levels in your home can lead to mold, mildew, and even ice dams on the roof. Keep humidity low by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner during periods of high humidity (which tend to be colder days).
Step Eight: Prepare for Snow
For your winter furnace tune-up, make sure that the area around your furnace is clear of snow and any other things that might fall during winter. This will help ensure efficient use of fuel, which means lower heating bills!
Step Nine: Check Your Furnace’s Fuel Type
If you have a gas or oil furnace, it’s important to check the fuel tank and make sure you have enough to last through winter.
Step Ten: Check Moving Parts for Problems
Check over your furnace’s moving parts, including the fan belt or blower motor, to ensure that everything is working properly before a cold day hits. If something seems off, call a professional now rather than waiting until winter begins.
Step Eleven: Prepare a Home Repair Kit
Make sure you have a home repair kit on hand so that if any problems do arise with your furnace, you’ll be able to handle it immediately without having to wait until winter vacation. This will save energy and money!
Step Twelve: Enjoy the Warmth!
After completing these steps, sit back and enjoy the warmth, comfort, and quiet that winter brings! For assistance with your furnace, or any other part of your HVAC system, call UIC Chicagoland today and ask about our furnace repair services in Palatine.
For more information on your heating system, read: How Much Does Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Cost?
