How to Prepare Your Furnace for Cold Weather

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Local furnace contractors near meProcrastination works until it really doesn’t. Ignoring your home’s furnace for most of the year might seem like a fine idea but that can all come crashing down when your setup is not ready to take on the upcoming forecast. Fortunately, our local HVAC company offers inspections, repairs, installation, and maintenance to keep your furnace running as it should throughout winter.

Here are 5 ways you can prep your HVAC system to make sure you stay warm during the colder months.

Avoid a Chilly Home This Winter By:

1. Remembering to Schedule a Professional Inspection

Before the weather starts to turn, an annual furnace inspection is advisable. Ideally, our trained HVAC technicians recommend a comprehensive assessment of your heating system be performed twice a year (once in spring and another in fall), but at least one check-up is still acceptable.

During a furnace inspection, we’ll check for any potential issues, clean essential components, and ensure that the furnace is operating at its optimal efficiency. By investing in this preventive maintenance, you can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns when outdoor temperatures have dipped low.

2. Taking Care of Your Air Filters

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prepare your furnace for winter is to replace or clean the air filters. Over time, filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, hindering airflow and affecting how well the furnace works.

Our team recommends checking your furnace’s user manual for specific recommendations on filter replacement or cleaning frequency. If you need help, Whitney Services is also only a call away. Overall, this routine maintenance task can enhance airflow, improve indoor air quality, and relieve the strain on your heating system.

3. Inspecting/Cleaning Vents & Ducts

It’s not uncommon to have your heat on but notice it’s not running at full capacity or at the rate that it normally should. Help avoid this fate when you need to keep warm by taking time to inspect all vents and ducts connected to your heating system. You’ll also want to ensure that there are no obstructions, such as furniture or drapes, blocking the airflow.

Additionally, vacuuming or dusting the vents will work to prevent your furnace from working harder as well as the circulation of dust and allergens throughout your home. This step not only helps maintain a cleaner indoor environment but also ensures that warm air can freely circulate, providing consistent heating to all areas of your home.

4. Possibly Installing a New Thermostat

So you aren’t left out in the cold, verify that your thermostat is functioning correctly before the colder weather sets in. If you have a programmable thermostat, double-check that it is set to a comfortable temperature when you’re at home and programmed to lower when you’re away.

If your thermostat is old and not energy-efficient, you might want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for more advanced temperature control and energy savings. A properly calibrated and programmed thermostat contributes to a comfortable home environment and can help optimize energy usage.

5. Inspecting & Sealing Ductwork

Examine the ductwork for any visible leaks or gaps that may compromise the efficiency of your heating system. If any are found, our furnace maintenance contractors can close openings using weatherstripping or liquid rubber sealant to prevent heated air from escaping and cold air from infiltrating.

Our technicians will also be sure to inspect the furnace itself to make sure there aren’t issues that go beyond noticeable leaks. Additional furnace repair or even total furnace replacement may be recommended depending on what we find.

Get Ahead of the Cold; Call Our Furnace Experts

Fall, winter, or any season in between, Whitney Services takes pride in being your furnace contractor in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Florida. Give us a call today at (877) 393-2141 to request a free quote or take a moment to fill out our online contact form.

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