Even though fall just officially began this past Saturday, there’s no time like the present to get ready for the inevitable colder weather that’s just ahead. This means not only doing some regular fall maintenance tasks, but also learning how to best prep your furnace for the winter. A properly working furnace is key to your and your family’s overall comfort, especially when those temperatures drop below zero.

Furnace Maintenance Tips for a Warmer Winter

It’s Murphy’s Law at its finest: your furnace works perfectly until that first really, really cold day when you need it most. This is not only extremely inconvenient, but it’s also extremely uncomfortable. Even with layers of blankets and warm clothing, a non-working furnace means everyone in the house will be freezing. Plus, we can guarantee that HVAC companies are going to be slammed on that first cold day helping others experiencing the same situation.

 

The good news is there are a few things you can do right now, while the weather is still cooperating, to ensure your furnace is working when you need in most. Use these furnace maintenance tips to keep it running well in the cold months ahead:

• Inspect the system, inside and out. Give your entire HVAC system a visual once-over, looking for cracks in belts, faulty connections and dusty, dirty components. All parts should be free of dust and debris and in good working order.
• Replace the filter. Neglecting to change the air filter is one of the top causes of problems with HVAC systems. Set a reminder somewhere – on a calendar, in your phone, a sticky note, etc. – to change your filter on a monthly basis. This will not only keep your furnace running more effectively, but it will also improve indoor air quality and reduce your energy bills.
• Test the thermostat. Before the true cold weather sets in, test out your thermostat. Turn up the heat to a few degrees warmer than the current air in your home and make sure the system kicks on within a few minutes.
• Clean the air vents. Take a few moments to clean out the air vents in your home. Use a screwdriver to remove the vent covers, then use the extension hose on your vacuum cleaner to suck up any dust and debris at the openings.
• Schedule an annual furnace maintenance check from a professional. Of course, the best advice for properly maintaining your furnace for winter is to leave it to the professionals. Schedule an annual furnace maintenance check, where a trained HVAC professional will inspect the components of your system, lubricating, tightening and repairing any necessary parts. This regular maintenance ensures your system will work effectively and efficiently when you need it most – and also that you’ll avoid any extra costs and headaches when the cold weather arrives.

Schedule your annual furnace maintenance check today! The professional, highly-qualified team at Efficient Heating and Cooling is ready to help! If you’re in the greater Cleveland area, contact our team today to schedule your annual furnace maintenance! Or, give us a call at 216-663-6462.