The leaves have already fallen off the trees, and the temperatures in Oakland County, MI, are dropping fast. Don’t wait until you can see your breath to prepare your furnace for the winter! A little time spent now can save you and your family money and prolong the life of your furnace. Without preparation or regular maintenance, you may have to consider a new furnace installation in the dead of winter. Prepare your furnace for its busy season by following the tips shared by the techs at HVAC Comfort.
Replace Your Furnace Filter
Most furnaces have a filter to help keep dirt, dust, pollen, and pet dander away from the mechanics of your unit. Depending on the type of filter and filter manufacturer, Michigan families should change their furnace filter every 90–120 days. Forgetting to replace your filter won’t create a need for new furnace installation, but long-term negligence can cause costly furnace repair issues.
Replacing the filter on your furnace is a quick and easy way to prepare your furnace for winter. You can purchase new filters from the hardware store, or you can order filters online. Consider buying a high-quality HEPA filter as well — it’ll last longer and filter the air more efficiently, and it can make things easier on your furnace throughout the cold winter months.
Clean Your Ducts
All the air that circulates through your home flows through your ducts. Filters do a good job of removing some of the pollen, dust, and pet dander that move throughout your home, but not all of it. Over time, this airborne debris builds up on the inside of your vents and ducts.
You can either hire a professional once a year or clean your ducts yourself. To clean them yourself, remove the vent covers and use the attachment on your vacuum to clean the entirety of the ductwork. This will reduce the load on your furnace and allow it to work more efficiently during the winter months.
Examine Your Furnace’s Blower Belt for Damage
Your furnace’s blower belt keeps the motor running and warm air flowing all winter long. Make sure your blower belt is in good condition before the winds start to blow. Start by turning off the power to your furnace at the breaker.
Remove the air handler cover and find the biggest belt. Inspect the belt for any chinks or other imperfections in the rubber. Replace the belt if you find any imperfections.
The furnace installation and maintenance experts at HVAC Comfort can help you catch furnace blower belt issues during an annual furnace inspection before Michigan’s harsh winter. Schedule your inspection today to get help.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, your furnace could be costing you a ton of money. The Consumer Energy Center estimates that you could save 20–75% in operating costs by using a programmable thermostat. By setting your thermostat to a lower setting when you’re sleeping or out of the house, you could significantly lower your utility costs throughout winter in Oakland County, MI.
Have a Yearly Professional Inspection
While there are many things that you can do at home to help keep your furnace in tip-top shape, you may need a furnace expert for diagnosis, repairs, and new furnace installation services. Furnace inspection costs are minimal compared to the savings you’ll see on your utility bill. Having your system inspected annually is a wise choice to prepare your furnace for the winter—no matter the age or type of your unit. HVAC Comfort recommends yearly furnace inspections by a professional to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your furnace.
When Is It Time for a New Furnace Installation?
Keeping your furnace maintained and inspecting it once a year will prolong the life of your unit. As with anything, it will eventually wear out, and a new furnace installation will be necessary.
The key factor in determining whether to continue repairing your furnace is the age of the unit. When you’re regularly replacing parts and having it repaired, it’s time to consider a new furnace. The price of a new furnace will save you money over recurring repairs and give you the peace of mind that your home will stay cozy all winter long!
Another thing to consider when thinking about replacing your furnace is whether your home is warm enough. As your furnace ages, it simply won’t be able to keep up with the freezing temperatures outside, and you’ll notice that it’s not maintaining the heat within your home. This is a clear sign that you need a new furnace installation.
HVAC Comfort Is Here to Help Prepare Your Furnace for Winter
At HVAC Comfort, we know that the cold Michigan winters can be brutal. We’re dedicated to keeping your home snug and your family secure while the snow piles up outside. Putting customers first has always been our standard, and we go above and beyond each day to earn the trust of our community neighbors.
For help with furnace inspection, furnace repair, and new furnace installation in Oakland and Livingston County, Michigan, work with HVAC Comfort. We’re focused on solving your AC and furnace problems with a foundation of integrity, quality, and efficiency. Our new furnace installation services include energy-efficient systems and competitive prices.
Originally Published: December 10, 2021
Written By: HVAC Comfort Team