It’s getting colder. The leaves have already fallen off the trees and the line of frost on your windshield in the morning is growing. Don’t wait until it really cools down to prepare your furnace for the winter! Just a little time and effort can save you a lot of money and problems in the long run. This blog will discuss how to prepare your furnace before the cold weather comes around.
Follow these tips to prepare your furnace for the winter:
- Replace the furnace filter. You might need to replace the filter monthly, every 90 days, or maybe even every 120 days; it will depend on the filter manufacturer and type of filter. Do a quick web search for your current furnace filter to see if it’s due for a change. Remember, electrostatic filters don’t need to be replaced; they can be washed and reused. Consider buying a high-quality HEPA filter as well — it’ll last longer, filter the air more efficiently, and can be easier on your furnace.
- Clear your air vents and ducts from dust and debris. You can either hire a professional or do it yourself. To clean it 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 while allowing it to work more efficiently.
- Examine the furnace’s blower belt for chinks and other imperfections. After turning the power off by using the circuit breaker, remove the air handler’s cover (it should be a big metal plate), and look for a big belt; it should be biggest one visible. Replace the belt if it has any imperfections.
- Consider replacing your old thermostat. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it could be costing you a ton of money. Per the Consumer Energy Center, you could save 20 to 75% in operating costs by using a programmable thermostat. The key is to set your thermostat to a lower setting when you’re sleeping or out of the house.
If you’re looking for heating maintenance or need air conditioning service, contact the team at HVAC Comfort today.