How To Get Your Furnace Ready For Winter

What to do to get your furnace ready for winter.

Just because winter is on its way, it doesn’t mean you need to worry about getting ready for winter and its chilly temperatures.

With some easy planning and proper care, your furnace will be able to handle anything that comes it’s way.

It’s time to switch your HVAC system over to Heat.

Check the following list to be sure your furnace is ready for winter.

1. Turn on the thermostat.

Switch from cooling to heating and set the temperature a couple of degrees higher than the current room temperature.

If you don’t hear the heat kick on within a minute, pull off the cover and make sure the wire connections are secure (if you feel comfortable doing so).

If the connections are snug, make sure the power source to the HVAC system is turned on.

If it’s still not working, you could check the furnace fan, blower or heat pump but it likely makes better sense to call in a professional.

2. Change the air filters.

You probably have air filters behind a vent grill in the wall or ceiling, or a single filter in the HVAC system itself.

Change these filters every few months. Or, if you have a permanent electrostatic filter, you can wash and reuse it.

Cleaning or replacing your filters regularly keeps particles out of your HVAC system and can prolong its life.

3. Cover the AC condenser.

If you have a heat pump, you can ignore this step. However, if your home uses a furnace, cold weather is the time to get out there and protect your AC condenser.

The condenser is susceptible to damage from things like falling icicles and branches, which can cause costly repairs.

To protect the condenser, simply cover it with a large trash can lid tied down with bungee cords.

Use a wood board to cover the condenser fan, but never cover the unit with a plastic tarp.

This can cause moisture to build up and create issues later on when warmer weather arrives.

4. Lubricate and clean the blower motor.

First check the owner’s manual to see if your motor is the kind that needs lubricating.

If it does, turn off the power, open the cover and clean the caps covering the bearings.

Then remove the caps and lubricate the bearings.

5. Test the igniter switch.

On an old system, you might have to relight the pilot. Newer systems have electronic ignitors.

If the ignitor isn’t working, push the reset button. If that doesn’t do the trick, check your breaker.

Still not working? Call in a professional.

Just because winter is on its way, it doesn’t mean you need to worry about getting ready for winter and its chilly temperatures.

With some easy planning and proper care, your furnace will be able to handle anything that comes its way.

Make sure you replace the filter, clean all air vents, and protect your outdoor AC condenser.

Schedule a professional furnace inspection so you’ll have peace of mind all winter long.

Call us today at Guardian Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment.