Furnace season isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth it when you have a warm home to come back to and enjoy. If you want to make sure your furnace doesn’t break down when you need it most, it’s essential to do a pre-winter checkup to avoid furnace repair. Here are five simple tasks you can do to prepare your furnace for winter.
Inspect the Furnace for Any Leaks
Furnaces can break down if they’re not properly maintained. One of the things you should do to maintain your furnace is to inspect it for leaks. If you find a leak, call a furnace repair service to help you out. By fixing a leaky furnace, you can save yourself from more expensive repairs down the road. Leaks can also be dangerous, so it’s essential to fix them as soon as possible.
Clean or Replace the Filter
Another simple task to prepare your furnace for winter is to clean or replace the filter. Furnace filters should be cleaned or replaced every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use your furnace. If the filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow and cause the furnace to work harder than it needs to, leading to decreased efficiency and increased energy costs. By cleaning or replacing the filter, you can help your furnace run more smoothly and efficiently during winter, avoiding untimely breakdowns.
Check the Pilot Light
If the pilot light goes out, the furnace will not work. To check the pilot light, simply turn off all of the power to the furnace and then wait for a few minutes in order for the gas to dissipate from the chamber. Then, go to the furnace and check the pilot light to see that it’s lit. If it’s not lit, you should light it yourself by holding a match or lighter over the pilot light’s opening. Observe the furnace and make sure it’s lit for a few moments.
If the pilot light cannot be relit, you should get the help of an experienced HVAC company in Greenwood like Johnson Comfort Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. One of our expert HVAC technicians will help you with your pilot light or any furnace repair services that you may need.
Test Your Thermostat
Another simple checkup task pre-winter is testing your thermostat. Before winter hits, test all of the different functions on your thermostat. Set each function to make sure everything works and then change the temperature, so your home is nice and toasty when you get up in the morning.
Get an Annual Maintenance Tune-up
Ideally, before wintertime, you should get your furnace checked out by a professional to ensure it’s in good working condition. During the tune-up, the technician will inspect all your heating system components and make any necessary repairs or replacements. They’ll also ensure that your furnace runs efficiently and safely. You may need them to replace parts or make other adjustments for better performance during the winter months, which can be expensive if you try doing it yourself with no experience. Oh, and don’t forget! If anything needs replacing or adjusting during this time, such as the filter, the technician will take care of it for you.
Having your furnace checked can save you a lot of time and money! If it’s not in good working order, you may have to make expensive repairs or replacements down the road, which could lead to increased energy costs and broken pipes among other problems. It’s better to get things taken care of now rather than later.
Conclusion:
Prepping your furnace for winter doesn’t have to be a troublesome task. By inspecting the furnace for any leaks, cleaning or replacing the filter, checking the pilot light, testing the thermostat, and getting an annual maintenance checkup, you can help ensure that your furnace is in good working order and won’t break down when you need it most. Taking care of these simple tasks now will save you time and money in the long run!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is routine furnace maintenance?
A routine furnace maintenance service is a preventative measure that involves an experienced HVAC professional giving a thorough checkup and tune-up of your furnace system.
Are annual furnace inspections really necessary?
Yes, you should always do your annual furnace inspections to ensure that your furnace is operating at maximum efficiency and will not break down when you need it most. If you fail to do routine furnace maintenance, your system might fail, or even worse, break beyond repair. When this happens, you can get a furnace installation in Greenwood with the help of Johnson Comfort Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
How do I prepare my furnace for winter?
You can prepare your furnace for winter by inspecting the furnace for any leaks, cleaning or replacing the filter, checking the pilot light, testing the thermostat, and getting an annual maintenance service through a trusted HVAC professional.
