Your family relies on the heat that your furnace produces in the winter. For this reason, it is extremely important that you prepare your heating system to take on the rough winter months ahead. Here are some must-follow tips to ensure that your furnace stays in good condition this winter season.
Get Professional Service
One of the best things that you can do to prepare your furnace for the upcoming winter season is to get it professionally serviced. This helps to clean out the entire heater, and it ensures that it is working optimally before the cold winter weather hits. It is also important to note that most manufacturers require that you get professional service for your furnace each year in order to maintain a warranty contract on it.
Change Your Air Filter
Your air filter is a necessary component of your HVAC system that helps to remove harmful allergens and pollutants from the air inside of your house. As your filter gets full, it will start to reduce the amount of heat that flows through your system. It is best to replace your air filter once a month in the winter. If your family has allergies, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a HEPA air filter since it will filter out more pollutants in the air than a traditional carbon filter.
Refill Your Fuel
Furnaces can be installed to run off various fuels, including gas, oil, and even propane. Before the cold winter weather hits, it is a good idea to get your fuel tank filled up. This ensures that there is enough fuel to start running your furnace regardless of when the weather turns cold. You do not want to wait until the last minute, as it is likely that you will have to pay more for quick delivery or wait in a cold home until your fuel provider can arrive.
Inspect Your Detectors
As a safety precaution, most residences are equipped with multiple fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. For these to work properly, they need to have fresh batteries. It is a good idea to go to every room and test all of your detectors and alarms to ensure that they are in good working condition. It is a general rule of thumb to have at least one alarm and detector on each level of your house. You should also have both outside the main bedrooms of your home.
Program Your Thermostat
Now is a good time to sit down and program your thermostat to ensure that your system is working as efficiently as possible. If you are not going to be home during the daytime, it is a good idea to turn down the temperature 10 degrees. This will keep your fuel from burning in the daytime but will still ensure that your house stays warm enough for when you get back home. You may want to consider investing in a smart thermostat that can learn your schedule and make energy-efficient recommendations to save you money on your fuel and electricity bills.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great addition to any home to help move the air to allow the temperature to feel different without having to burn your fuel. In the summer, your ceiling fan should be pointed in a counterclockwise direction to force a breeze down onto you.
In the wintertime, you want to reverse the direction of your fan so that it is turning in a clockwise direction. This helps to force the air up toward the ceiling and out toward your walls. The air will then be forced down to the floor to help warm up the lower half of your room. By running ceiling fans alongside your furnace, you can help to keep the air in those rooms warm without having to turn up the thermostat.
Clean Your Vents
Just before winter is another great time to pop out your vents and give them a good washing. Make sure that they’re dry before you put them back in since you do not want them to be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. It is important to remember that all the air in your home goes through the vents, so they’re likely to collect unwanted dust and debris. By keeping them clean, you can help to enhance your indoor air quality for your family.
Expert Heating Services
Xtreme Heating & Cooling LLC provides expert heating services in the Omaha, NE region. We also provide quality cooling, indoor air quality, geothermal, remodeling, and commercial HVAC services. Call us today to get the assistance that you need.
