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Winter is approaching, and preparing your furnace now involves more than just flipping a switch. A well-maintained furnace keeps your home warm, cuts energy costs, and extends your heating system’s life. With a few expert tips and simple DIY tasks, you can get your furnace winter-ready. Here are a few practical tips to help you get started, with guidance on when to call a professional.
1. Choose the Right Furnace Filters
Selecting the right furnace filters boosts efficiency and air quality. High-efficiency filters capture dust and allergens but may restrict airflow if not compatible with your furnace. Check your manual or search online by model number to find suitable filters and replacement frequency, typically every 1-3 months. Replace more frequently if you have pets or recent renovations, and use a proper cleaner for reusable filters.
Install filters correctly by following the arrows on the filter frame pointing toward the furnace or blower motor. Pro Tip: Use a calendar reminder or smart home app to stay on schedule with filter changes.
2. Inspect the Filter Housing and Seals
Inspecting the filter housing and seals ensures efficiency by preventing air leaks that could lead to unfiltered air bypassing the filter, reducing air quality and straining the furnace. Turn off the furnace, remove the filter, and use a flashlight to check for dust buildup or worn seals. Replacing damaged seals can be tricky. If you’re unsure, consult a professional to ensure proper sealing.
3. Clean or Replace Vents and Grilles
Dust, pet hair, and debris can clog vents and grilles, reducing airflow and efficiency. Regularly vacuum or replace vents to improve air quality and heating performance, which is particularly beneficial for households with allergies or respiratory issues. If vents are old or damaged, consider replacing them to enhance airflow. Use a long-handled duster for hard-to-reach vents and magnetic vent covers to direct heat where needed.
4. Calibrate Your Thermostat
Ensure your thermostat accurately measures temperature by keeping it away from windows, doors, or heat sources. For smart thermostats, recalibrate through the settings menu. If using a non-smart thermostat, manually compare it with a reliable thermometer and locate the calibration screw if needed. If recalibration seems difficult or confusing, hiring a professional to handle it precisely is safer. Manually adjusting calibration screws may require precision. If you are unfamiliar with this process, hiring a professional to handle recalibration is safer.
5. Adjust Dampers to Balance Airflow
To balance heating, adjust the manual dampers located on the ducts, typically in the basement or attic. Dampers are metal handles on ductwork that control airflow to different parts of your house. Make small adjustments and wait to see the impact on room temperatures, or see if yours have pre-fixed winter and summer settings. If adjustments are difficult or ineffective, consult a licensed HVAC technician for a more thorough airflow assessment.
6. Insulate and Check for Drafts
Proper insulation is key to maintaining furnace efficiency. Inspect your home for areas where heat might escape, such as around windows, doors, and exterior walls. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any drafts you find, ensuring your home stays warm without making your furnace work harder. However, remember that a home should not be 100% sealed; proper ventilation is necessary for maintaining good air quality and preventing issues like moisture buildup. This also helps reduce energy costs.
7. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at low speed during winter. This direction helps push warm air down into the living space, making rooms feel warmer and improving energy efficiency without adjusting the thermostat. This direction creates an updraft, pulling cooler air up and pushing warm air down along the walls, making the room feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat.
8. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are essential for home safety, especially when using a furnace. Make sure you have detectors installed on each level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas. Regularly check that they are powered properly, either by replacing batteries or confirming they are hardwired. Test the alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning, and replace detectors every 5-7 years for reliability.
9. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
Make sure the area around your furnace is clear of any clutter, such as boxes, cleaning supplies, or other items that can obstruct airflow or become a fire hazard. Keeping at least three feet of clearance around the furnace improves efficiency and ensures safe operation. Regularly check this space, especially before winter, to keep it free of any obstructions.
10. Test Furnace Startup
Before winter hits, test your furnace early in the season by turning it on to ensure it starts up smoothly. Pay attention to any unusual noises or strange odors; initial odors may be from dust burning off, but persistent smells could indicate a gas leak or electrical issue. Testing in early fall gives you time to address any problems before daily use.
11. Replace the Thermostat Batteries
If your thermostat relies on batteries, replace them at the start of the heating season to avoid interruptions in furnace operation. Old batteries can lead to incorrect readings or prevent the furnace from turning on. Keep spare batteries handy during the winter to avoid any surprises. Consider replacing batteries when you change smoke detector batteries to create a consistent safety routine.
12. Check Registers and Return Vents
Make sure that all air registers and return vents are open and unobstructed. Registers allow heated air to enter the room, while return vents pull air back into the system for efficient circulation. Blocked registers reduce airflow, making your furnace work harder. Rearrange furniture and remove obstacles to improve efficiency and maintain consistent comfort.
The Importance of an Annual Furnace Inspection
It’s always best to hire a licensed professional for complex maintenance tasks like cleaning the flame sensor, lubricating the blower motor, maintaining furnace-connected humidifiers, checking the flue, deep cleaning components, and conducting in-depth furnace checks. These tasks ensure safety, prevent costly damage, and keep your furnace running efficiently. An annual professional inspection should cover all these areas to guarantee your system is ready for winter.
When to Schedule the Annual Furnace Inspection
It’s best to schedule your annual furnace inspection well in advance to avoid long waiting times. Furnace companies get very busy as winter approaches, often leading to delays. Set a reminder for July to schedule your inspection for October, ensuring you secure a convenient appointment and have your furnace ready before the cold weather hits.
Prepare Your Furnace for Winter
Implement these tips to prepare your furnace for winter, reduce heating costs, and prevent unexpected failures. While many tasks are manageable as DIY projects, complex or safety-related issues should always involve a licensed professional. An annual professional inspection and your DIY efforts will ensure your furnace runs efficiently and safely throughout the season.
