Believe it or not, fall is here — and temperatures will be dropping before we know it. As the winter season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your home’s heating system. Whether you rely on a furnace, heat pump, or another type of heating system, preparing it for the cold weather is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and keeps your home warm.
We’re here to guide you through the steps to prepare your furnace for winter, improve indoor air quality, and ensure your home stays cozy throughout the season. Let’s get right to it!
Change Your Furnace Air Filter
A clean air filter is essential for optimal furnace performance and energy efficiency. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and potentially leading to breakdowns. Plus, it can’t effectively trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, affecting indoor air quality.
When a filter is clean, it allows for better airflow, improving your furnace’s efficiency and resulting in lower energy bills. It is generally recommended to change a dirty air filter every 1 to 3 months — but factors such as pet ownership, allergies, and heavy use can necessitate more frequent changes.
Inspect and Clean Your Air Ducts
Your air ducts play a crucial role in delivering warm air throughout your home. Over time, they can accumulate dust, debris, and even mold, which can reduce airflow and compromise indoor air quality. Damaged ducts can allow warm air to escape, making your furnace work harder and increasing energy bills.
To ensure efficient airflow and a healthy indoor environment, it’s important to inspect and clean your ducts regularly. You can visually inspect your ducts for signs of damage, leaks, or excessive dust. If you find any issues, call a professional HVAC technician for a thorough cleaning.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety devices that alert you to potential dangers. By having working carbon monoxide detectors in your home, you can protect yourself and your family from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a malfunctioning furnace or other heating system.
To maintain your detectors, replace batteries regularly according to manufacturer instructions and test them monthly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Improve Your Insulation
Use weatherstripping tape to seal gaps and leaks around doors and windows to prevent heat loss. This helps your heating system run more efficiently by keeping the warm air inside your home. Also make sure that your home’s insulation is up to par, as this can significantly impact your energy consumption and overall comfort.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
A professional furnace tune-up can identify potential problems and ensure your furnace is operating at its best. This preventive maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your heating system. By scheduling annual tune-ups, you can improve your furnace’s efficiency, save energy, and extend its lifespan. Additionally, regular maintenance can help catch minor issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money.
Get Ready for Jack Frost!
Preparing your heating system for the winter season is essential to ensure that your home remains warm and comfortable during the cold weather.
At PGA Inc., we understand the importance of a well-maintained heating system, and we’re here to help you get ready for the cold weather. Our team of experienced HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers in Wausau, WI, specializes in taking care of your needs — whether you need a heating tune-up, electrical upgrade, or expansion tank repair.
So don’t wait until the cold weather arrives — contact us today to schedule a heating maintenance tune-up and ensure your home is prepared for whatever winter has in store!
