Making sure your furnace is working properly can help keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter. If you have a broken or malfunctioning furnace, or you need someone to prepare your furnace for regular use, our team at Mr. Furnace can provide quality furnace repair and inspection services for residential and commercial properties. Here are some tune-up tips to help get your furnace ready for winter:
Test the System
Testing your heating system can help you identify any issues or irregularities that may have arisen during the warmer months. To conduct a system test, turn your furnace on to verify it's operating correctly. This step confirms that your heating system ignites, produces warm air, and distributes air evenly to each room. It also allows you to check for strange noises or odors, providing an opportunity to address them before winter arrives.
Change the Air Filter
It's recommended to replace or clean your filter regularly, as it can become clogged with dust, dander, and other particles. This can inhibit proper airflow and require your furnace to work harder. Dirty filters can also lead to untimely breakdowns or reduced furnace efficiency.
A clean filter helps reduce energy consumption while maintaining the air quality in your home. It may also extend the lifespan of your furnace, potentially saving you money on repairs or replacements. Our HVAC technicians can check your filter and recommend a suitable replacement during a furnace repair service.
Inspect and Clean the Vents and Ducts
Ventilation systems include various components, including ductwork, air supply vents, and air return vents. Dust, debris, and pet hair can accumulate in your heating vents and ducts throughout the year. This can obstruct airflow, reducing your furnace's efficiency and ability to heat your home.
Our technicians can inspect and clean your ventilation system before turning your furnace on for the winter. Clearing your vents and ducts can improve your heating system's effectiveness, helping the warm air generated by your furnace circulate freely throughout your home. This means more consistent and comfortable heating during the winter while reducing the strain on your furnace, potentially extending its lifespan.
Check the Thermostat
A properly functioning thermostat controls how much heat is distributed throughout your home. Make sure the thermostat is set to the heating mode, as some thermostats have separate heating and cooling modes. To check the accuracy of your thermostat, you can use a separate thermometer to measure the temperature in the room where the thermostat is located. You may need to recalibrate the thermostat if there is a significant difference between the thermostat's reading and the actual room temperature. If you notice any other irregularities, such as the furnace not starting when it should, your thermostat may need new batteries or professional repair services.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Your furnace contains various components that rely on smooth and friction-free operation to work efficiently. These parts may become worn with time and use, leading to increased noise and wear and tear. An HVAC technician can lubricate parts like blower motors and fan belts to help reduce friction and promote lower energy consumption.
Inspect the Flue and Vent Pipes
The flue and vent pipes are responsible for safely removing your furnace's combustion gases to the outside. External factors like weather and animal nests can lead to issues with these pipes. Before winter arrives, examine the flue and vent pipes for signs of corrosion, rust, or blockages. Damages or obstructions in these pipes can be dangerous, causing harmful gases like carbon monoxide to seep into your home. If you spot any issues during your visual inspection, a professional technician can use tools like combustion analyzers to address them promptly.
Clean the Burner and Combustion Chamber
Dirt and soot can accumulate on the burner and in the combustion chamber, negatively affecting the furnace's performance. As part of an annual furnace maintenance routine or repair, our technicians can turn off the furnace and carefully remove the access panel to access the burner and combustion chamber. They can clean these components thoroughly to improve the furnace's combustion process.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Preventative services can help address furnace issues before they lead to major breakdowns. Professional HVAC companies can provide annual inspections and scheduled maintenance plans for your furnace. They can check for potential safety hazards, broken parts, and other heating system inefficiencies. Our certified technicians can provide a comprehensive checkup and service report to keep your heating system in optimal condition.
Contact Our Furnace Repair Specialists Today
Preparing your furnace for winter helps you maintain a warm and comfortable home. From changing or cleaning your furnace filter to inspecting your ventilation system and combustion chamber, these tune-up tips can promote safe, efficient, and even heating. Contact our experienced Mr. Furnace repair specialists today to schedule an appointment and prepare your furnace for winter.
