Winter Furnace Maintenance Tips: Everything Homeowner's Should Know
Winter is coming - is your furnace ready? Temperatures are beginning to drop in many areas, and you may be starting to think about turning on your furnace for the first time this season. Before you do, there are a few things you should know. Follow these winter furnace maintenance tips to ensure your furnace runs smoothly and efficiently all season long.
1. Change Your Air Filter
An air filter is designed to remove pollutants like dust, dirt and dander from your indoor air. When your air filter is dirty or it gets clogged, though, it restricts airflow and causes your furnace to work harder to heat your home. Not only can this impact your indoor air quality and lead to high energy costs, but it can also negatively impact the efficiency and performance of your unit.
2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren't just beneficial in the summer - they're just as beneficial in the winter! When you set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise, you create a gentle updraft that recirculates the heat down and keeps the room warmer. This can save you 15% on heating costs because you won't have to use your furnace as much. Your ceiling fans and furnace will work together to keep your home at comfortable, warm temperatures this winter.
3. Check Your Heat Exchanger
This time of year, it's important you check your heat exchanger for any signs of damage. Cracks or leaks in your heat exchanger can cause carbon monoxide to leak out, which is a serious issue. You should hire a professional to check and see if your heat exchanger has any leaks. They will make sure all carbon monoxide is leaving your home, and your family isn't being exposed to the harmful, odorless, and deadly gas.
4. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Speaking of carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure you're testing your carbon monoxide detectors this winter. They're your first line of defense when it comes to alerting you of an emergency with carbon monoxide. You should replace the batteries every 6 months or so, and test it for optimal efficiency.
5. Adjust Your Thermostat
Save energy and reduce your heating bills by adjusting your thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save energy in the winter by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In some areas, this may seem too cool. Obviously, your comfort is important. Adjust it to what you feel is necessary but keep in mind that reducing the thermostat by a couple degrees can really help improve your energy costs this winter.
6. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Last but not least, scheduling professional maintenance is the best way to make sure your system is running safely and efficiently all winter long. We recommend scheduling maintenance with a professional in the early fall for your furnace, and in the early spring for your AC unit. Bi-annual maintenance helps catch problems early so you can avoid costly malfunctions and even potential breakdowns.
Contact Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating and Plumbing For All Your Furnace Needs In Tempe, AZ Today!
Are you in need of furnace repair, maintenance, installation or replacement? Contact the pros at Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing today. We are here to help with all your heating needs. We’ve been providing superior comfort and quality since 1982. Contact us today at 480-719-7776 or fill out our online form here so a team member can be in touch with you soon.
