Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter
Updated November 1, 2022
There’s nothing worse than cranking up the thermostat on a cold day and realizing your heater isn’t working! As the Idaho winter creeps closer, it’s important to make sure that your home’s heating system is ready to work through the cold weather! A poorly maintained furnace can be a serious fire hazard… so it’s well worth taking the time to make sure it’s running properly.
Prepare and plan in advance to ensure you’re ready for the coming cold weather. Prepping your furnace for the winter will make sure it’s fully functional, running efficiently, and safely.
Do you have a fireplace in addition to or instead of a furnace? We’ve got you covered! Check out our post on Fireplace Safety Tips to learn more about how to get your fireplace ready for winter.
Check and Replace Your Furnace Air Filters
This is a simple task, but it’s also the most important! An overloaded air filter can be a serious fire hazard. Beyond that, running your heater with a dirty furnace lowers the efficiency of your system. Lower efficiency = higher heating bills! Save your HVAC system from undue strain by checking your filter. If it needs to be replaced, you should easily be able to find the part number listed on the side of the filter. Then, just order and install a replacement! It only takes a few minutes, and it will give you peace of mind that your furnace is running safely and efficiently.
Test Your Thermostat
This step is also easy! You’ll need a kitchen thermometer (medical thermometers often won’t read lower than the 90-degree range). Just locate your home’s thermostat and set the temperature, then either tape the thermometer to the wall or set it down somewhere near the thermostat. After 15-20 minutes, check the temperature on the thermometer. If it matches or almost matches the temperature on your thermostat, then your thermostat is accurate! However, if the temperature is off by several degrees, your thermostat may need to be calibrated. It could also be a sign that your system needs to be serviced. Anything from damaged ductwork to dirty filters can have a negative impact on your system. Learn more about what to do if your thermostat is inaccurate.
Keep the Area Around Your Furnace Clear
Your furnace or heating unit needs quite a large amount of clearance on all sides in order to function properly. If you’ve got storage totes, blankets, cardboard boxes, or any other debris cluttering the area, move it! Your HVAC system needs to have sufficient space around it to function properly. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 2 feet of empty space around your furnace. Removing clutter will improve air circulation. In turn, this will help your system run smoothly.
In addition to the above-listed reasons, keeping things close to the unit can pose a fire risk. Ensure that there is adequate clearance around your furnace to lower the risk of a house fire. Check out our article on How to Prevent House Fires This Winter for additional winter heating safety tips!
Schedule a Furnace Inspection
The simplest way to make sure your furnace is ready for winter is to have an inspection performed. An HVAC technician can troubleshoot and solve existing problems. They can also identify potential future issues, such as worn-out parts, and replace them before they even become a problem. Investing in preventative maintenance is always a good idea! This goes double when it’s for something as vital as your home’s heating system.
Get in Touch With Your Local Restoration Company
Elite Restoration offers 24/7 emergency restoration services for everything from fires to floods. Give us a call any time at 208-734-2135 or contact us online. We’re here to help get your home back into shape!