Winter may still seem like it’s a ways off, but with temperatures already dropping this fall, it’s clear that the best time to prepare for the chillier season is now.
If you have a furnace to keep you warm, then you already are one step ahead of the game. Furnaces are powerful, efficient, and most importantly, when well taken care of, safe.
When we talk about a “well taken care of” furnace, we’re talking about one that is regularly maintained and tuned up by a trained and experienced technician, like one of the members of our team. Sure, there are some basic maintenance tasks you can do on your own (which we’ll cover below), but if you want your furnace to be in the best possible shape, then you should call on our team for professional maintenance! This service is truly the best way to prepare your furnace for winter.
How to Prep Your Furnace
Let’s face it, your furnace is going to get a lot of use in the coming months. So, it’s a good idea to do everything you can to ensure it’s in great shape. Here are some steps you should take:
Replace the Air Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system is in place to protect that system from dust, dirt, and other debris that could damage its sensitive components. But when the filter gets too clogged up, it restricts airflow, making it harder for your furnace to adequately do its job.
To avoid problems, homeowners should be replacing their air filter every 1–3 months during periods of HVAC system use, depending on the type of filter it is and the level of contaminants in the home.
Schedule Maintenance
We mentioned this one above, but it’s worth mentioning again. Heating maintenance is good for your furnace for a number of reasons. First off, it helps you avoid up to 85% of the repair costs your furnace might ever have throughout its lifetime. This professional service also helps your system retain up to 95% of its original efficiency rating, and helps extend the system’s lifespan.
Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clean
Consider this a “fall cleaning” task—ensure that the space surrounding your furnace, vents, and registers is completely unobstructed. Not only will this keep air flowing properly, but it eliminates safety hazards that could otherwise potentially occur.
A good rule of thumb is to clear the area around your furnace by at least two feet on all sides. Plus, of course, do not store any flammable liquids or materials around your furnace either. While your furnace has extensive safety features to shut itself off, it’s always best to do whatever you can to reduce additional risk.
Have Your Ducts Fixed!
Your ductwork, which serves both your furnace and your central air conditioner (or heat pump), is responsible for distributing all the heated air into your living space. Tears and cracks, however, can cause you to lose up to 30% of that conditioned air that you are otherwise paying for.
If you haven’t had your ductwork checked in a while, let us know. We can inspect the air ducts and see if you need duct repair, sealing, or even replacement.
When you’re ready to schedule furnace maintenance in Plymouth, MN, look no further than Residential Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact us today!