Your furnace has to work hard in the winter, which puts a lot of wear and tear on it. Unfortunately, this means it’s a lot more likely to break down just when you need it the most. However, luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce the strain on your furnace and help keep it working well all through the winter, which we will discuss.
Replace Your Filter
It’s easy to just forget about your filter, but it’s also easy for your filter to become clogged by dust and dirt and stop working as effectively. So, you should make sure you change your filter every few months so that it can do a good job filtering your air. Another thing you should do to make sure your filter is giving you the cleanest air you can get is to check and make sure you are getting the correct filter for your furnace. Just look at what filter is recommended for your unit and make sure you pick out the right one when you get to the store.
Dust Your Vents
Be sure when cold weather hits that you dust your vents. If you don’t dust your vents, all this dust is going to end up in the air and possibly clog up your filters that much sooner. Also, make sure there is nothing in your vents that is obstructing them. Additionally, check to see that your vents are open all the way. Closed or even partially closed vents make your furnace work harder, placing more strain on your system.
Clear the Area Around Your Vents
Another thing you need to do to keep your furnace working well is to clear the area around your vents. Take the time to remove any furniture, boxes, or any other items that may be blocking your vents. Leaving anything around or on your vents will not only make them less effective but create a fire hazard as well.
Cover Your HVAC Unit
If you have an HVAC unit outside, you should really buy a cover and place it on it to protect it. If you cover up your unit during the winter, it will keep ice from building up on the inside of it as well as preventing it from getting damaged due to falling tree branches, debris, or even hail. However, if you have a heat pump, don’t cover it up.
Turn Your Thermostat Down
You want your heater to keep you warm, but when the weather gets extremely cold, keeping the thermostat high can place quite a strain on your furnace. Therefore, to ensure that it will be working when you need it, you should keep the temperature at a level where you’re not chilly, but it’s not too high either. Somewhere around 68 degrees Fahrenheit is good. You can always wear warm clothing, and if you’re still too cold, you can always turn it up a bit.
Have Your Heater Professionally Maintained
The best thing you can do to make sure your heater works well all winter long is to set up a professional maintenance appointment. This way, your heater will be cleaned, lubricated, and checked for any damages. Then, if anything is wrong with your furnace, it can be repaired before your furnace breaks.
Final Thoughts
With winter on its way, it’s time to ensure your furnace is ready for a long season of use. Make sure your furnace is ready by following these tips and keep from costly repairs and cold nights down the line.
Contact Us
For professional inspection and maintenance to keep your furnace running smoothly all winter, contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our experienced technicians are ready to keep your furnace in top form for heavy use. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
