Prepare Your Furnace Today For Winter

Since we live in an area that suffers from a cold climate during the winter, a furnace is an essential investment that will keep your home nice and warm. However, it's vital that your heating unit is prepared before heading into the coldest months of the year. Our experts have assembled these tips on how to prepare your furnace for the winter months ahead.

1. Clean Or Replace The Filter

In almost any unit that blows air - from a clothing dryer to a heating and air conditioning unit - the filter is a vital part of the machinery. The filter, in most cases is often underestimated by many people in terms of its importance. A clogged filter will restrict the flow of hot air, meaning that the unit will need to work twice as hard to deliver heat and may also cause the heater to stop working all together. It is vital to replace an old filter with a brand new one before the coming cold winter months.

2. Vacuum The Furnace Interior

The dust and debris that builds up, especially at the base of the heater and the burners, must be removed. There is no need for any special equipment; an ordinary vacuum cleaner will do the job. If you have an oil heater it will require a special soot vacuum cleaner. Do not use a shop vacuum on an oil furnace.

3. Check The Blower Belt And Oil The Blower Motor

One of the most common causes of an ineffective furnace is a loose blower belt. A loose blower belt can result in an increase of the operating time to run the unit. Take the time to replace any frayed or cracked belts, and maintain belts by applying two to three drops of oil to the belt to keep everything running smoothly. (It's worth noting that some motors don't require lubrication or a belt, so check your owner's manual if you're unsure).

4. Make Sure Blower Doors Are Replaced Properly

This is an essential part of safety in the home and professionals should carry out any necessary maintenance. The blower doors need to be kept in excellent working order to ensure that carbon monoxide or other combustion by-products are not circulating in the warm air throughout your house.

5. Check To See If Vents Are Unobstructed

Clogged up vents around the house is another common cause of a malfunctioning furnace. If vents are clogged, air will be pumped through the pipes, but will not reach all of the desired rooms. Ensure that none of your vents are obstructed by clothing, blinds, carpets, furniture, or clogged up with dirt.

6. Check The Exhaust Flue

Almost all furnace units have an exhaust flue. The exhaust flue's main purpose is to allow by-products of combustion to escape through the house. It's essential that this process isn't prevented from taking place. If this isn't done, then a buildup within the unit can occur, leading to wasted energy and possible damage to the heating unit.

Contact Horizon Services

If you are ready to install or replace a heating system our friendly and experienced team of Home Comfort Consultants can help. They'll take the time to study your home, understand your requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family's needs and budget.

For more information, please visit the Horizon Comfort Zone blog.