Furnace Maintenance to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter

Essential Winter Furnace Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Fall is the time to get some home furnace maintenance and improvement tasks done around the house. The weather has changed and is rather invigorating. The falling leaves and limbs need to be cleaned away. The lawn furniture needs to be stored. Oh, and it is an excellent time to schedule maintenance for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Once cold weather arrives, the HVAC professionals will be much busier dealing with emergencies, so this is an excellent time to schedule preventative maintenance. Taking care of this important building system will keep it functioning properly for years to come.  However, some maintenance tasks can be completed by homeowners, while others must be completed by a professional. It is important to know the difference.

Homeowner’s Tasks

Replace the Air Filter

A simple fiber air filter holds the key to quality indoor air and the efficient function of an entire HVAC system. The fibers trap airborne 85 to 90% of contaminants and particles to clean the air; it removes most dust, dander, pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria. What a health and safety benefit for the whole family.

While the filter is removing the contaminants, they collect on the surface. This keeps the dust from coating equipment and slowing down the heating/cooling process. However, when sufficient dust covers the surface of the filter, it restricts airflow through the filter. The heating/cooling process requires a lot of air movement.

A clean filter is required to keep the air clean and let the HVAC system work properly. The filter is always found within ductwork at the location where air returns from the home to enter the central cabinet. Fresh filters are available at all home improvement, hardware, and most box stores. The filter needs to be changed AT LEAST every three months, but you will know if it needs to be changed more frequently.

Program the Thermostat

The thermostat turns the whole system on and off and switches between cooling and heating functions. For the thermostat to work best, it needs to be set and scheduled to match the comfort preferences of the family. The Department of Energy is going to suggest 68⁰, but your family will ultimately be the judge of comfort.

Adjusting the temperature setting to match the family schedule can also save some money and customize the function of your HVAC system. For instance, many people appreciate sleeping in a cooler room, so reducing the temperature overnight can be a benefit. Reducing the heat demand for 8 hours can impact the energy bill. Turn the temperature back up 30 minutes before everyone wakes up. (If the house is empty during the day, the same process can be scheduled for daytime temperatures as well.)

Simple Observations

• If your furnace is gas-powered, observe the burner flame under use. The burner assembly should be free of black soot and rust or corrosion. The flame should be a bright blue; a yellow flame is an indication of incomplete combustion. Bring this to the attention of your HVAC professional immediately.
• Check the supply vents and return air vents. Supply vents are generally on the floor, return air vents are located midway up the wall on each level. When these vents get covered by rugs, clothes, or drapes, this restricts airflow into or out of the home. If normal family activities have covered a vent, uncover it and give about 12” of space to ensure good air movement.
• The furnace runs in the background of life, hardly noticeable at all, so notice any unusual sounds or smells coming from the system. It may be nothing, but anything unusual should be brought to the attention of the professional.

Call the Furnace Maintenance Professionals

An HVAC system is complex and needs to be serviced annually. The team of professional technicians at Northwind AC have the training and equipment to service your system thoroughly. To keep your system functioning properly and for a long time, make sure to schedule preventive maintenance regularly.

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your furnace maintenance needs. Contact us and get the help you need.