When the evenings start getting cold and you can feel that first bite of fall in the air, you know it’s time to start thinking about your furnace. The switch from cooling to heating doesn’t come with a warning light or a calendar reminder. It’s something you need to stay ahead of before the temperature really drops. Preparing your furnace for cold weather not only keeps your home comfortable, it also protects your system from stress and breakdowns when it’s working hardest.
For homeowners in Columbus, making sure your furnace runs smoothly through the winter isn’t just about comfort. It’s also about safety and efficiency. Cold weather brings dry air, longer run times, and extra strain on your HVAC system. With a few basic steps, you can get your furnace ready to work properly when you need it most.
Check And Replace Furnace Filters
When a furnace runs with a dirty or clogged filter, it has to work harder than usual to push air through the system. That extra strain shows up in two ways: poor airflow and higher energy use. A clean filter helps your system breathe easier, allowing heated air to travel freely through your ducts and into your living spaces. It also helps cut down on dust, allergens, and other airborne particles in your home.
You don’t need to be an expert to check or change a furnace filter. It usually takes just a few minutes. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Shut off the furnace or thermostat to avoid airflow while inspecting.
2. Find the filter. It’s typically located inside or near the furnace cabinet, along the return air duct.
3. Slide out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light passing through or it looks packed with dust, it’s time to replace it.
4. Make note of the filter size. This info is usually printed on the frame.
5. Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing towards the blower.
During the winter, checking your furnace filter once a month is a good rule of thumb. Some households may need to change it more often, especially if pets are around or if anyone in your family has allergies. Replacing a filter is a small step that makes a noticeable difference in air quality and system performance.
Inspect And Clean Vents And Ducts
Warm air can’t reach the rooms in your home if vents or ducts are blocked or full of buildup. Dust, pet hair, and general household debris can collect over time, which reduces airflow and forces your furnace to work harder. Keeping these areas clean helps your system distribute warm air more efficiently and evenly throughout your home.
Here’s how to stay on top of it:
– Start with the floor and wall registers in each room. Make sure furniture or rugs aren’t covering them.
– Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean the visible part of each vent.
– Remove the vent covers and vacuum inside as far as your hose can reach.
– If you notice musty smells, uneven airflow, or extra dust in the air, it may be time to have your ducts inspected professionally.
While standard vent cleaning can be done on your own, deeper issues like blockages or buildup far inside the ductwork might call for a trained technician. Regular cleaning keeps the air moving the way it should and helps your furnace perform better through the colder months.
Test And Calibrate The Thermostat
A thermostat is at the heart of your home’s heating system. It tells your furnace when to kick into gear and when to take a break. If it’s not working properly, you might find that your house stays too cold or burns through gas or electricity faster than usual. Making sure your thermostat is accurate can lead to more comfortable rooms and better energy use.
Testing and calibrating a thermostat is simple and doesn’t take long. Start by comparing the thermostat setting to the actual temperature in the room. You can do this with a basic thermometer placed near the thermostat. If the numbers don’t match, it might be time to recalibrate. Try the following steps:
1. Set your thermostat to the desired temperature.
2. Place a thermometer next to it and wait for about an hour.
3. Compare the thermometer reading to the thermostat display.
4. Adjust the calibration screw or dial on your thermostat if there’s a difference, following the instructions on the unit.
5. Wait another hour and check again to confirm accuracy.
Consider switching to a smart or programmable thermostat. These models offer flexible scheduling and often come with apps to control your system remotely. You can avoid wasting heat when no one is home and warm things up just before you arrive. This added control helps reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
Keeping a furnace in good shape year after year takes more than a once-a-year inspection. Like a car, your furnace has parts that wear down with use. A regular maintenance schedule helps prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems. A well-maintained furnace runs better, lasts longer, and is less likely to break down when you need it most.
There are some simple things you can do monthly, such as checking the filter, making sure the vents are clear, listening for odd sounds, or watching for changes in performance. But most of the key checks call for a certified HVAC technician.
A professional tune-up typically includes:
– Inspecting the burners and flame sensors
– Checking belts and lubricating moving parts
– Adjusting or cleaning the pilot light or ignition system
– Examining the heat exchanger for cracks or defects
– Running system tests for safe and efficient operation
Scheduling a tune-up once a year in early fall is a smart move. It gives technicians time to spot and fix small problems before they turn into major repairs. For residents needing furnace repair in Columbus, these regular checks also bring peace of mind knowing that their system is ready for any cold snaps that roll through the area.
Stay Warm and Safe This Winter
Staying one step ahead with your furnace care can make all the difference when cold weather sets in. Preparing your HVAC system before winter ensures better performance, avoids unexpected repair costs, and keeps your home cozy when the temperatures drop.
Doing simple things like changing the filter, keeping vents clear, and checking the thermostat gives your system the support it needs. And by getting regular furnace maintenance from a trusted HVAC professional, you can count on dependable heat all winter long.
Aire-Flo is committed to helping Columbus homeowners stay warm, comfortable, and safe through every part of the season. We’ll keep your furnace running the way it should so you’re never caught off guard when that chill rolls in.
Ensure your home stays warm and comfortable this winter with proper furnace care. If you’re in Columbus and need dependable service, Aire-Flo is here to help with expert furnace repair in Columbus to keep your system running smoothly all season long.