Winter Is Coming: 5 Ways to Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

When Ned Stark said, “Winter is coming,” he was talking about being vigilante against threats to their kingdom. For you, it may very well be that winter is actually coming.

The holiday season is approaching and temperatures are going to steadily dip into the 30s – hopefully, not negative 31 degrees Fahrenheit. For all our sakes, let’s hope it’s not that bad!

But with the holiday season comes a lot of rain, snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures. You need to get your furnace ready for winter, and today we’re going to show you how.

HVAC Systems in Winter

For those of you who don’t know, an HVAC system is your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. It keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Whether you realize it or not, it’s important to partake in HVAC prep for winter. You should care for every aspect of your house year round, especially in the winter.

Pipes and coils can freeze, thermostats can break, pilot lights can go out, and much more. You don’t want to end up with HVAC repairs over $1,000.

How to Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

Here’s a quick furnace to-do list as winter approaches:

• Clean up and clear all outdoor systems
• Cover your AC condenser if you have one
• Clean and/or replace air filters
• Check your carbon monoxide detector
• Check your HVAC system thoroughly
  • Pilot light
  • All ventilation ducts
  • etc.

We’ll dive into this checklist a little further now, though.

1. Clean All Outdoor Units

You likely have a heat pump and/or AC condenser somewhere outside your house. It’s good to start by cleaning and clearing off both units.

With winter comes snow and sleet, and you want to protect these units, so make sure they’re clear of vegetation and other obstructions. You want to allow free airflow.

If you have an AC condenser, cover it with something like a tarp for winter.

2. Clean and/or Replace Air Filters

Everyone should know this by now, but if not, you should be replacing your air filters about once a month. When you prepare a furnace for winter, it’s a good time to check the filters.

Again, free airflow is key here. Clean them or replace them if necessary.

3. Check the Furnace

Don’t mess with your furnace too heavily if you don’t know what to even look for.

If you know what you’re doing, consider inspecting the fan belt for tension and fraying and oil the furnace blower.

4. Check the Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide leak is a very serious issue. If you suspect something may be wrong, call a professional right away.

Test your detector and replace the batteries if necessary. It’s good to at least know whether or not there is an issue.

5. Test Your HVAC System Thoroughly

Check that your pilot light is lit, clear all ventilation ducts, and turn your thermostat up to kick on the heat. Go around your house and make sure all ducts are blowing steady warm air.

Consider Calling a Professional to Check Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but the last thing you want is it failing on you in the midst of freezing weather. It’s important that you get your furnace ready for winter so that you and your loved ones are prepared.

You may not always know what to look for or what to do with serious issues. If that’s the case, feel free to contact American Heat & Air for a professional to inspect your HVAC system or perform necessary repairs!