Preparing Your Furnace for the Cold Winter Months

When you live in Idaho Falls, you’re no stranger to chilly weather. And when the long winter and snowy season are right around the corner, it’s important to prepare your furnace for the upcoming conditions. 

Getting your furnace ready for the cold winter months involves clearing the surrounding area, changing the filter, testing the thermostat, checking vents and pipes, testing your carbon monoxide detectors, and consulting a professional. Keep reading to find out more about these steps and how our team at First Call Jewel can help you prepare. 

Clearing the Space

It’s important to clear the area around your furnace for two primary reasons—firstly, it can help ensure adequate airflow for wintertime, and secondly, it can help to prevent fires. 

Clean the surrounding area and floor space, sweeping or vacuuming any dust away from the unit to prevent dirt from being pulled inside. 

You’ll also want to make sure you move anything nearby at least three feet away from the furnace. Take special care to move flammable items, such as clothes, boxes, and flammable liquids like cleaning supplies or paint. 

Replacing the Filter  

Over time, it’s normal for your furnace filter to gather dirt, dust, and debris. Because a dirty filter can significantly affect airflow, it’s important to regularly replace or clean it. 

Before winter comes, be sure to check the filter and switch it out for a new one if it is dirty. And during the cold seasons, try to replace your filter every 1 to 3 months as a rule. However, if you have a reusable filter, you will not need to replace it—just make sure you take it out and clean it. 

Testing the Thermostat  

Checking your thermostat ahead of time helps you make sure that your furnace is working properly so you don’t run into any issues during the first cold day. 

To test your thermostat, simply change it to the heat setting and set the temperature to be several degrees higher than the current temperature in your house. Doing this helps you ensure that warm air emerges from the vents. If there are issues, you can check and replace the batteries.

Checking Vents and Pipes  

Checking your furnace vents and pipes can prevent or catch any issues. Be sure to check indoor registers to make sure nothing is blocking them and clean them as necessary. If furniture or household items are covering the vents, move them out of the way.

You’ll also need to take a look at your outdoor intake and exhaust pipes for things like nests, dirt, and leaves. If you notice any damage, such as cracks or leaks, make a note of it so that a professional can help you with repairs. 

Testing Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Issues with your furnace can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home, making carbon monoxide detectors crucial for your health and safety.

Unfortunately, these detectors can have issues of their own, which is why it is so important to make sure that they are working properly on a regular basis. If you find that your detector is not working after testing it, you can replace either the battery or the detector itself. 

Scheduling a Maintenance or Repair Visit

Finally, it is wise to schedule a maintenance visit where a professional can inspect your furnace. Annual inspections are a great way to make sure things are working properly each year before winter comes. Professionals can also catch problems early on in order to prevent more serious issues from happening in the future. 

Additionally, if you find that your furnace is causing unusual sounds or odors, airflow changes, or abnormally high energy bills, consult a professional for repair services. Always trust an expert for these repairs instead of attempting them yourself, especially when it pertains to system failures or safety hazards.

Our team at First Call Jewel offers heating installation, maintenance, and repair services in Idaho Falls. We can take a closer look at your furnace to make sure everything is ready to go for the cold months ahead and address any issues that may arise. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does furnace maintenance matter?

It’s important to make sure your furnace is working properly before the cold winter months because it can catch safety concerns and prevent system breakdowns.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Change your furnace filter every 1-3 months. However, reusable filters will simply need to be cleaned.

How do I test my thermostat before winter?

Turn your thermostat to heat mode and increase the temperature a few degrees above the temperature in your household to check if warm air comes out of the vents.

Can a furnace cause carbon monoxide to enter my home?

Heating systems that are not working properly can cause carbon monoxide to enter your home. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your heating system and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. 

What are signs that my furnace needs repair?

If you notice abnormal sounds or smells, changes in airflow, or unusually high energy bills, it might be time to schedule repair services.

HVAC Assistance in Idaho Falls

At First Call Jewel, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, efficient service for Idaho Falls residents. If you need help getting your furnace ready for the upcoming winter months, we’d love to help you out.

Reach out today for more HVAC assistance in Idaho Falls so you can enter the cold season ahead with comfort and confidence.