Cozy Up with a Furnace That's Ready to Heat
Winter will be here before we know it, which means it’s time to get our heaters ready for the chilly season. A well-maintained furnace will keep you nice and toasty all winter long. Take it from me – nothing’s worse than waking up freezing because your heater decided to break down on the coldest night of the year. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen by following these tips to get your furnace prepped for winter. Call 540-349-2408
Give Your Furnace Filter Some Love
Your furnace filter is like the bouncer at an exclusive club – it keeps unwanted debris out of the system. Over time, dust, dirt, pet hair and more can build up on the filter, which blocks airflow. Think of it like a crowded dance floor – people can’t move and the party shuts down. Same thing goes for your furnace if the filter gets clogged up.
During the winter, you’ll likely be running your furnace nonstop, so you’ll want to be extra diligent about changing or cleaning the filter. I recommend checking it at least once a month. If it’s looking dirty, swap in a new one. And if you have a reusable filter, wash it with warm water and let it completely dry before putting it back. A clean filter means better airflow and lower energy bills – score! Contact J&D Mechancial Services.
Inspect Those Pipes
Take a peek at the ductwork that runs from your furnace throughout your home. Look for cracks, holes, and parts that have come loose or disconnected. My brother-in-law had a spot where the ductwork had separated, and it was pumping out heat right into their storage closet! What a waste.
Seal up any leaks or issues with metal tape. This helps ensure all that hot air makes its way into the living spaces, not into the basement or cloakrooms. You’ll be amazed at how much more evenly your home will heat up with well-sealed ductwork.
Blow Away Furnace Dust Bunnies
Allow me to let you in on a little secret – your furnace is likely a dusty mess. All that airflow allows dust and pet dander to accumulate easily. Make sure to turn off the power to the furnace before wiping away all that dirt and debris. I like to use a soft brush attachment on my vacuum to clean around the blower and motor.
You’d be surprised how much gunk can build up. Get rid of it so your furnace can breathe easy. A clean furnace circulates heat more efficiently throughout your home.
Clear the Pathway
It does no good for your furnace to pump out hot air if something is blocking the vents. Use your vacuum’s soft brush to remove any dust or pet hair lurking around your vents and registers. While you’re at it, move furniture or rugs away that could obstruct airflow.
My workers love to pile stuff on and around the vent in their offices. I have to remind them to keep it clear so the heat can get through. The vent in your main office might be blocked by your brand new file cabinet – be sure to pull it forward a few inches so heat can circulate freely.
Thermostat Tips
No furnace prep is complete without looking at the thermostat. Something as simple as weak batteries can make your thermostat malfunction. Replace old batteries so you don’t end up with incorrect temperature readings.
Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the contacts on the battery terminals and the back of the thermostat. This helps ensure a proper connection.
Program your thermostat to the right settings for both daytime and nighttime temperatures. And make sure the time and day are correct on the display. You want your thermostat giving your furnace accurate information so it runs optimally.
Bring In the Pros
While DIY maintenance is great, it’s also smart to have a professional inspect your furnace before winter hits. The technicians at J&D Mechanical Services specialize in pre-season tune-ups. They’ll conduct a thorough assessment and identify any potential problems.
The owner, Jeff, told me about a client whose furnace heat exchanger had a tiny crack. They were able to replace it before the heating season began, saving the customer money and headaches.
Preventative maintenance helps avoid untimely breakdowns on the coldest days. Give J&D Mechanical Services a call at 540-349-2408 to schedule your furnace tune-up today. Our skilled team will have your heater prepped and ready to keep your office cozy all winter long.
Getting your furnace ready for winter now saves you trouble down the road. Follow these maintenance tips and work with professionals like J&D Mechanical Services to keep your system running efficiently all season long. Stay warm and toasty with a well-prepared furnace!
