Quick Tips to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

Furnaces require maintenance to prepare them for cold, fall weather after cooling your home or office in the summer. Well-maintained systems use up less energy and last longer—here are some general, quick tips to prepare you for the cooler months to come.

Change your air filters to get rid of dirt, dust, and any other debris that may have accumulated. This will ensure proper airflow. You also need to vacuum your floor vents to remove any trapped debris.

Seal and insulate ductwork on your furnace to improve performance and prevent air contaminants from circulating indoors. Use metal tape or mastic sealant to repair any tears or cracks on the ductwork before insulating.

You also need to clean the combustion chamber. Soot can build up in the chamber, affecting your furnace’s performance. Check for corrosion and holes when cleaning to determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired.

Replace the system’s oil filter. Impurities can clog the filter, shutting down your system when you require it the most.

Photo by: Ryan Hyde | Flickr

Quick Tips to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter