Turning on your furnace on the first cold day of winter and realizing that it isn’t working isn’t fun. You’ll have to scramble and look for heating contractors who are available while experiencing the cold. Thankfully, you can avoid this situation by completing a few furnace maintenance tasks during the fall, so it’s ready to go for winter.

4 Ways to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

1. Check the Filter

Take a look at your furnace’s filter, and if it’s dirty or clogged with dust, have it replaced. For the most efficient heating and cooling, change it once per month or at least once per season. A clogged filter will make your furnace run inefficiently, costing you money and preventing your home from being well-heated.

2. Change the Thermostat

Test the thermostat by changing it from cooling to heating during the fall. Make sure that the furnace’s switches are on and it runs at the temperature you want. About a minute after you turn it on, you should feel the room start to heat up. If this doesn’t happen, you’ll need have a heating contractors to evaluate it.

3. Clear the Areas Around the Furnace and Vents

Leaving objects and other clutter around your furnace can cause a fire and may obstruct airflow into the system. Check the area around your heating system, so it’s clear. You should also ensure that your vents are uncovered and free of dust and debris. If any of them are blocked, they will keep heat from entering your home and can even lead to an overheated system.

4. Schedule Professional Maintenance and Cleaning

Every fall, you should schedule an appointment with a professional heating contractor to have your furnace inspected and cleaned. They can check the furnace chimney, clean the burners, oil the blower, check the blower belt, and more. The earlier in the season you schedule this appointment, the more time you’ll have for any major repairs or parts that need to be ordered.

Have all of your fall furnace maintenance done by the professional heating contractors at Jaenke Heating & Air Conditioning in Monroe County, IL. These heating technicians have more than 50 years of experience serving residential clients in Waterloo and the surrounding areas. This family-owned business is dedicated to forming lasting relationships with customers by providing outstanding service, repairs, maintenance, and installations of heating systems. Make your appointment today by calling (618) 939-8029, or learn more online.