Southern winters make people in other parts of the country jealous, but it still gets cold. Before winter officially arrives, it’s important to do some seasonal maintenance on your furnace installation. One reason is to boost your system’s energy efficiency and air quality. Additionally, if you wait until the last minute to switch from AC to heat and discover a problem, it may be the busy season for HVAC contractors, making repairs more difficult to arrange. Here’s how you can get your furnace ready.

How to Prepare Your Furnace for the Winter Months

1. Replace the Air Filters

An important part of maintaining any AC or furnace installation is ensuring the air filter is regularly changed out. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and allergens.

Not only does this cause the system to operate less efficiently and raise your energy costs, but it also lowers your home’s indoor air quality, which may lead to health problems, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, and respiratory issues.

2. Test the Carbon Monoxide Detector

Before turning the furnace installation on for the first time, make sure the carbon monoxide detector is functioning. This naturally occurring gas is created as part of the combustion process gas heating systems use to generate heat, and it can be fatal when too much is inhaled. Because it’s also odorless and tasteless, the detector is vital to staying safe.

3. Ignite the Pilot Light

Since the furnace hasn’t been used in several months, your pilot light may be out. Without it, the furnace is unable to function the way it’s intended, so if yours has gone out over the summer, it must be reignited.

Check your owner’s manual to learn where your pilot light knob is. On most furnaces, the process involves turning it to the off position, then waiting five minutes. Next, hold down the reset button and bring a lighter or match flame close to the opening.

 

Once you’ve completed this short checklist, the next step is a professional tuneup. The best way to ensure your furnace installation is prepared for the cold winter months is to have it professionally serviced by the team at Woodall Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Enterprise, AL. For the past 30 years, this family-owned business has helped local residents keep their heating and air conditioning systems operating at peak efficiency, and they’ll perform all the necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure yours will keep you cozy all season long. Schedule an appointment in the Wiregrass area by calling (334) 347-1243 or learn more about their services online.