To ensure your family stays warm all winter long, check your heating system before the temperature drops. Inspecting it in the fall will provide plenty of time to address any minor issues that might otherwise pose a major problem once the system is up and running. If you’re unsure where to begin, the following tasks will help you get started. 

How to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter 

1. Clean & Lubricate It 

The furnace will have inevitably accumulated dust, dirt, and other debris over the course of the year, so start by vacuuming all accessible surfaces. Then, wipe down the fan blades, as well as any residue left from the pilot light port and burner. Finally, check the blower shafts and fan motor to see if they need oil. Failing to lubricate essential components at the start of the season could result in a total system failure in the dead of winter. 

2. Change the Filters 

When the filters get clogged with dust, dander, and pet hair, the system has to work harder to circulate warm air throughout the home. To ensure your heating system runs as efficiently as possible, change out the filters at the start of the season. Then, check them again four weeks later. If they're not dirty yet, check them every two weeks until they need another replacement. 

3. Schedule an Inspection 

Even if you complete all of the above tasks, it’s still wise to have your heating system serviced at the start of winter. A qualified HVAC technician will run a thermostat test, clear out the drain lines and valves, and identify the cause of any cold spots. If any existing or potential issues become apparent, they will also propose practical solutions for addressing them before winter strikes. 

When you’re ready to call in a professional to inspect your heating system, turn to Glorieta Creek Mechanical. Based in Santa Fe, NM, this go-to shop can address all your HVAC needs. Since 2006, they've been servicing residential and commercial appliances, including water heaters, air conditioners, and furnaces. To learn more about their EPA-certified team, visit their website. To schedule service, call (505) 757-8872.