With the arrival of winter, you'll want to ensure your furnace is prepared to meet the demands of more frequent use. There are some steps every homeowner should take to get their heating system ready for winter. This will help to guarantee a steady supply of warm air and minimize the need for furnace repairs once the cold and snow set in. A few of these important tasks are discussed in more detail below. 

How to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

1. Change the Air Filter

The filter catches the dirt, dust, pet dander, and other particles that circulate throughout the air, preventing them from clogging up the system and pumping dirty air throughout the home. This increases the furnace's energy efficiency and makes the air more comfortable to breathe. Change the air filter before winter and replace it with a new one. If you have a permanent and removable filter, vacuum it off, wash it with soap and water, and allow it to dry completely before putting it back in the furnace.

2. Clean the Ducts

Over time, dust accumulates in a furnace's ductwork and registers. If there is also moisture in these areas, mold growth could be present as well. Both of these conditions make for poor indoor air quality and are potential health and safety hazards. Also, clean and clear ductwork helps air flow more smoothly, meaning less wear and tear on your furnace. Have the air ducts cleaned by a furnace repair professional before the arrival of winter. You should also remove and vacuum off the registers regularly. 

3. Cover the Air Conditioner Condenser

The condenser is the portion of the air conditioner that sits outside. On HVAC systems with a heat pump, the fan of the condenser needs to run all year. But on all other units, the condenser should be covered to protect it from wintertime damage, such as heavy snow, freezing rain, and falling icicles. A large board or trashcan lid is usually sufficient for safeguarding the condenser from the brunt of winter.

A furnace repair professional will perform all of these tasks as part of a pre-winter maintenance service. For 20 years, the team at Doug Mapstone, Inc. has been serving the Manlius, Fayetteville, DeWitt, and Cazenovia, NY, region. Their HVAC contractors offer AC and furnace repairs, inspections, and installations, as well as electrical services. Request a quote or schedule an inspection by calling (315) 682-7181. You can view their services by visiting their website.