Cold weather has arrived, which means that your furnace will be working overtime once again. To avoid a sudden breakdown in the middle of a freezing winter day, inspect and prep your unit ahead of time. The following guide offers advice to ensure it is in working condition.

5 Steps to Get Your Furnace Ready

1. Give It a Once-Over

Perform a rapid inspection of your furnace to check for visible signs of issues, such as black soot, frayed wires, and loose components. Take this time to go over the ductwork and look for gaps where air can leak out. Safety is paramount, so don’t forget to test out the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace their batteries with fresh ones for the season.  

2. Clean the Furnace

Focus on easily accessible areas of the unit, including the coils, motor, and blower. Use a vacuum with the brush attachment, rags, or broom to remove dirt, dust, and other debris on the surface. Wash the air filters; if they’re disposable, replace them with new ones.

3. Clear Out Obstructions

Make sure your furnace has enough breathing room by clearing its surrounding area of debris and other possible obstructions. Get rid of nearby combustible items, such as cardboard, rags, trash, and solvents, since these may catch fire when it gets excessively hot. Similarly, remove anything that blocks the airways, registers, and vents.

4. Pay Attention to Airflow & Drafts

Avoid making your furnace work harder by ensuring a tightly sealed home with caulking and weatherstripping. Test the thermostat as you adjust the temperature—does it appear to be working or fall short of your expectations? Check possible areas where air can escape, like around the windows and under the doors. Dirty vents and registers likely block airflow, so clean those as well.

5. Schedule an Annual Tune-up

Leave some of the more difficult tasks to the professionals. Hire a reliable HVAC contractor to inspect and tune-up your furnace ahead of the heating season. Basic services usually include cleaning and lubricating parts, checking for leaks, inspecting for damage, and assessing the efficiency of sensors and the ignition system.

For the best results on annual maintenance, turn to Biggerstaff Plumbing Heating & Air. Based in Lincoln, NE, they’ve provided quality plumbing and HVAC services at reasonable rates throughout the area since 1957. Call (402) 466-8118 to set an appointment or check out their full list of services online.