Wisconsin winter can be brutally cold, so to stay warm, it’s important to keep your furnace in good condition. Like other equipment, it can break down without warning if you fail to prepare it for prolonged use. Below are a few measures you can take to protect your HVAC system. 

4 Furnace Maintenance Tips for Winter

1. Inspect & Clean

Remove flammable or combustible materials stored nearby to avoid fires or explosions, particularly when it gets hot. Give your heating unit a once-over and take note of anything unusual that you see, such as frayed wires, darkened spots, or damaged parts.

If you’re unfamiliar with the system’s inner workings, refrain from tinkering with it, and call a professional instead. Clean the surface by vacuuming and sweeping the areas around it, but be careful not to dislodge any moving components accidentally.

2. Check the Filters

While you should leave the cleaning to the professionals, you can still inspect the air filters. They get dirty or clogged with dust and other debris, so change them every three months. But if you have reusable ones, wash them instead. Keep in mind that dirty filters obstruct your airflow, causing your furnace to work harder to warm up your home.

3. Do a Test Run

Switch your thermostat to heating mode and set it to a higher temperature—this will jumpstart your furnace. If it’s running, leave it on for a couple of minutes until you notice a change in the indoor climate; otherwise, there may be a problem with your heater. It’s also likely that your thermostat is on its last legs.

4. Get an Inspection

Have a licensed technician come and examine all the components for signs of damage; they will replace worn-out parts to ensure that your furnace is at peak efficiency. As part of the tuneup, they will also clean those hard-to-reach areas, such as the blower motor, heat exchanger, and flue.

When you need help maintaining your HVAC system and keeping your home warm, contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. Serving homes in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wausau, WI, they offer quality heating repairs and maintenance, as well as 24-hour service. Call (715) 421-1800 today to speak to a team member, or view their full list of services online.