New Year Heating Checklist: Keep Your Furnace Running Smoothly in Springfield, VA’s Winter Months
Your furnace works hard during the cold winter months to keep your house and family warm. With temperatures in Springfield, VA, as low as -22° F, you need to make sure you can rely on your furnace to work well during those freezing days. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prepare your furnace for the winter and help keep it running smoothly.
Keep reading to learn more about the vital steps you can take to have an efficient furnace all winter. We'll cover how you should do the following as furnace winter preparation:
Without your furnace working correctly, the winter months can be unbearable. Taking proactive steps to help prepare your furnace for winter is something every homeowner in Springfield should prioritize.
Schedule Your Furnace Repair with AJ’s Today!
Don't spend another minute cold this winter. Contact AJ's Heating & Air Conditioning today if you need a furnace repair. Founded in 2016, we're locally owned and operated and provide 24/7 emergency services. We're here when you need us.
Replace or Clean Air Filters
Your furnace's air filter needs to be regularly cleaned and replaced. A dirty filter lowers your furnace's efficiency, making it work harder and increasing the risk of breakdowns.
You can replace or clean your air filter yourself; simply follow these steps:
- First, turn your furnace off.
- Next, find the filter housing. On most models, it's usually located between the air intake and the furnace.
- Open the door and take out the filter. If replacing the filter, ensure you have the right size and type. Your old filter should have the specifications printed on the side so you can compare.
- Now, you can clean the old filter and place it back or insert the new filter.
- Close the door and latch it.
- Turn your filter back on.
Regularly Seal Air Leaks and Insulate Your Home
You can help your furnace by ensuring your home is properly sealed and insulated so warm air doesn't escape in the winter. Inspect your windows, baseboards, and doors for air leaks.
If your furnace has to work in overdrive to keep your home warm adequately, it's more likely to need repairs and an early replacement. Signs of an overworked furnace are:
- Increasing energy bills
- Frequent repairs
- Rooms that heat unevenly
- The constant need to adjust the thermostat
- Strange noises
- Yellow pilot light
Test Your Thermostat for Accuracy
You'll want to ensure your furnace's thermostat works correctly so you can set your home to the desired temperature. Test your thermostat for accuracy by taping a secondary thermostat right next to your furnace. After 30 minutes, compare the readings on both. While a slight difference is acceptable, you should contact an HVAC professional if the furnace temperature is significantly different.
Keep an eye on your furnace's thermostat for other issues as well. You'll want to:
- Ensure the thermostat is set to the right temperature to keep your home warm and comfortable.
- Check your thermostat's batteries and replace them before cold weather arrives.
Keep Vents and Ducts Clear of Obstructions
Before winter arrives, it's important to check the exterior area around your furnace and the exhaust pipes. You'll need to clear out any leaves, ice, debris, and other foreign objects. You want to keep your furnace clear of obstructions so it can work efficiently and properly. Debris can clog up, damage, and even break your furnace.
Before winter arrives, checking the exterior area around your furnace and the exhaust pipes is essential. Clear out any leaves, ice, debris, and other foreign objects. You want to keep your furnace clear of obstructions so it can work efficiently. Debris can clog up, damage, and even break your furnace.
Here are the steps to follow when clearing around your furnace and vents:
- Turn your furnace off.
- Clear away items directly around the furnace.
- Find the intake and exhaust pipes on the exterior of your home.
- Visually look inside and around the pipes for debris.
- Carefully remove what you can with your hands or a brush, and remove everything else with a vacuum with a hose attachment.
- If you see snow or ice buildup, carefully remove it.
- Once everything is clear, turn your furnace back on and listen. Any irregular sounds coming from the pipes or furnace could indicate that there's still a blockage, and you'll want to call your local HVAC professional for help.
Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
The best step you can take to prepare your furnace for the winter is to have a professional tune-up. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect your furnace and address any problems now so you're not left with a broken furnace on a cold winter night later on.
Contact AJ's Heating & Air Conditioning for furnace tune-ups today. Our NATE-certified technicians will work quickly and professionally so you can feel confident about any cold weather coming soon.
Book Your Furnace Repair, Replacement, and Tune-Ups
AJ's Heating & Air Conditioning is your solution for all your furnace repair needs. We help our clients enjoy life at the right temperature. Call us today for a free estimate on furnace installation, tune-ups, and repairs.