Your Ultimate Furnace Maintenance Checklist For The Winter

Winter is coming. Before you turn on your furnace for the first time since last winter, though, there are a few tips you should know. Here is your ultimate furnace maintenance checklist every homeowner should have for winter.

1. Change Your Filters

When your air filter gets dirty, it restricts airflow and causes your heating equipment to work much harder to maintain a comfortable temperature and heat your home. That’s why it’s recommended to change your filter every 1-3 months. Your filter is designed to remove pollutants from your air, like dust, dirt and dander. In order to improve your indoor air quality, lower energy costs, and not put added strain on your furnace this winter, make sure to change them.

2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans aren’t just useful in the summer. In fact, they’re just as useful in the winter – but only if used correctly. When you set your fans to spin clockwise, you’re creating a gentle updraft that recirculates the heat down and keeps the room warmer. This allows you the chance to even save on energy costs because you wont have to use your furnace as much.

3. Clean The Heat Exchanger

Make sure you check your heat exchanger for any signs of damage, or have a professional come perform an inspection for you. Cracks or leaks in your heat exchanger are actually the number one cause of carbon monoxide leaks. The last thing you want is for you and your family be exposed to this odorless, dangerous gas. Checking your heat exchanger will ensure you that all carbon monoxide is leaving your home. Another thing to do is also make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Those can also be a lifesaver – literally!

4. Check Your Thermostat

One of the first things you should do this winter is make sure your thermostat shows that your home is heating up when you turn on your furnace. If you don’t see this, then there could be something wrong with your thermostat that needs to be addressed by a professional right away. Once you’ve confirmed that your thermostat is working, set it to an optimal temperature that’ll keep you and your family comfortable all season. According to the Department of Energy, you can easily save energy in the winter by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 

5. Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Not sure if your furnace is up the task with this cooler weather? We recommend scheduling furnace maintenance every year in the early fall to ensure it’s working efficiently. The last thing you need or want is for your furnace to break down in the middle of winter. Schedule furnace maintenance today.

Contact Freedom Air and Plumbing For All Your Furnace Maintenance Needs in Cocoa, FL and Surrounding Areas!