6 Steps to Winterize Your Heating System

As the weather outside gets colder, it's important to take steps to make sure your home's heating system is up for the task of keeping you and your family warm all winter long.

By taking some simple steps to winterize your heating system now, you can help prevent costly repairs or replacements down the road, and ensure that your system runs efficiently and doesn't break down when you need it most.

Follow these simple steps to winterize your heating system and keep your home warm all season long.

#1 - Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to keep your furnace running properly is to change the filter regularly. A dirty filter not only makes your furnace work harder, it can also lead to unhealthy air quality in your home. Most experts recommend changing your furnace filter at least once every three months, but you may need to do it more often if you have pets or live in an area with a lot of dust.

Old and dirty filters can also restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder than it needs to, so replacing your filters on a regular basis will help keep your system running smoothly.

#2 - Schedule Annual Maintenance

Another key step in winterizing your furnace is to schedule annual maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician. During a furnace tune-up, the technician will inspect and clean all of the key components of your system to ensure they're in good working order. They will be able to assess any damage or broken parts of your furnace and make any necessary repairs.

This preventive measure can help extend the life of your furnace and prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need heat the most.

#3 - Keep Your Vents and Furnace Area Clear

Your furnace needs good airflow to operate efficiently, so be sure to keep any vents or registers in your home clear of debris like furniture, toys, or rugs. If you have any exterior vents, take a few minutes before winter hits to clear away any snow or leaves that could block them and prohibit air from flowing freely.

It's also important to keep the area around your furnace clear. This includes removing any flammable materials and ensuring there is adequate ventilation.

#4 - Check for Carbon Monoxide

Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it's important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check it regularly to ensure it's working properly. If you start to experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath, it could be a sign that there are unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Leave the house immediately and call 9-1-1 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

#5 - Keep The House Warm

By keeping your house at a consistent temperature, you can reduce wear and tear on your heating system and lower your energy bills. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature like 68-72 degrees during the day and 61-65 degrees at night when everyone is asleep.

#6 - Set Up A Maintenance Plan 

Finally, you should set up a maintenance plan for your heating system. This way, you can make sure that everything stays in good working order and catches any potential problems early on.

For most homeowners, the benefits of a service plan are worth every penny.  For around $299 annual fee on average, you get all sorts of perks, including increased safety in the home, better indoor air quality—even lower monthly energy bills.   Craig Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers a Service Club annual inspection, which is the key to keeping your plumbing and HVAC systems in great working order.

Conclusion:

By taking some simple steps now to winterize your furnace, you can help prevent problems down the road and keep your family warm all season long. Be sure to change your furnace filter regularly, schedule annual maintenance appointments, keep vents clear, and install a carbon monoxide detector for peace of mind.

For more tips on how to care for your furnace this winter, or to have us perform an inspection and cleaning, contact us today!