Now that the colder weather is approaching, you’re likely starting to think about turning on the heat. That requires your furnace. Keeping your furnace in good condition is important. You don’t want it to fail, especially during a cold winter night.

Here are some things you can do to make sure your furnace is ready for winter.

Purpose and Importance of Furnaces in your Home

Of course, the most obvious purpose of a furnace is that it keeps your home warm in the winter by heating the inside air. However, this isn’t all that furnaces do. They may also help keep your home cool during the summer by circulating the conditioned air from your cooling system.

However, furnaces go through a lot of wear and tear. As they help move hot and cold air throughout the system, their filters can get clogged, motors can get worn down, and much more. Keeping your furnace in good condition is important, especially during the winter. No one wants to be literally left in the cold by a failing furnace.

Now that the winter months are nearby, you’ll want to make sure your furnace is ready.

One of the first things you should do is replace your air filters. These should be changed several times a year, depending on your home and the climate. It’s also a good idea to clean all air vents to ensure that nothing is blocking them or restricting airflow.

It’s also a good idea to test your furnace before it gets too cold and check for any issues or abnormal signs. This way, you can resolve them before the temperature drops.

Installation Process

Furnace installation is typically a complicated process. Unlike some appliances (refrigerators, stoves, etc.), you don’t just plug them in and you’re ready to go. Each HVAC system is unique, and each has specific design requirements for the home that it’s in. 

It takes specialized training and tools to properly install a furnace. It’s also crucial to remember that before, during, and after furnace installation, there are several safety checks that need to be completed.

Why Furnace Maintenance is Necessary

Installing a new furnace can be a strain on any household’s budget. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to maintain your current one as well as possible.

Annual professional servicing of your furnace will keep it working efficiently. This means lower operating costs for you and a furnace that properly heats your home when needed. If your furnace or heating system is clogged, it will need to use more energy to heat your home and it will do so less effectively.

You’ll also need to do routine maintenance to discover leaks or other issues that can be dangerous. For instance, routine furnace inspection and maintenance can detect possible carbon monoxide leaks.

Regular maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of your furnace. It will cost you more in the long run to neglect your furnace than it will to keep it properly maintained.

Finally, maintaining your furnace will make sure you have uninterrupted heating in your home. As the cold winter months approach, it’s crucial to make sure that your furnace is working properly.

How Do You Know When it’s Time for a Repair?

While proper maintenance can often help you avoid a serious furnace repair, sometimes there is nothing you can do and you need to get your furnace fixed. How will you know?

Some signs include higher than usual heating bills, unusual sounds or smells coming from your system, uneven heating or situations where it takes much longer to heat your home to an optimal temperature than before, very dry or dusty air, and many other issues. If your system isn’t functioning the way you’re used to, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.

The professionals at Willowbrook Plumbing & Heating can help keep your furnace running smoothly or do the repairs you need to keep it operating efficiently this winter. For more information or to book a service appointment, please call us at 604-514-9967 or contact us online.