During the winter months, maintenance of your furnace is important to ensure your heating is working during the coldest days of winter. There are also some times when you may want to do additional maintenance, such as in late fall or when extremely cold weather is on its way. Here are some tips to help you with routine furnace maintenance before cold weather strikes:

1. Make Sure The Thermostat Is At An Optimal Setting Before Cold Arrives

When cold weather arrives, one of the things that you absolutely want to do it make sure that the system is set to heat your home. In addition, it is also a good idea to set it to an optimal temperature. This should be not too hot that your furnace never turns off nor so cold that your home is uncomfortable. A happy medium somewhere in between warm and cold will be the best setting.

2. Change The Filter And Clean Out The Inside Of The Furnace For Better Air Flow

The filters of your furnace also need to be changed regular. In addition to regular changes, do this before cold weather arrives. You may also want to clean out the inside of the furnace. This should be done in the blower and element housings where dust can collect. You can remove the access panel and clean out any dust inside the furnace. Doing this will give your furnace better air flow. You can use dry cleaning rags to do this or a vacuum with attachments if you have one.

3. Check For Vents That Are Closed And Inspect Your System For Damage And Repair Needs

Having good air flow is important, and if you have done maintenance to ensure better air flow, you do not want to have vents in your home closed. Check all the vents to make sure they are open and in the right direction. In addition, inspect your system for small repair needs and damage that you may want to have an HVAC technician address before the cold weather arrives. They can replace electrical connections, repair ducts and replace mechanical parts that are on the verge of failure.

These are some winter maintenance tips that can help you avoid problems with your furnace when cold weather is coming in. If you need help with furnace repairs, maintenance, or upgrades, contact an HVAC contractor to ensure you are ready for the coldest days of winter.