Furnace Maintenance: Essential Tips as Temperatures Drop

As the chilly Pacific Northwest winter rolls in, many of us are starting to crank up our heat and bundle up indoors. But nothing puts a damper on a cozy indoor winter day faster than a furnace breakdown! 

Regular furnace maintenance is the secret to keeping your home warm, safe, and energy bills under control. In fact, Energy Star reports that even something as simple as well-maintained sealing can reduce energy use by up to 20%. That’s a big win for your wallet and the environment. 

So, before winter takes a firm hold, let’s look into how you can give your furnace the TLC it needs.

The Importance of Routine Furnace Maintenance for Winter

As winter rolls around, you’ll likely take your furnace off of standby mode and switch it to full-time duty. This will keep up with the constant demand for warmth in your home.

But all that extra use can significantly strain the system, especially if someone hasn’t checked it over in a while. 

Routine maintenance can help your furnace run smoothly under pressure and keep your home safer. For example, a well-maintained furnace is less likely to develop carbon monoxide leaks or catch fire from dust buildup.

Plus, staying on top of maintenance means fewer surprise repair bills down the road. A regularly cleaned and maintained system, just like your car, will run more efficiently and keep your energy costs lowe.

Benefits of Furnace Maintenance for Homeowners

Regular furnace maintenance or a furnace tune-up has plenty of benefits, some of which we’ve already touched on. 

For starters, you get better energy efficiency. With clean filters and calibrated parts, your furnace doesn’t have to work overtime to keep your home warm. This can noticeably reduce your energy bills.

Another perk is improved indoor air quality. Clean filters and ducts help reduce the dust, allergens, and pollutants that naturally circulate through your home. This can be a huge relief, especially if you or anyone in your family has allergies or respiratory issues.

Routine care also extends your furnace’s lifespan. In fact, a furnace that’s kept in good condition can easily last up to 20 years. 

And perhaps most importantly, regular maintenance means fewer unexpected breakdowns. When the temperature outside is freezing, the last thing you want is a furnace that quits. A well-kept system provides you with extra peace of mind when you need it the most.

Key Maintenance Tasks for a Reliable Furnace

HVAC maintenance for winter ensures your entire heating system is prepared to handle the season's demands. It will then keep your home comfortable and efficient.

To keep your furnace in shape, you’ll need to take care of a few essential maintenance tasks.

First up are filter checks and replacements. Clean filters keep your furnace running efficiently. They also help maintain good indoor air quality by catching dust and particles before they circulate

Next, take a quick look at your thermostat to make sure it’s calibrated. A thermostat that’s in sync with your system helps keep temperatures consistent without overworking the furnace.

From there, you’ll want to make sure your furnace’s internal components are clean. Dust and debris can accumulate inside, which can put a strain on your system. This is definitely a job for the pros, as you don’t want to damage any fragile parts. 

When working with a trained technician, they’ll likely check your system’s electrical connections and controls to make sure they’re safe, secure connections and properly functioning.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Maintenance

In some cases, your furnace might tell you that it’s overdue for a checkup. 

One common sign is unusual noises. If you hear rattling, banging, or squealing, it could mean something’s off. These sounds often point to loose parts, airflow issues, or even motor trouble. These can signal that it’s time to call in a professional.

If you’re getting uneven heating around your home, this is another sign something is wrong. For example, certain rooms feel chilly while others are warm, meaning your furnace isn’t distributing heat efficiently. This could indicate issues with ducts, filters, or the furnace itself.

It’s always important to keep an eye on your energy bills. If they’re suddenly higher for no clear reason, it’s possible your furnace is working harder than it needs to. By tackling these issues early, you can save yourself from higher costs and headaches later.

When to Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Okay, so by now you know that it’s important to schedule maintenance and that you should probably get ahold of a professional to do so. But when to do so is the question.

We always say that the best time to schedule furnace maintenance is in the fall, right before winter sets in. That way, you’re ready to roll when temperatures drop. But if fall slipped by without a tune-up, don’t worry, it’s never too late to get your furnace checked!

Even if you don’t have the opportunity to call in for a furnace inspection right now, there are a few small maintenance tasks you should be able to handle yourself, such as checking and replacing filters or dusting around vents. 

However, when it comes to a full inspection, it’s best to call in a licensed technician to catch issues and make adjustments. The untrained eye would likely miss many items for truly efficient home heating. Our HVAC professionals will check everything from electrical connections to system controls. We will make sure your furnace is ready to tackle winter reliably.

Stay Warm This Winter with Proper Furnace Care

Take a little time before we get deep into winter to give your furnace the maintenance it deserves. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but you’ll also get to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for whatever the season brings.

Plus, with regular heating system maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your system. As well, you will avoid the hassle of surprise breakdowns in the coldest months.

Why wait? Avoid furnace breakdowns by reaching out to Miller’s Heating & Air to schedule a professional fall or winter furnace maintenance service. Our experts are here to help make sure your furnace is in peak condition so you can stay warm and cozy all season long.