5 Furnace Maintenance Tips for the Winter

Winter is right around the corner, and that means there isn’t much time left to ensure your furnace is ready to keep you warm and cozy when the snows start to fall. Because time is short, furnace companies in Calgary recommend doing the following tasks as soon as possible to avoid frosty toes and a chilly nose later. 

1. Change your air filters. This is a quick and simple task that you should do every 30-90 days, depending on the thickness of your air filter and the air quality in your home. 

2. Schedule professional maintenance. A certified HVAC specialist can inspect your furnace and tune up your system so that it delivers optimal performance throughout the winter. Regular maintenance will not only prolong the lifespan of your system to between 15 and 20 years, it will also reduce repairs, help you enjoy lower utility bills throughout the winter, and ensure that you remain compliant with any warranty coverage requirements. 

3. Test your thermostat. Make sure your thermostat is in good condition and functioning correctly. Check your settings, wires, breakers, and other components and confirm that everything is properly connected and that the furnace responds to the commands you enter.  

4. Clean your air vents. It is always a good idea to vacuum your air vents every month. This helps keep them clean and reduces the amount of dust, debris, pollen, and other pollutants circulating throughout your home. Further, stay on top of cleaning your ducts. These should be professionally cleaned every 2-3 years.  

5. Keep your vents open. Remove any furniture, boxes, etc. that are covering your air vents. Keeping your vents open helps facilitate air circulation throughout the home, resulting in a more uniform, even temperature. However, it is ok to keep air vents closed in spare rooms that you have closed off for the winter.  

Finally, furnace companies in Calgary like Wiehler Plumbing and Heating recommend that you seal air leaks in your home. Check your insulation and make sure that it isn’t compacted and that you don’t have bare spots in ceilings, walls, and crawl spaces. It would help if you also sealed any leaks around windows, doors, and masonry. These steps will help ease the strain on your furnace and keep your utility bills from rising through the roof.  

Make sure to call Wiehler Plumbing and Heating to schedule a furnace checkup or repair so that you are ready for the upcoming winter in Calgary!