360-499-6604 As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, it’s time to think about how to prepare your furnace for winter. If you’re a homeowner in Olympia, WA, this guide will help you get your heating system ready for the cold weather. Let’s dive into some winter furnace tips that will keep you warm and cozy all season long.
How To Prepare Your Furnace for the Winter Season
As the winter months get closer, your home starts to feel colder. Before you crank up the heat, you may need to perform some simple furnace maintenance. While you can do some tasks yourself, it’s wise to call an HVAC professional for a thorough furnace inspection and tune-up.
Below, we go into some of the simple tasks you can tackle on your own before setting up an appointment with a professional.
Make Sure the Filter Is Clean
One of the easiest ways to prepare your furnace for winter is to change or clean the air filter. A clean filter helps your furnace work more efficiently, saving you money and extending the life of your HVAC system. It also impacts your indoor air quality. Mark your calendar to check your filter every 1-3 months during the heating season.
Turn Your Furnace On to Make Sure It’s Working Properly
Don’t wait for the first cold snap to test your furnace. Turn it on now to make sure it’s working correctly. Listen for any unusual noises and check that warm air is coming from all your vents. This simple step can help you avoid a chilly surprise when you really need the heat.
Invest In a Smart Thermostat
Upgrading to a smart thermostat is a great way to prepare for the winter season. These devices learn your habits and adjust temperatures automatically, helping you save energy and money. Plus, you can control them from your smartphone, making it easy to warm up your house before you get home.
Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety should always come first. As part of your winter furnace preparation, test all your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed, and consider upgrading to newer models if yours are more than 10 years old.
Check for Issues If Your Furnace Isn’t Working
If your furnace isn’t performing as it should or turning on, there are a few things you can check:
- Pilot Light: For gas furnaces, make sure the pilot light is lit and burning blue.
- Circuit Breaker: Check if the furnace’s circuit breaker has tripped.
- Emergency Switch: Check to make sure the emergency switch is in the “ON” position.
- Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat settings are correct and the batteries are good.
- Vents and Ductwork: Look for blocked air vents or damaged ductwork that could prevent heat from reaching rooms in your house.
- Gas Line: For gas furnaces, check that the gas valve is open and the line is not blocked or damaged. If you see a problem or notice the smell of gas, you’re dealing with a potential fire hazard. Contact a professional HVAC technician immediately if your gas line has been compromised.
Call a Professional for an Inspection and Maintenance
While DIY checks are helpful, nothing beats a professional inspection. An HVAC technician from G&G Heating and Air Conditioning will find minor issues quickly. This allows you to have them fixed before they become major problems.
Our technicians also thoroughly clean and tune up your system, ensuring it runs efficiently all winter long. This includes:
- Checking the gas line and valve
- Inspecting the pilot light system
- Inspecting the blower motor
- Changing the air filter
- Checking the heat exchanger
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking and cleaning burners
- Inspecting various components for wear
- And more
Trust G&G Heating and Air Conditioning for High-Quality Furnace Services
When you’re preparing for winter, we’re your trusted heating and cooling partner in Olympia, WA. Here’s why customers trust G&G Heating and Air Conditioning:
- Certified, Factory-Trained Technicians: Our team knows furnaces inside and out.
- Award-Winning Service: We’re recognized for our commitment to excellence.
- 35+ Years in Service: With over three decades of experience, we’ve seen and solved it all.
- Family-Owned and Operated: We treat your home like it’s our own.
- Committed to Customer Satisfaction: Your comfort is our top priority.
- Comprehensive Services: From HVAC to air quality and electrical, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Follow the above tips to prepare your furnace and enjoy a warm, worry-free winter season. And if you need a quick tune-up or a full system inspection, G&G Heating and Air Conditioning is always here to help!
Ready to get your furnace winter-ready? Contact G&G Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your furnace inspection and maintenance service. Let’s make sure your home stays comfortable and safe all winter long!
