Cold weather is right around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s time for your furnace to kick it into overdrive. If you haven’t checked your system since spring, it’s time to get your furnace ready for upcoming weather changes. An inefficient furnace can leave you with cold spots and a high energy bill, so be sure to prepare your furnace for fall and winter with these easy tips.
Upcoming Weather Predictions
The Farmer’s Almanac is a useful tool for predicting future weather patterns. The variations depend on your region, but temperatures across the U.S. are expected to be warmer than normal in late fall and early winter.
While this can save you on your energy bills, this deceptively warm weather can leave you unprepared for late winter. March is expected to be unusually cold, so the earlier you get your furnace into shape, the better. Here’s how you can keep your system running at optimal efficiency.
5 Simple Steps To Prepare Your Furnace For Fall
1. Replace your filter.
Over the span of a year, your furnace filter can become clogged with dust, hair, and other debris. If the filter is blocked, your furnace will have to work harder and your house won’t be as warm. Depending on your filter type, you should change or clean it every four to six weeks.
2. Clear your vents.
If your floor or wall vents are blocked by furniture or heavy drapes, this can restrict the airflow to the room. Rearrange your furniture to ensure that the vents aren’t blocked and check them for hair, pet fur, and other obstructions.
3. Install storm windows.
Your windows might already have built in storm windows. If they don’t, you might consider replacing your screens with storm windows to keep in the heat during the cold winter weather.
4. Check your thermostat.
Older thermostats don’t always accurately read the temperature or keep your furnace running efficiently. Test it to ensure that it’s working correctly, and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to up your efficiency.
5. Schedule a tune-up.
HVAC systems require more maintenance than you might think. Scheduling a furnace tune-up in early fall is the best way to avoid a costly mid-winter breakdown. The technician can take preventive measures to guarantee that your furnace is in good health as the temperature drops.
Winter is one of the most expensive times of year for homeowners, but you can prepare for this upcoming winter with these five tips. February and March are going to be particularly cold, so get your furnace ready soon to stay ahead of the season.
