Heating Maintenance Tips - Getting Your Furnace Ready for Winter Season

To avoid this, replace 1-inch air filters every 1-3 months and 4-inch filters every 6-12 months (or to manufacturing recommendations). You should replace air filters more often if you have pets or struggle with allergies. While replacing the filter, pay attention to the direction you are putting it in your system. The arrows on the filter should point in the direction of airflow (toward the furnace blower wheel).  

After checking all air filters, follow this up by cleaning the outside of the furnace, and vacuuming/removing any dust or debris that may have accumulated. Once you open the front panels of your furnace, you should perform a thorough inspection of the internal components. Check the wires, blower motor and fan blades for any signs of wear and tear. Also, check for any signs of rust or damage to all internal components. If everything seems in order, begin vacuuming out the system removing any dust. Follow this up with a wet towel or paper towel to remove any excess debris. You can also vacuum out the furnace's blower wheel and remove dirt and debris that would have otherwise gone through the duct system to your home. Finish up cleaning by vacuuming the vents and registers around your home to ensure proper airflow to your unit. 

A crucial component of your furnace system is the flame sensor. This is a sensor that can recognize when there are open flames in the combustion chamber of your furnace. If no flames are detected, the furnace will turn off. This sensor is crucial for the safety of your furnace as it prevents gas from escaping the system if the igniter malfunctions. Unfortunately, this sensor can become covered in carbon sediment, oxidation, and dust from the vents of the furnace. A dirty flame sensor can malfunction and give a false negative reading even if the ignition sequence was successful and the gas ignites properly. Your system will fail to turn on properly and no heat will transfer through your furnace. To mitigate this, you can take out the flame sensor and clean it with an abrasive material like Scotch Bright Pad or metal brush; To clean, press firmly down and polish the sensor while twisting tightly until all sediment is gone. After putting the flame sensor back into the furnace, make sure the system is functioning properly.  

It might seem convenient and effective to close air vents to certain rooms that accumulate excess heat. While this can provide temporary relief, closing too many return vents can dramatically reduce airflow and cause your blower wheel motor to overheat. Ideally, all vents should be open for proper ventilation in your home. As a rule of thumb, you should never close more than one-third of the air all vents at one time. While return vents typically can’t be closed, you should also make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture, shoes, or any winter clothing that can accumulate. A good time to check to make sure your vents are open and clear of obstructions is while cleaning from the above step!

A malfunctioning or broken furnace can sometimes lead to the release of poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Because of this, some states require carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home. It is best practice to place a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of your furnace. Make sure to replace batteries in the carbon monoxide system regularly. It is also recommended that you replace the entire carbon monoxide detector every 5-7 years. There are components in these systems that fail over time, so it is important to replace the entire detector as recommended by the manufacturer. 

By performing some of these tips before the winter season, you can reduce the risk of serious furnace issues and expensive furnace repairs during the winter. If you have any questions or are uncomfortable performing these tips, always reach out to a licensed HVAC professional who can help with a qualified furnace inspection using a thorough furnace maintenance checklist to make sure you're ready for winter.