With chilly weather setting in, now is the perfect time for winter furnace maintenance. Not only will you stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter, but you’re far less likely to wake up in a home that feels like an icebox.

Here are a few key furnace maintenance tips for winter—and remember, when you’re in a pinch, Rapids Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is on call to help. Read on, then call us for your next maintenance appointment.

Key furnace maintenance tips for winter

Put the following tips into practice to ensure your furnace is ready to serve you as the temperatures drop:

• Change your filter regularly: You should be changing your air filters every 30 to 90 days depending on the type and how quickly they get dirty. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your HVAC system functioning properly year-round, so make sure to stay on top of filter changes.
• Test the thermostat: Next make sure that your thermostat is working. If it seems off, it may be dirty or need calibration. Your heating contractor can help you recalibrate the thermostat—or they may even replace it with a new, energy-saving smart thermostat.
• Clean your furnace often: The dirtier a furnace gets, the less able it is to provide heat for your home. The filter system, blower and motor should all be cleaned regularly (around once per month) in order to ensure safe, clean function. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, your HVAC tech will be happy to do so during a routine maintenance appointment.
• Oil the motor: Like any piece of machinery, your furnace’s motor and moving parts need to be well lubricated. This is something you can do on your own, or you can ask your contractor to do it during a regular tune-up.
• Clean out your vents: When your vents are clogged, it’s harder for your furnace to push hot air out. Clean the vents regularly to prevent this problem, and keep your indoor air quality at a healthy level.
• Keep an eye on the control valve: The control valve monitors whether gas can enter your furnace. If you notice an issue with the furnace not producing heat, check the valve, which is located on the supply line. It should be set to “on” or “open,” which means that gas can enter the system. If it’s not, set it to “on,” and see if that solves the problem. If not, call a maintenance contractor as soon as possible.
• Inspect the tension belt: If your furnace is running loudly, there may be an issue with the tension belt. You can check the belt for signs of fraying or other damage. If you notice a problem, replace the belt, or call a maintenance pro right away.

Your winter furnace maintenance is easier than ever when you work with Rapids Plumbing & Heating, Inc. We’ll be happy to come to your home or office to inspect your furnace. Don’t suffer through the cold winter—call us today to get a quote and book your next maintenance appointment.