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With winter comes cold weather, frost, and icy conditions. While many enjoy winter holidays, skiing, and snow days, colder temperatures also mean your heating system will be working overtime to keep your home warm and cozy.

Performing a yearly HVAC tune-up before winter can help ensure your furnace and air ducts are in tip-top shape to withstand increased use during the freezing months ahead.

Here are the top 5 tips for giving your HVAC system a checkup to weather the winter storm:

Clean or Replace Air Filters

Clogged air filters are one of the biggest culprits that can cause reduced airflow and inefficient heating. Make filter changes a monthly habit during winter. At a minimum, check and clean or replace furnace filters every three months.

Dirty filters force your HVAC system to work harder to push air through, putting added stress on internal components that could lead to more frequent breakdowns or repairs down the road. Spend 10 minutes swapping filters now to keep your system running smoothly all season.

Inspect and Clean Furnace Flue and Vent Pipes

Creosote, a byproduct of combustion, accumulates more quickly in vent pipes during cold weather. Over time, this buildup can restrict air flow or even catch fire.

Have a professional inspect and clean the flue and vent system annually before winter use. They’ll make sure the exhaust vents properly and safely for the outdoors.

A clogged vent could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide accumulating in your home if not maintained. The small investment now protects your family’s health and prevents potential disaster later on.

Check Thermostat Operation and Replace Batteries

Low batteries are a common culprit when your thermostat stops working properly in the cold. Test your programmable thermostat and replace batteries at the first sign of weak performance. Also, ensure it is properly calibrated for accurate temperature readings.

An inaccurate thermostat could run your furnace excessively long or short-cycle, wasting energy and putting unnecessary wear on equipment parts. Thermostats only need standard AA or AAA batteries, so it’s an easy fix to winter-proof control of your HVAC system.

Inspect Burners and Heat Exchangers for Rust or Damage

Have a qualified HVAC technician examine internal furnace components like burners and heat exchangers. Look for cracks, holes, or rust that could affect safety or efficiency over the long haul.

Significant issues may require replacement before use, but minor repairs now can prevent potential failures when you need heat most. A visual inspection is non-invasive and enables catching small problems before they worsen.

Better to address minor concerns during scheduled maintenance than deal with emergency repairs on the coldest night!

Check Thermal Limit Switches, Test Blower Motor Speeds

For safety, limit switches automatically shut off gas flow if the furnace overheats. Technicians can test these controls annually. They’ll also verify your blower motor is running at the proper speed setting to deliver balanced air temperatures throughout your ductwork.

Too slow and rooms may be cold; too fast wastes energy. Proper airflow prevents temperature swings, drafts, and comfort issues as the weather changes outside. It’s reassuring knowing these built-in safety devices are 100% operating to safeguard your furnace all season long.

Conclusion

Invest a couple of hours and some dollars($) for a furnace tune-up before winter’s arrival. Paying a pro now prevents far more expensive repairs if neglected issues cause a breakdown down the line. With natural gas prices rising, routine maintenance also helps maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency to cut winter heating costs.

Why battle freezing temps, icy drafts, and repair bills when a small tune-up keeps everything running at peak performance? Stay warm and cozy this season by giving your heating system some TLC now.

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