How To Prepare Your Furnace for Colder Weather: 5 Tips

Ohio winters are brutally cold and unpredictable. To keep your family safe and avoid emergency repair bills, have a winter furnace preparation list.

Gas furnaces, oil furnaces, and electric furnaces require cleaning before colder weather sets in to keep them running at peak performance, and a technician can make any necessary repairs after their inspection. 

Below are some tips to prepare your heater for the colder season.

Schedule furnace maintenance with National by calling (513) 621-4620 for service in Greater Cincinnati.

Change the Filter

Dirty filters can raise your energy costs, affect the air quality in your home by causing more dust and debris in the ducts, and lower furnace efficiency.

To change your filter, turn off the furnace, remove the service panel, slide out the dirty filter, and replace or clean it before turning it back on. Wash and clean your filters or replace them with a new one every three months.

Failing to change your filter can increase utility costs from the blocked airflow, cause your furnace to overheat and shut off, increase fire risks, and burn out the blower motor.

Reset the Thermostat

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset your thermostat. If it’s outdated or malfunctioning, or you need help with the settings, a routine tune-up covers everything necessary to prepare it for the winter. 

Upgrade to a smart thermostat to track your energy usage, and you can program it remotely on your phone to have your favorite room temps ready when you get home!

Schedule a Maintenance Appointment

While fuel, usage, and maintenance are factors, some furnaces can last 20 to 30 years with preventative maintenance. 

During a furnace maintenance appointment, our technicians will run diagnostics, make repairs, and inspect and clean your system to remove excess sediment buildup, which causes it to lose efficiency and increases the fire risk.

Test It in the Fall

Run your furnace in the fall briefly and turn the temperature above room temperature to check it for strange noises or odors. Remove any flammable materials nearby, like chemicals, paint, or solvents. 

Ensure Your Intake Pipe Is Clear

Avoiding blockages can improve your furnace efficiency. Try to keep about 10 feet of distance between your exhaust ducts and the furnace’s intake, and you can clean your intake pipe with a vacuum attachment or toothbrush in soapy water to remove dirt deposits.

To maximize the air circulation, keep about 5 feet of clearance around the pipes outside and remove any bugs, leaves, bird nests, snow, or ice. Do the same with your air intake and the exhaust pipe by removing any shrubs, leaves, snow, or dirt. 

If you have uncertainties with this step or any of the other tips above, for less than $1 a day, our maintenance plan includes two free service appointments each year!

Why Choose Us?

Having your furnace ready for an arctic blast means no late-night emergency breakdowns or unexpected repair costs. We encourage you to schedule furnace maintenance before the cold season, and with so many ways to save, you can keep your family comfortable.

Founded in 1931, National Heating and Air Conditioning provides comprehensive HVAC services. Our NATE-certified technicians service all makes and models, and we have excellent feedback. We offer free estimates on replacements and 24/7 emergency repairs. Rely on us for your home heating needs.

Contact National at (513) 621-4620 to schedule furnace service in Cincinnati, OH.