Winter is right around the corner, and even though Florida is notoriously hot, you’ll still want to make sure your heater is in working order. This means you need to know how to prepare your furnace for the winter. To help you be ready for cooler temperatures, we’ve created a checklist on what to do before turning your furnace back on!
1. Test Your Furnace before the Cold
Having to turn on the heat is not a frequent occurrence in Florida, but it is occasionally needed in the Gainesville or Jacksonville area. The last thing you want to do is to turn on your furnace for the winter only to find your heat isn’t working.
Before the cold begins to creep in, you’ll want to test your furnace by turning on the house heater before it’s needed. Listen for any strange noises, and take note of any burning smells. There may be a burning smell initially, but this should go away after a few moments. If any other smells or noises occur, turn off your furnace, and call in a professional for an inspection.
2. Check & Change Your Filter
Regularly checking and changing your air filters are a part of normal HVAC maintenance, and it’s no different for your furnace. A clean filter helps improve your air quality, keeps your HVAC system energy efficient, and avoids bad performance or costly repairs.
Before turning on your furnace, check the furnace filter to make sure it’s still in good condition. If the filter is noticeably dirty or discolored, buy a new filter and replace it.
3. Perform Routine Maintenance
In order to keep your furnace running properly, you’ll want to run a furnace tune-up. Some of these components can be maintained on your own.
- If you have a gas furnace, ensure that your pilot light is lit. The pilot light is often located on the bottom of your furnace or hidden behind a small, visible window on your furnace. If it’s not lit, you can relight it by yourself; however, if you start to smell gas, call in the professionals.
- Check your circuit breaker. If your heater won’t turn off, it may just be a simple flip of the switch on the circuit breaker. If you find the circuit breaker is tripping even after you turn it on, an electrician should be called in to check for wiring issues.
- Read your owner’s manual to see what oil your furnace requires or if it requires it all. If it does, turn off the furnace, open the blower motor caps, and lubricate with the liquid required for your furnace.
How to Clean Your Furnace before Winter
Some maintenance, such as cleaning, should only be done by a trained HVAC professional. For example, your HVAC technician should clean the heat exchanger for the best results. They’ll also be able to see and tell you if there are any problems or cracks that may warrant a replacement.
Similarly, by the time summer ends, your ducts are likely in need of cleaning to prevent mold growth and remove accumulated dirt. Before you turn on your furnace, you’ll want to have clean ducts, so your heater can efficiently warm your home. We never would recommend cleaning out your ducts on your own, so it’s best to have a professional clean them for you.
4. Purchase a Carbon Monoxide Detector
If you have a gas furnace, you’ll want to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. While the risk is low, especially if you keep your furnace well-maintained, a carbon monoxide detector adds an extra layer of protection for you and your home. It’ll alert you if you have a gas leak or a build of carbon monoxide. Gather any pets and/or children, and exit your home immediately if your carbon monoxide detector goes off.
If there’s a strong smell of gas when turning on your gas furnace for winter, turn off your furnace immediately, and call an HVAC professional.
5. Consider Replacing Your Furnace
If your furnace is around 15 to 20 years old or you’re having trouble with a high heating bill, it may be time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient furnace. A heat pump is a great option for homes in Florida since it’s pulling from the heat already outside to warm your house. You’ll want to determine if you need to replace your furnace before the winter so that you can have a warm, comfortable home when the cold comes. Right now, during the late summer and fall, is a great time to start having these conversations with your HVAC technician.
6. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Anyone who’s experienced a Florida winter knows the temperatures can be fickle. You may want cooling one day and heat the next—perhaps even within the same day. To help keep your HVAC from working too hard to keep your home at your desired temperature, you may want to consider investing in a programmable thermostat. You can set the thermostat to a lower temperature during the times you are typically away and program it to raise when you are home. This not only keeps your unit from overworking, but it also has the added benefit of saving you money on your utility bill.
Repair or Replace Your Furnace This Winter with Comfort Temp
With over 35 years of experience in furnace and heater repair and installation, Comfort Temp is here to help prepare your furnace for winter. We provide maintenance and repair services as well as installation if you need a new heating system. We even offer our customers 24/7 emergency service for all your furnace needs! Prepare your furnace for winter with the professionals at Comfort Temp!
