The Ultimate Winter Furnace Maintenance Checklist

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler here in the Twin Cities, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting your furnace ready for winter. Unsure how to prepare your furnace to perform optimally during the cold months? Then this handy winter furnace maintenance checklist is for you!

Replace Your HVAC Filter

If you’re not diligent about changing your furnace filter every 30 to 90 days, make sure you change it before you start using your furnace daily. A clean filter helps improve HVAC efficiency and helps keep particulate matter out of your duct system that can have adverse effects on your health.

Inspect Ducts & Seal Leaks

Are your air ducts getting old? Or were last year’s heating bills unusually high, and you couldn’t figure out why? If so, you’ll want to inspect your duct system for cracks, holes, and air leaks before winter sets in.

If you find any signs of damage or deterioration, seal up those areas to help ensure heated air won’t escape your HVAC system as it travels through the ductwork. Ensuring your air ducts are well-sealed can also help improve your indoor air quality since leaky ducts can allow a lot of unnecessary dust and debris to enter your HVAC system.

Open Vents and Clear Obstructions

If you didn’t use your air conditioner much throughout the summer, some of the vents around your home might not be fully open or completely closed. If you leave them that way, you’ll end up with uneven heat distribution throughout your house. You’ll also force your furnace to work much harder than necessary to heat your home.

If you have any furniture or other objects near your vents, be sure to move those things out of the way to improve airflow throughout your house. Ideally, you should have six to 10 inches of clearance around your vents for optimal airflow. Keeping that area clean will also help reduce your risk of furnace-related fires. 

Schedule Air Duct Cleaning

When was the last time you had your duct system cleaned? If it’s been years (or you’ve never had it professionally serviced), autumn is the perfect time to schedule an air duct cleaning.

Cleaning your ducts before winter will help your furnace function more efficiently throughout the season and can also help eliminate weird odors in your HVAC system. Professional duct cleaning can also help improve your indoor air quality in a big way.

Since you’ll probably spend more time indoors than usual when it’s freezing outside, it’s in your best interest to make sure you’re breathing clean air while you stay cozy and warm indoors.

Test Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat to “heat” and turn up the temperature setting five to 10 degrees higher than where you currently have it. You should hear your furnace kick on almost immediately. If you don’t, you may have a faulty thermostat or damaged wiring, which you’ll want to have repaired before winter weather arrives.

Schedule Annual Furnace Cleaning and Maintenance

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to schedule a furnace cleaning and service appointment before the cold weather really starts to set in. Having a pro inspect, clean, and maintain your unit every year will help keep your unit performing efficiently and can even help you prolong the life of your furnace.

A furnace maintenance specialist can also identify any minor issues your unit may have, so you can take care of any necessary furnace repairs before those issues get out of hand. Annual cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your HVAC system in excellent condition and minimize your risk of furnace breakdown in winter.

Get a Free Furnace Cleaning Quote in the Twin Cities

Ready to get your HVAC system ready for winter? Let our team at Dust Doctors in Little Canada, MN, help you out! We specialize in comprehensive furnace cleaning, maintenance, and repairs and have proudly served the Twin Cities area for more than a decade.

To learn more about our services, schedule an appointment, or get a free furnace cleaning quote, call us at 651-319-9777 or request a quote online, and will get in touch.