Beginning in October, you’ll change your air conditioning from cooling to heating. Preparing your furnace for the Minnesota winters is essential for keeping your family comfortable and safe as temperatures plummet below freezing. Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring that your furnace operates at peak performance when you need it most.
Steve’s Plumbing and Heating offers comprehensive furnace inspections and maintenance. To schedule furnace maintenance or repair, contact us today.
Winter Preparation
A Steve’s Plumbing and Heating technician can perform the following furnace inspections and maintenance to prepare your heating system for winter:
1. Filter Replacement
Every furnace maintenance procedure begins with changing out the filter. Although you are capable of doing this yourself, you may not know what type of filter is best for your system. We can send out a technician to look at your system and make some recommendations.
You may want to upgrade to a HEPA filter, pleated filter, or electrostatic filter, as they increase the energy efficiency in your home. We also suggest that you change the filter at least once a month. This will allow the air to circulate properly throughout your home.
2. Air Duct Cleaning
Now is the perfect time for a pre-winter air duct cleaning. A Steve’s Plumbing & Heating specialist can inspect the ducts for dirt and dust buildup, as well as mold development. We utilize industry-grade equipment to completely clean out the ducts and air vents. An air duct cleaning will purify the air in your home.
3. Inspect the Blower Belt
If you notice that your furnace is squeaking when you turn it on, the blower belt may be cracked or worn out. A worn blower belt can affect your furnace’s performance, thus the warm air distribution throughout the home. We recommend a belt inspection annually and a replacement as needed.
4. Adjust the Programmable Thermostat
This is also something you can do at home since you use your thermostat all the time. Engage your set-back or programmable thermostat so that it automatically lowers the temperature while you are asleep or away from your home. Doing so will save you 25 to 75 percent on your heating operating costs.
If you do not have a programmable thermostat, a technician can retrofit one for you. We can help you choose the right thermostat depending on your home’s floor plan and square footage.
5. Exhaust Flue Inspection
The flue pipe safely vents exhaust and combustion byproducts out of the home. We can check the exhaust flue outdoors to ensure it is free of obstructions such as branches or animal nests. You may need to trim some trees back to prevent debris from blocking the flue. We can also replace the old flue on your house if necessary.
6. Open All Air Vents
Closing the air vents blocks the circulation of air through your house. You should open all air vents even in rooms that no one is currently occupying. Closing the vents will add air pressure to your ductwork and causes the furnace to work harder to distribute the same amount of air throughout the house.
Professional Furnace Maintenance and Upgrades
Whether you need basic maintenance, repair, or a full system replacement, Steve’s Plumbing & Heating can help you with all your furnace service needs. We offer services for homeowners in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.
To schedule pre-winter maintenance or other service, call us today at 715-421-1800, or you can message us on our contact page.