In the state of Massachusetts the temperature is beginning to drop to nicer, cooler weather, signaling it is time to prepare your furnace for the winter season. It is recommended that indoor air during cold weather should be between 68° and 75°F, so when it drops below that range, it’s time to turn on the furnace! There are a number of steps you as the homeowner can take to better prepare your home and your heating system for the cold, snowy winter. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning will share what you can do to prepare your furnace for the coming winter season.

Set Thermostat Temperature for Cold Weather

Most people have a programmable or smart thermostat these days where you can predetermine the temperature settings throughout the day. Sometimes things can cause your winter setting to rest or need adjusting. At the start of the heating season, you will want to make sure your thermostat settings are correct and programmed in. Now is a good time to check your thermostat and have the thermostat setting ready for winter.

Clean or Change Furnace Air Filter

Air filters should be changed out throughout the entire year, at least every one to every three months. However, there is another air filter that sits inside the furnace that often gets forgotten. Some furnace air filters are washable while others need to be replaced. Before you turn the furnace on, you will want to have the filters changed out and ready for winter. If you are unsure as to where your filter is located and what you need, you can look up your furnace’s make and model online or check your owner’s manual. There you will find where the filter is and what type of filter you will need.

Schedule a Furnace Tune-up

One of the best steps you can take to ensure your furnace is prepared and has no underlining issues, is to have the furnace tuned-up. A furnace tune-up does a lot for your heating system. During a tune-up the furnace is thoroughly inspected by an HVAC technician. They will check all of the major components and make sure they are functioning properly. During the inspection, the furnace will also be cleaned out, moving parts lubricated and the furnace’s chimney or flue will be checked for obstructions. The electrical system will be tested and checked for damaged or loose wiring. Dust will be cleaned off the furnace which will reduce that burnt odor that happens when you first turn on the furnace. The blower is also cleaned to prevent dust from blowing into the home. Tuning-up the furnace before the winter can help prevent an unexpected break down, improve your furnace’s efficiency and safety.

Furnace Heating Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement, Emergency Repairs & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam, Massachusetts

If during the tune-up the HVAC technician discovers a major component is in need of repair or replacement, they will provide you with a report and often pictures of their findings. You will then have a short period of time to get the part repaired or replaced before winter sets ii. It is better to deal with mechanical or electrical problems before you need your home’s heating system, than to wait for them to fail. For a furnace tune-up and other HVAC services, contact Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning today.