HOW TO GET YOUR FURNACE READY FOR WINTER

Getting your furnace ready for winter in North Texas, where temperatures can dip to the 30s or occasionally lower, is essential to ensure reliable heating and energy efficiency. Here’s a concise guide to prepare your furnace:

1. Schedule a Professional Furnace Inspection

-Arrange for a professional tune-up in early fall (September or October) before the heating season.

- What They’ll Do:

- Inspect and clean the burner, heat exchanger, and ignition system.

- Check for gas leaks (if it’s a gas furnace) or electrical issues (for electric furnaces).

- Test the thermostat and ensure proper cycling.

- Lubricate moving parts like the blower motor to reduce wear.

- Inspect the flue pipe for proper venting to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

2. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

- Check Monthly: A dirty filter reduces efficiency and strains the furnace.

- Replace Disposable Filters: Use a high-efficiency filter (MERV 8–11) compatible with your system. Replace every 1–3 months depending on the traffic in your home.

3. Test the Furnace Early.

Turn on the furnace for 10–15 minutes to ensure it starts, heats evenly, and shuts off properly. Listen for unusual noises (banging, rattling) and check for odd smells (burning or gas odors).

4. Clear Vents and Ducts

- Check Air Vents: Ensure all vents and registers in your home are unblocked by furniture, rugs, or dust. Vacuum them to remove debris.

- Seal Leaks: Have a technician check for leaks in ductwork to prevent heat loss, especially in attics or crawlspaces.

5. Inspect Venting (for Gas Furnaces)

- Clear Obstructions: Ensure the exhaust vent is free of debris, bird nests, or blockages.

- Check for Carbon Monoxide: Install or test carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and replace batteries annually. Gas furnaces can produce CO if not properly maintained.

6. Ensure Proper Insulation

- Check Home Insulation: Ensure your attic and walls are well-insulated to reduce furnace workload. Aim for R-30 to R-49 attic insulation per Texas building codes.

- Seal Drafts: Check windows and doors for drafts and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps, improving furnace efficiency.

7. Consider Energy Efficiency Upgrades

- Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace: If your furnace is over 15 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-certified model eligible for the Section 25C tax credit (up to $600 for furnaces meeting efficiency standards). Contact the manufacturer for the 4-character QMID for tax filing.

- Local Rebates: Check with Oncor or other North Texas utility providers for rebates on energy-efficient furnace upgrades or maintenance.

8. Safety Checks

- Gas Furnace Safety: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the furnace, evacuate, and call your gas company or 911 immediately.

- Electrical Safety: For electric furnaces, ensure wiring and breakers are in good condition to avoid outages during cold snaps.

9. Maintenance Frequency

- Annual Tune-Up: Schedule professional maintenance every fall.

- DIY Checks: Inspect filters monthly and vents/thermostats seasonally.

By following these steps, your furnace will be ready to keep your home comfortable and safe during winter. If you need help finding a local HVAC technician or verifying a QMID for the 25C tax credit, let me know!

Contact us for a Furnace Tune-Up.

We’re proud to support the DFW Metroplex with all heating and cooling needs including the following cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Garland, Frisco, McKinney, Grand Prairie, Denton, Richardson, Grapevine, Addison, Allen, Anna, Argyle, Bedford, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Corinth, Euless, Farmers Branch, Flower Mound, Haltom City, Haslet, Highland Park, Highland Village, Hurst, Keller, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Little Elm, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Prosper, Richland Hills, Roanoke, Rockwall, Rowlett, Saginaw, Southlake, The Colony, Trophy Club, University Park, Watauga, Westlake, and Wylie.