As the summer season is coming to a close, there are a few things you may want to do before the cold winter temperature sets in. It is important to prepare your HVAC furnace or heating systems now to ensure you stay warm all winter. When it comes down to preparing your furnace for the winter season, there are those tasks that the home owner can do and those that are left to your HVAC technician. NY NJ AC Connection will share each step you can take to prepare your heater or furnace for this upcoming winter season.

Inspecting & Preparing Your Furnace for Fall & Winter

Step 1. Start by replacing the furnace’s filter. Locate you furnace filter slot and remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure you follow the arrows on the filter’s framing and slide it in correctly. This is optional. However, if your current filter is a flat filter, consider upgrading it to a HEPA filter or an electrostatic filter. These types of filters helps increase your furnace efficiency and improves the air circulation.
Step 2. Clean the external air vents thoroughly. You may also want to remove the vents to clean both sides. While the air vent is removed, grab your vacuum cleaner and suck out as much of the dirt inside the air duct as you can reach to ensure good air flow.
Step 3. Turn off the power to your furnace by using the main breaker. Then with a screwdriver, remove the steel cover of the air handler. Inspect the blower belt which looks like a large rubber belt. Inspect for any cracks or splitting that may be occurring. If the blower belt is damaged, replace the blower belt.
Step 4. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you may want to consider installing one. They are becoming more affordable and greatly improve your furnace’s efficiency. For those who have a programmable thermostat, now is the time to begin adjusting it for the winter season. If you’re not quite ready to switch it completely over for winter, you will want to at least have the temperature setting inputted so you’re ready for colder weather.
Step 5. Locate your exhaust flue that is found outdoors. Make sure that the exhaust flue is free from obstructions such as bird nests, leaves, or branches. Same goes for the furnace itself. Make sure it is free from debris and clutter.
Step 6. Make sure there isn’t any obstruction in the way of the air vents within your home, especially those that are sensitive to heat.
Step 7. After you have done everything that you’re capable of doing, contact your preferred HVAC technician and have them come perform a full inspection and service of your HVAC system. This will ensure no future failures during this coming winter season. If your furnace is in need of repair or a tune up, have it done now before the cold of winter sets in.

Furnace Tune Ups, Inspections, Repair & More in Midtown & Manhattan, New York

NY NJ AC Connection can help inspect, tune up and repair your HVAC system. Do not wait until it is cold outside to discover you have a problem with your heater. Contact NY NJ AC Connection today and schedule your furnace service.