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4 Tips to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

Once the leaves on the trees begin to change colors and fall to the ground, the need to boot up the furnace is not far behind. At the first sign of cooler weather, you need to ensure your heater is ready for use after being inactive for several months. Here are some tips to prepare your heating system for winter.

1. Change Filters

Changing your filters is a fundamental step in maintaining your furnace. Homeowners who change their filters every few months will prolong the life of their heater. Keeping the system free of dust and other particles will also support the optimal function of the unit.

2. Clean Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger in your furnace needs cleaning at least once a year. The months leading up to winter is a great time to complete this chore. One advantage of allowing a professional to complete this job is that he or she will notice any cracks in the heater that could allow carbon monoxide to leak into your house.

3. Test Igniter Switch

If you have an older furnace, you may have a pilot switch to light. In more modern systems, you will find automatic igniter switches. The first thing you should do if you find your ignitor is not working is to push the reset button. Then, check your breaker box if the reset button does not solve the problem. If you still experience issues, you should contact a professional to solve the problem.

4. Inspect Alarms and Detectors

You should make sure that both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are fully operational as the winter months approach. Many families like to place the carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the furnace or not far away. The hope is that they will receive an alert as soon as there is evidence of a problem with this dangerous gas. Houses with more than one floor should place at least one smoke alarm on each level.

Dependable Furnace Repair

Residents of Martinsburg and the surrounding areas who need to ensure their furnace is ready for its winter workload can turn to Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning for a consultation. We can also help homeowners with their air conditioner maintenance and repair needs. Call us today for more information.

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