How Can I prepare my Furnace for Winter?

Published 11/6/2023

Let's look at how you can maintain and prolong the life of your furnace. From how often it should be cleaned to what else you can do and why Mr. Duct is the trusted Air Duct Cleaning and HVAC company for Chicagoland. While you can't do everything yourself, there are several smaller maintenance tips you can utilize to prolong the life of your furnace.

Scheduling your Furnace Cleaning

As we've previously discussed, there are two main reasons to have the furnace inspected: either you have a cleaning or maintenance appointment coming up, or you see indications that there may be a problem.

It is always preferred to have your furnace checked annually prior to the start of winter. The reason for this is that it allows enough time for you to address any issues before the temperatures start dropping quickly. While this might seem early for heating repair, it helps beat the winter rush that many HVAC contractors start to experience.

Creating this annual schedule not only beats this rush, but allows you to quickly find any possible issues that cause bigger problems later, and, by extension, more money.

Change Air Filters

One of the smaller items for your checklist is changing the air filters. After a few months, air filters should be changed or cleaned so that air can get through them smoothly in order to properly heat the home. Changing the air filters will keep particles and debris from building up in your HVAC, and extend your system's life.

Ideally, filters can be cleaned or changed every month in order to prevent particles from clogging up the system. You won't experience the benefits of warm air if the filter is unclean since it won't blow through the ductwork as it should. This can result in expensive damage to the unit.

Clean the Heat Exchanger

To maintain and prevent damage to your heat exchanger, it is recommended that a certified HVAC technician brush and vacuum it annually. This should be done while your furnace is turned off.

When you have a Mr. Duct HVAC specialist inspect your furnace, they will also check your heat exchanger to ensure it is clean and free from any potential sources of carbon monoxide leaks or other harmful particles.

Clean and Lubricate the Blower Motor

As an additional safety measure, it's important to ensure that your blower motor is functioning smoothly. To determine if lubrication is required, refer to the owner's manual.

If lubrication is necessary, first turn off the device, remove the cover, and clean the bearing caps. Then, proceed to remove the caps and apply grease to the bearings. Following this procedure, your blower motor should operate more smoothly.

Why Choose Mr. Duct?

You can rest assured that waiting for parts won't be a source of stress. Mr. Duct guarantees the availability of common furnace components as they are stocked in all our repair vans. In the rare event that a specialized part is necessary, we will promptly source it for you, typically within a day or two, to minimize any downtime for your furnace.

Mr. Duct places a high value on transparency and honesty. Once our technician identifies the issue, we offer upfront pricing for the repair service, ensuring there are no unexpected surprises in the future. There are no concealed fees or unanticipated additional charges.

Our technicians prioritize both your family's well-being and the efficiency of your HVAC system. If there's a need to replace a component of your system, we will carefully assess your home's unique requirements. This personalized approach can result in substantial annual energy savings.

At Mr. Duct, we are committed to thoroughness. An experienced technician will assess your existing HVAC system to ensure that we recommend tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. We engage in open discussions with you, clarify our findings, provide logical recommendations, and present you with well-defined pricing options.

Maintaining and replacing an HVAC system can be an expensive task – which is why Mr. Duct frequently offers special deals – and coupons – on HVAC replacements and installations.

Our quotes are all-encompassing, covering every necessary material, applicable taxes, and potential charges. This approach ensures that our customers are never caught off guard.

Your furnace plays a vital role in your home's overall comfort. Routine inspections and timely actions are essential to prolong its lifespan and maintain its efficiency.

By selecting Mr. Duct, you're not just opting for top-notch service; you're also selecting peace of mind. Therefore, when the moment arrives to inspect or enhance your furnace, keep in mind that Mr. Duct is here to assist you. Mr. Duct proudly serves Chicago and its neighboring suburbs.

 Find out which of our service areas is the closest to you.

To have a Mr. Duct Specialist to inspect your furnace, send us a service request or call us at 800-501-4157.