Ever hear of the phrase “failing to prepare is preparing to fail?” Well, that’s definitely the case when it comes to your home’s heating system. Chances are you haven’t needed to kick it on quite yet, but temperatures will be dropping before we know it. With that said, it’s vital to get your furnace up and running now, or there’s a good chance it might fail when you really need it this winter. 5 Things You Must Do Now To Get Your Furnace Ready For Winter | Heating Repair | Rusk Heating & Cooling Dedicating a few minutes of your time in the upcoming weeks is likely all you need in order to prepare your furnace for colder weather. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Turn on Your Thermostat: whether you currently have it set to “cool” or you shut it down for a few days or weeks, you’re going to need to flip it over to “heat.” This will confirm that your thermostat is still working properly as long as the heat kicks on. If not, it could mean the wires or the battery in the thermostat have gone bad or that there’s a more serious problem with your heating system.
  2. Clean the Filters: if you haven’t cleaned the air filters in your heating system since last year, now is the time. It’s always best to start the season off with clean filters, but you’ll need to remember to clean or change them frequently for optimal performance.
  3. Lubricate the Motor: some systems require the motor to be lubricated so things run smoothly. If you have this type, you can find out in the owner’s manual, turn off the power to the system, remove the cover and the caps and then lubricate the bearings.
  4. Check the Igniter Switch: if you have an older system, you may need to relight the pilot. If you have a newer system, chances are it has an electronic igniter. Either way, check on the igniter to make sure the flame is lit and if it’s not working properly, it’s best to call in a professional.
  5. Clear Some Space: home heating systems need adequate airflow in order to function properly. Remove all items within 3 feet of the furnace so that air can flow freely through the system.

Notice more serious issues with your heating equipment? Don’t put it off any longer. Trust us when we tell you you’ll be thankful your system is working properly the minute you need it. Call on the heating repair specialists at Rusk Heating & Cooling today to set up an appointment and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable all season long.