Just before the cold weather begins in Big Bear, most people start planning for different winter activities the valley has to offer. While you are also gearing up for the winter fun, there is one thing you need to take care of before the first snowfall. As your HVAC system needs to switch from cold to hot, you need to take a closer look at your furnace.
Here’s how you can prepare your furnace for severe winters in Big Bear.
Stock Up in Summer
Most heating system accessories are available at a considerably cheaper rate during the summer. You can stock up accessories like furnace filters, among other things, during this time to save money. If you have a gas or an oil furnace, you should also call your gas company and refill the tank. Usually, gas and oil prices are a lot cheaper in summer, offering you a considerable bargain.
Check Your Thermostat
One of the first things you need to do before winter’s arrive is, test your thermostat. If your thermostat is broken, your heating system will not be able to reach the desired temperature. To check if your thermostat is working well, increase the temperature by at least two-to-three degrees, and see if you can feel the heat kick in.
You should feel the change in temperature within a minute or so. If not, you need to examine the thermostat wiring. If it is in good condition, you will probably need to check the power source or even the furnace itself for a possible malfunction. You can call a professional Big Bear furnace repair company if you are not comfortable with DIY inspection and repair.
Clean or Replace the Filter
A furnace usually comes with a filter. Your HVAC system may also have air filters behind the vent grill. It is better to replace these filters every three months (90 days) as they gather considerable dust. You should also check the filter every 30 days to see how much dust and debris have built up.
To remove the air filter, first, turn off the furnace. Make sure to wear a mask or cover your face with a cloth and use hand gloves when replacing the filter. Then, locate and remove the service panel. You can slide out the old filter and place it in a garbage disposal bag immediately. You can then slide the new filter in, put back the service panel, and turn on the furnace.
If you have a reusable filter, you can clean it with water after removing it. You can wash it in your kitchen sink or outside the house using your garden hose. Make sure to remove as much dust as possible. Once it has dried completely, you can place it back. If you call a Big Bear furnace repair company for a tune-up, they will also change or clean the filter as a part of their maintenance.
Clean the Furnace Room and Drainage Tube
You will also need to clean the area around the furnace before winter begins. Most people tend to store household items near the furnace or boiler when they are not in use. However, when you turn them on in winter, there is an increased risk of fire.
So, you must make sure to remove everything that is a potential fire hazard. You should also remove any furniture, boxes, and clutter placed in front of the vents. Opening all your air vents provides you with immediate and energy-efficient comfort.
If you have a gas or oil furnace, you will also need to clean the drainage tube as these furnaces produce small amounts of water while heating up. Most furnaces share a drip pan with your air conditioning system. The drainage tubes connected to the power exhaust manifold will collect most of the water and send it to the drip pan.
You need to detach the drainage tubes and clean them by blowing compressed air. If these tubes clog up, the water will enter the power exhaust manifold, and the flame sensor will shut down your heating system. An experienced local Big Bear furnace repair company can also help you clean your entire furnace, including the drainage tubes, flame sensor, and heat exchanger, among others.
Plan Your Maintenance Well in Advance
The final tip is to plan all your maintenance activities well in advance. Your furnace will be working 24/7 during the entire winter. If your furnace isn’t in excellent working condition, it could fail at any moment. You don’t want to start searching for furnace repair near me in the middle of the night during a heavy snowfall
Although you can call for an emergency Big Bear furnace repair assistance, last-minute repairs are often costly. But most importantly, you will be enduring the biting cold until your furnace gets repaired. A well-maintained furnace not only provides you with comfort but also offers energy-efficient heating and safety during the cold season.
That’s why you should call experienced technicians in the Big Bear area for an annual HVAC tune-up. During the annual tune-up, the technicians will test, clean, and lubricate the various components of your HVAC system. They will also make the necessary repairs before the winter begins.
Conclusion
As you can see, preparing your furnace for the winter can help you get immediate comfort, energy-efficient heating, and also save money on emergency furnace repairs that are quite expensive. Hopefully, these five tips will help you get your heating system ready for the cold season. However, this isn’t an exhaustive list. It is always better to call a professional to help with your annual HVAC tune-up. They can provide you with better guidance and service.
Call Your Trusted Big Bear Furnace Repair and Maintenance Partner Today!
Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating is the one-stop-shop for all your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs in the Big Bear area. Whether it is annual HVAC tune-up or emergency furnace repair, we are here to help you 24/7. Call us today at (909) 584-4376 or contact us online to schedule an appointment now!
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Heater Replacement, HVAC Maintenance & Repair
