Winter-Ready? Here’s How to Check Your Furnace Before the Cold Sets In
When the temperature drops in Fairfield County, there’s nothing better than stepping into a warm, cozy home. But before you crank up the heat, your furnace needs a proper check-up to make sure it’s running safely and efficiently. A neglected furnace isn’t just inefficient—it can lead to higher energy bills, unexpected breakdowns, and even safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.
At Climate Care, we help homeowners across Norwalk, Westport, Greenwich, and beyond stay warm all winter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your furnace ready before the freezing temps roll in.
1. Start with a Professional Furnace Inspection 🔧
The #1 most important step? Call an HVAC professional for an annual furnace inspection and tune-up. A licensed technician will:
✅ Check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks
✅ Test efficiency levels to prevent wasted energy
✅ Clean internal components to keep air quality fresh
✅ Ensure all safety features are working properly
Skipping professional maintenance could mean missing hidden issues that lead to costly repairs later—or worse, a total breakdown when you need heat the most.
2. Replace Your Air Filter 🏠
A clogged filter chokes your furnace, forcing it to work harder, which raises your energy bills and reduces airflow. Here’s why changing your filter is a must:
✔ Prevents dust, mold, and bacteria from circulating in your home
✔ Improves air quality for easier breathing
✔ Keeps your system running efficiently, saving you money
How often should you replace it?
- Every 1-3 months for most homes
- More often if you have pets, allergies, or live in a high-dust area
3. Set Your Thermostat to “Heat” & Test It 🌡️
This may sound obvious, but don’t wait until it’s freezing outside to realize your furnace isn’t working!
✔ Switch your thermostat to “HEAT” mode
✔ Set the temperature a few degrees higher than room temp
✔ Listen for the furnace to kick on
✔ Feel the air coming from the vents—if it’s cold, there may be a problem
Pro Tip: If your home has inconsistent temperatures, consider a programmable or smart thermostat to keep your heating efficient and evenly distributed.
4. Clean Your Furnace Burners 🔥
Dust and debris can build up on your furnace’s burners, causing:
❌ A foul, burning smell when you first turn it on
❌ Inefficient combustion, which means wasted energy
❌ Potential safety risks, like incomplete gas burning
A professional HVAC technician can safely clean the burners during your annual tune-up.
5. Check & Oil the Blower Motor 💨
Your furnace blower is responsible for pushing warm air through your vents. If it’s dirty, dry, or malfunctioning, you might notice:
⚠ Weak airflow
⚠ Loud noises (squealing, rattling, or banging)
⚠ Furnace overheating and shutting down
A technician will inspect, clean, and lubricate the blower motor to keep things running smoothly.
6. Unblock & Clean Your Heating Vents 🌬️
Blocked vents trap heat and stress your furnace, leading to higher bills and reduced efficiency. Walk through your home and:
✔ Uncover any blocked vents behind furniture or rugs
✔ Vacuum out dust & debris to improve airflow
✔ Ensure vents are fully open—closing them does NOT save money and can actually harm your system
7. Clear Your Chimney & Venting System 🏡
A clogged furnace vent can lead to deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Make sure:
✅ Chimneys & exhaust pipes are clear of blockages (leaves, nests, or debris)
✅ Carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly
✅ You don’t smell gas or burning odors near the furnace
Carbon monoxide is odorless & deadly. If you don’t already have one, install a CO detector today!
8. Test Your Safety Monitors 🛑
Your home’s safety features are just as important as the furnace itself. Test your:
✔ Carbon monoxide detectors
✔ Smoke alarms
✔ Gas leak detectors
These should be checked every season to make sure your home stays safe and warm all winter.
9. Listen for Unusual Noises 👂
A healthy furnace runs quietly. But if you hear:
🔊 Loud banging → Possible ignition delay (dangerous!)
🔊 Squealing → Worn-out blower motor belt
🔊 Rattling → Loose components
🔊 Booming → Dirty burners causing delayed ignition
These could indicate serious issues—call an HVAC expert before it worsens!
Don’t Wait Until the Cold Hits—Get Your Furnace Checked Today ❄️🔥
Your furnace shouldn’t be an afterthought. A quick pre-winter checkup can prevent breakdowns, keep your home comfortable, and save you money on heating bills.
