Discover Tips for Getting Your Furnace Ready for Winter
As cold weather approaches, your furnace steps into the spotlight, ready to keep your home warm and comfortable through the chill. But after being off all summer long, it may need a little preparation before it goes full steam ahead. A few proactive steps now can help avoid breakdowns, boost performance, and keep your heating costs in check this winter. Here are Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling’s tips for getting a furnace ready for winter in Mukwonago, New Berlin, and West Allis, WI.
Replace or Clean the Furnace Filter
A clean air filter is one of the simplest and most effective steps we recommend before turning on a furnace for winter. The filter helps catch airborne pollutants to prevent them from being circulated throughout the home. With colder weather limiting fresh outdoor air and the furnace working harder, a clogged filter makes that job tougher. We recommend choosing the highest-rated filter your system supports, a HEPA variation if compatible, and checking or replacing it every one to three months.
Test & Program Your Thermostat
Ensuring your thermostat is working properly and set to your desired comfort schedule is a smart move. At Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling, we encourage you to check the thermostat this way: switch from cooling to heating mode, raise the set temperature, and listen for the furnace’s response. If it doesn’t fire up or seems sluggish, this is a signal to schedule maintenance. Proper programming also helps optimize energy use throughout the season.
Inspect & Clean Furnace Components
When the furnace hasn’t run in months, dust and debris can settle inside. Before turning your system on, it’s important to give the system the attention it needs. At a minimum, you should:
- Vacuum around the furnace cabinet and ensure no items are blocking panels or airflow.
- Listen for unusual sounds, like banging or rattling, when you test it.
- Note any odd smells beyond the typical “first start” dust-burning odor that happens when turning on a heater for the first time in winter.
Clear Furnace Area & Vents
Proper airflow is crucial for efficient, safe furnace operation. Make sure that all of the vents and registers are open. If the vents are closed, it can cause uneven temperatures throughout the home. Your furnace will work overtime to try to regulate it, which can increase the risk of repairs and premature failure. Walk through each room, ensuring every vent is open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Also, check intake registers and return air grilles as these must be clear so fresh air can circulate freely. A blocked return can raise indoor carbon monoxide risk and reduce efficiency.
Inspect Ductwork
Inspecting your ductwork is a key addition to your winter furnace-prep checklist. Look for visible gaps, dust buildup, or sagging sections near the furnace or attic/garage transitions. Leaky ducts force the furnace to work longer and waste energy. If you notice significant debris, have insulation missing, or sense airflow is weak despite a clean filter, it’s time to call for duct inspection and cleaning.
Schedule Professional Winter Furnace Maintenance
Annual maintenance is wise and ideally done early in the season. Having the equipment maintained yearly helps keep the unit operating safely and at the highest efficiency. A professional technician from Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling can perform a full winter furnace tune-up, including verifying ignition, heat-exchanger integrity, safety controls, airflow, burner efficiency, and overall system health. This proactive service lowers repair risk, extends system life, and keeps your warranty valid.
Call Us to Learn How to Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter
Knowing what to do before turning on a furnace doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’d prefer to leave the heavy lifting to our team, Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling is ready to help homeowners across Mukwonago, New Berlin, and West Allis, WI. Contact us today to learn more about how to get your furnace ready for winter or to schedule your winter maintenance, so you can breathe easy knowing your home will be cozy and efficient all season long.
