Winter Furnace Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Warm

Furnace Maintenance Tips

Winter in Northern Kentucky can be harsh, and the last thing you want is for your furnace to break down when you need it most. Proper furnace maintenance ensures your heating system runs efficiently, keeps your home warm, and helps prevent costly repairs. At True Comfort LLC, we believe a little preventative care goes a long way. Here are some essential winter furnace maintenance tips to keep your home cozy all season long.

Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder and increasing your energy bills. During winter, check and replace your HVAC filter every 1-2 months to keep warm air flowing efficiently.

How to Replace Your Filter: - Turn off your furnace. - Locate the filter (usually inside the return air duct on the side of your furnace). Check the filter size and replace it with a new one. Slide the new filter in the correct direction (following the airflow arrows).

Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

Annual furnace maintenance is essential to ensure your heating system operates safely and efficiently. A professional technician will: Inspect burners and heat exchangers for cracks or wear. Check gas connections and adjust burners for optimal efficiency, ensure all drains and safety devices are free of obstructions, test the thermostat for accuracy, and ensure the system is properly ventilated. Routine maintenance helps catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs or furnace breakdowns.

Keep Vents and Registers Clear

Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and cause uneven heating in your home. Make sure all registers and vents are open and free of obstructions like furniture, rugs, or curtains. This helps your furnace distribute heat evenly throughout your home and allows for proper airflow, preventing your furnace from overheating.

Inspect Your Furnace Exhaust and Carbon Monoxide Detector

A blocked exhaust vent can cause dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) buildup. Ensure your furnace vent pipes are clear of debris, snow, or ice. Additionally, test your carbon monoxide detector to make sure it's working. If you don’t have one, install one near your sleeping areas for safety. Carbon monoxide leaks can be deadly, so this is a crucial step in winter furnace maintenance.

Listen for Unusual Noises or Smells

If your furnace makes rattling, banging, or squealing sounds, it could indicate loose parts, motor issues, or a failing blower. Likewise, a burning smell or the scent of rotten eggs could signal a problem with your furnace’s electrical components or a gas leak. If you notice anything unusual, call a professional HVAC technician immediately to diagnose and fix the issue.

Keep an Eye on Your Energy Bills

A sudden increase in your heating bill could indicate that your furnace is working harder than it should. Possible causes include: dirty filter reducing efficiency, a failing blower motor or other mechanical issue, duct leaks allowing warm air to escape. If your bills are unusually high, it may be time for a furnace inspection or upgrade.

Stay Warm with True Comfort LLC! Regular furnace maintenance ensures your home stays warm, your system runs efficiently, and unexpected breakdowns are avoided. If you need a furnace tune-up, repair, or replacement this winter, True Comfort is here to help! Call us today at 859-868-0630 or visit truecomfortnky.com to schedule your winter furnace maintenance and keep your home cozy all season long. Because when it comes to comfort, reliability, and warmth, we’ve got you covered!