Getting Your Furnace Ready for the Maryland Chill

When the heat and humidity of summer begin to fade, property owners should make preparations to ensure indoor comfort by taking care of their furnaces.

Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating wants to help you with getting your furnace ready for the Maryland chill by sharing some fundamental tips. 

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Your first step in preparing for winter weather should be scheduling an annual heating system maintenance service. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect and clean your furnace components while testing the system for proper function. 

You should make sure that the regular service you schedule includes: 

• Examining the heat exchanger for cracks or damage
• Inspecting the blower motor
• Cleaning and lubricating moving parts
• Verifying gas or electrical connections
• Testing overall performance and safety

Replace the Air Filter

The simplest part of furnace preparation involves something you should be doing all year long — checking and replacing your HVAC system’s air filter. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder and less effectively. Clean filters also improve indoor air quality, especially during less humid and more dusty cold weather. 

During the heating season, we recommend checking your filter every 30 days and changing as necessary, but no less than every 90 days.

Test Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is your furnace’s only source of information directing it to cycle on or off. Before cold weather arrives, switch your thermostat to “heat” mode and set it a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. Your furnace should cycle on in a minute or less.

Also, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to better manage your heating system. You’ll have the ability to set heating schedules that adjust based on when you’re home or away, saving energy while keeping your home comfortable and safe.

Clear the Furnace Area

Remove any clutter or flammable materials that may have accumulated near your furnace over the summer. This will promote adequate airflow and reduce fire hazards.

Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Wintertime carbon monoxide leaks are a serious risk, especially in older furnaces. Make sure that your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and have fresh batteries. If you don’t have detectors, now is the time to install them to protect your family from this serious health hazard.

Check the Pilot Light or Ignition System

Older furnaces rely on a pilot light, which should burn consistently with a strong blue flame. If your system has an electronic ignition, test it for proper function. In any event, checking the ignition system is a key part of winter preparation that will have you ready to deal with cold temperatures.

Call Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating To Help Get Your Furnace Ready for Cold Weather

Getting your furnace ready for the Maryland chill centers on making sure your system is safe, efficient, and ready to handle the cold.

Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating helps Rockville and area residents stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter with the best professional maintenance and repair service available in Maryland. Call us at (301) 468-2665 to schedule your furnace tune-up and enjoy the changing weather! Reach out today.