Winter in Northern Kentucky is right around the corner, making this the perfect time to get your furnace ready for colder weather. Maintaining your system, having the furnace motor inspected, and making any necessary repairs will maximize your system's efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Below are a few tips for optimizing your furnace before winter hits.

How Can You Optimize Your Furnace for the Winter Months?

1. Check the Thermostat

The thermostat controls the entire heating system, so it’s important to ensure it’s working correctly. Before winter arrives, set the thermostat a few degrees higher than the ambient room temperature, and wait to see how long it takes for the furnace motor to cycle up. If the system doesn’t come on within a minute or fails to shut off when the temperature reaches the target, you may need to have the device checked by an HVAC professional.

2. Change the Filter

The air filter keeps dirt, debris, and other particulates out of your HVAC system, helping keep the furnace motor and other vital components clean. To prevent excessive wear and tear and maintain airflow into the system, replace the filter at the beginning of the season and check it every month.

3. Clear the Drainage Tube

Gas furnaces create small amounts of moisture, some of which empties into a drip pan underneath the system. A plastic or rubber line drains the water from this pan and releases it somewhere outside the house. Over time, this tube can get clogged with algae, dust, lint, or other debris that falls into the pan, causing water to overflow the edges. Pouring a cup of white vinegar into the pipe will remove any deposits that may have built up over the year because the liquid has a high acidity content.

4. Check the Fuel

If you have an oil-powered furnace, check your fuel levels and put in a new filter. Otherwise, you might run out of fuel in the middle of winter, which could send the sludge and debris that’s left in the old filter into the burners. If your fuel level is less than one-quarter, placing an order now will help ensure your system is ready for winter.

5. Schedule an Inspection

A professional technician has the expertise to thoroughly clean your system and make minor adjustments to keep things running efficiently. They’ll also thoroughly inspect the furnace motor and other components to identify minor issues that could cause more serious problems later on.

If your furnace motor isn’t ready for winter, the technicians at A-1 Electric Motor Service have the expertise to handle even the most difficult repairs. They’ve proudly provided furnace repairs to homes and businesses throughout Covington, KY, and the Greater Cincinnati Area since 1961, delivering exceptional results using only the best equipment on the market. Visit their website for more on their wide array of services or call (859) 291-1351 to request a quote.