As temperatures drop across Farley and the greater Dubuque County area, now is the perfect time to ensure your furnace is ready to keep your family warm all winter long. At Kertels Plumbing and Heating, we’ve been helping homeowners prepare for Iowa winters for over 40 years. Here’s our comprehensive checklist to get your heating system winter-ready.
Why Fall Maintenance Matters
Your furnace works hard during the heating season, often running for months without a break. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your furnace needs annual maintenance to run efficiently and safely. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to:
- Higher energy bills
- Unexpected breakdowns on the coldest nights
- Shortened equipment lifespan
- Potential safety hazards
The Essential Furnace Preparation Checklist
1. Replace Your Air Filter
This is the simplest yet most overlooked maintenance task. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and less efficiently. Check your filter monthly during heating season and replace it every 1-3 months depending on usage and filter type.
2. Test Your Thermostat
Before the cold hits, test your thermostat by setting it a few degrees above room temperature. You should hear your furnace kick on within a minute or two. If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to save on energy costs.
3. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
Ensure there’s at least 3 feet of clearance around your furnace. Remove any boxes, cleaning supplies, or flammable materials. This improves airflow and reduces fire risk.
4. Check Your Vents and Registers
Walk through your home and make sure all vents and registers are open and unobstructed by furniture or rugs. Blocked vents can cause uneven heating and put strain on your system.
5. Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide, making working detectors essential for safety. Test your CO detectors and replace batteries if needed. If you don’t have CO detectors, install them on every level of your home.
6. Listen for Unusual Sounds
When you first turn on your furnace for the season, listen carefully. While some initial dust burning off is normal, loud banging, squealing, or rattling sounds indicate problems that need professional attention.
When to Call a Professional
While there’s plenty you can do yourself, some maintenance tasks require a trained technician:
- Annual tune-up: A professional inspection catches small issues before they become expensive repairs
- Pilot light problems: If your pilot light won’t stay lit or burns yellow instead of blue
- Strange odors: Persistent burning smells or rotten egg odors need immediate attention
- Uneven heating: If some rooms are too hot while others stay cold
- Short cycling: If your furnace turns on and off frequently
The Kertels Comfort Club Advantage
Want peace of mind this heating season? Our Comfort Club membership includes annual tune-ups, priority service, and no extra charges for emergency calls. It’s the easiest way to ensure your furnace is always ready for winter.
Don’t Wait for the First Cold Snap
The best time to prepare your furnace is before you need it. Schedule your annual maintenance now and avoid the rush when everyone’s furnace decides to quit on the same frigid night.
Ready to get your furnace winter-ready? Contact Kertels Plumbing and Heating or call us at (563) 744-3754 to schedule your maintenance appointment today.
Fix it quick, fix it right. That’s the Kertels promise.