How to Get Your Furnace Ready for Edmonton and Calgary Winters

As the temperature drops, so does the air quality. From wood-burning fires to dirty furnaces and heating systems, many Edmonton and Calgary area homes suffer from poor indoor air quality during winter.

While this can be unpleasant, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to help keep your family safe and healthy during the cold months ahead:

Replace Your Furnace Air Filter

In preparation for winter, replacing your furnace air filter every three months is a good idea. If you notice that your furnace is running longer than normal or producing more dust than usual, then it’s time to replace the filter.

A dirty air filter can reduce airflow, so your furnace must work harder to keep your home comfortable. A clean air filter also helps prevent dust and allergens from entering your home and makes breathing easier for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.

Check the Evaporator Coil

If you’re noticing that your furnace is running more often than usual, the first place to check is the AC evaporator coil. This device is located inside the air handler and absorbs heat from the outside air. If it’s dirty or clogged with debris, then it can’t absorb as much heat, and your furnace will have to work harder to keep your home warm during colder months.

Ensure Proper Thermostat Settings

Run a test on your thermostat, ensuring the heating system works properly. If you have a digital thermostat, ensure it is set to the correct temperature. If your thermostat isn’t digital, go through each setting until you find one that seems right for the current weather conditions.

Prepare the Heating Vents

When the weather starts to get colder, it’s essential to prepare your heating vents. If you have a chimney or other type of vent, make sure that there aren’t any leaves or debris in the way that could block airflow. This will ensure that your furnace is working properly and won’t cause problems down the road.

Check the Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if it builds up in your home. It’s important to check your carbon monoxide detector. If you don’t have one installed yet, consider purchasing one now to install it before temperatures start getting colder.

Clean the Heat Exchanger

To keep your furnace working efficiently, you must clean the heat exchanger. This is the furnace part where air passes over a hot surface and produces heat. Dust, dirt, and other debris can build up on this surface over time, making your home colder than usual.

Hire Legacy Heating for a Complete Furnace Tune-Up

If you’re still having difficulty with your furnace, it may be time to seek help from a professional HVAC technician at Legacy Heating and Cooling. They can come out and perform a complete furnace tune-up to make sure that it is functioning properly and should be able to solve any issues that you are having.

Conclusion

The cold months are upon us, and with them comes the need for proper HVAC system maintenance. From checking your air filter to having a professional inspect your heating unit, these steps can help ensure that you and your family are safe and warm this winter.

In dealing with furnace maintenance, you can rely on the experts at Legacy Heating to provide you with quality service. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.