Winter-Ready Furnace Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Cozy and Efficient

As temperatures drop across the Mid-Ohio Valley, ensuring your heating system is in prime condition becomes essential for comfort and energy efficiency. At Morrison, Inc., we’ve been providing outstanding HVAC service to residents in Marietta, OH, Parkersburg, WV, and surrounding communities since 1961. Our expertise in furnace service and heating repair has taught us that preventative maintenance is key to avoiding mid-winter emergencies and extending the life of your heating system.

DIY Furnace Maintenance Tips Anyone Can Do

While professional furnace service is essential, there are several maintenance tasks homeowners can perform to keep their heating systems running smoothly between professional visits:

1. Replace Air Filters Regularly

Clean filters are crucial for efficient operation and good indoor air quality. We recommend checking your filter monthly during heavy use seasons and replacing it at least every three months. A clogged filter forces your furnace to work harder, increasing energy costs and reducing system lifespan.

2. Clear Vents and Registers

Ensure all vents and registers are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Blocked vents can cause pressure imbalances in your system, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage.

3. Check Your Thermostat

Verify your thermostat is working properly by:

• Making sure it displays the correct temperature
• Testing whether the furnace responds to adjustments
• Considering an upgrade to a programmable model for energy savings

4. Clean Around Your Furnace

Keep the area around your furnace clean and free of dust, debris, and stored items. Your furnace needs proper airflow and presents a fire hazard if flammable items are stored too close.

5. Listen for Unusual Noises

Become familiar with how your furnace normally sounds. New or unusual noises such as banging, rattling, or squealing often indicate issues that require professional attention before they escalate.

When to Call Morrison, Inc. Professionals

While DIY maintenance is valuable, certain situations demand professional expertise. Contact our heating service experts when:

• Your furnace fails to start or produce heat
• You notice strange odors (particularly gas smells)
• Your carbon monoxide detector activates
• Energy bills suddenly increase without explanation
• Your system cycles on and off frequently (short cycling)

The Value of Annual Professional Furnace Service

We recommend scheduling professional furnace maintenance annually, ideally before the heating season begins. Our comprehensive service includes:

• Inspecting heat exchangers for cracks
• Testing safety controls and gas pressure
• Lubricating moving parts
• Cleaning burners and checking flame sensors
• Inspecting electrical connections

As your hometown HVAC specialists in the Mid-Ohio Valley since 1961, Morrison, Inc. is committed to keeping your home comfortable year-round with our expert heating and furnace services. Whether you’re in Marietta, Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vienna, Belpre, or St. Marys, our team is ready to help with all your heating needs. Remember: preventative maintenance not only ensures comfort during cold months but also maximizes your system’s efficiency and lifespan.