The crisp air and falling leaves mean Wintertime is approaching in the Charleston, South Carolina area. While locals may not experience severe cold compared to other regions, chilly nights require most Lowcountry homes to activate their furnaces for the first time in months. Having your furnace checked and tuned up by a professional is the best way to prepare for the cold season ahead. As the leading HVAC company serving homeowners in Mount Pleasant, SC, and Charleston, SC, we recommend following these helpful tips to ensure your home’s heating system is ready for winter duty.
Cold Weather Furnace Preparation Tips:
Inspect, Clean, or Replace Air Filters
Furnace air filters keep dust and debris from clogging internal components. But filters inevitably become loaded with particulate over months of summer air conditioner runtime. If they go unchanged heading into winter, restricted airflow reduces efficiency and strains your furnace unnecessarily. Checking, cleaning, or installing fresh filters is essential maintenance before switchover season. For most systems, we recommend replacing filters every three months. If your current filter looks overly dirty, give us a call. Our technicians can assess if cleaning or replacement is the better option based on your model and runtime.
Clear Space Around Vents
For even distribution of warm air throughout your home, floor and wall supply vents must remain unobstructed. Scan rooms with forced air systems carefully and relocate any furniture, rugs, or other items potentially blocking free airflow. Leave at least 12 to 15 inches of clearance in front of each vent. Tip – avoid placing vents behind beds or sofas to allow proper airflow.
Seal Air Leaks
Even minor air gaps around windows, doors or unfinished walls leak out substantial heated air. Sealing them with caulk, insulation, or weather stripping pays major dividends for winter warmth and efficiency. Added benefits are reduced dust infiltration leading to cleaner indoor air, and lower energy bills! Call our service team for an energy audit anytime – we use advanced diagnostic tools to precisely locate sources of air leaks in your home.
Inspect Refrigerant Lines
Split system heat pumps and air conditioners rely on refrigerant gas lines running between outdoor condenser units and indoor furnaces or air handlers. If damaged or leaks develop, the units cannot operate properly. Carefully examine lines for signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks before it gets cold. Refrigerant gases require specialized equipment and expertise to safely repair leaks and recharge, so contact us immediately if you spot any issues.
Have a Professional Tune-Up
By far the most thorough and reliable way to prep your furnace is scheduling a professional pre-season tune up. Our certified HVAC technicians will meticulously inspect all aspects of your furnace, including the heat exchanger, burners, combustion components, control circuitry, blower motor, duct connections and more. We’ll clean and replace any worn parts, adjust components for peak efficiency, confirm proper operation, and help troubleshoot any existing issues before winter weather sets in. Investing in preventative maintenance helps avoid untimely, costly breakdowns down the road!
Consider Upgrades
If your furnace is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern high-efficiency model may offset replacement costs through lower energy consumption and utility bills. New systems boast advanced airflow optimization, multi-stage burners for precise temperature control, and safety features like automatic shutoffs to prevent issues like frozen pipes. We offer excellent deals on replacement installations completed during slower pre-winter months. Ask about potential rebates from local energy providers too!
Stay Safe from Carbon Monoxide
Furnace malfunctions can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks into living areas. Installing combination smoke and CO detectors on every level safeguards your family against this odorless, colorless threat. Ensure existing detectors have fresh batteries and test monthly by pressing test buttons. Replace units exceeding five to seven years old. Remember, early CO warning signs like headaches, dizziness, and nausea mimic common illnesses – never ignore detector alarms!
You’re Ready for Winter with Us
Don’t leave your home’s winter readiness to chance. The licensed technicians in our company specialize in furnace preparation, maintenance, repairs, and replacements. We take pride in keeping homes comfortable amid Lowcountry seasonal shifts. Contact us today to schedule no-obligation consultations, tune-ups, or estimates on upgraded HVAC systems before the cold arrives!