While Phoenix winters are not nearly as severe as those in other areas of the country, you still need a reliable furnace to keep your home comfortable. At Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating & Plumbing we know that proper furnace maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and ensuring efficient heating. Follow these winter furnace maintenance tips to keep your system running smoothly all season long.
1. Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter
- Frequency: Check monthly, replace every 1-3 months
- Why it’s important: A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and potentially overheat
- Consequences of neglect: Short cycling, premature component failure, increased energy bills
- How-to: Locate the filter housing, remove the old filter, and insert the new one following the airflow direction arrows
2. Check and Update Your Thermostat
- Frequency: At the start of each heating season
- Why it’s important: Ensures accurate temperature control and efficient furnace operation
- Consequences of neglect: Inconsistent heating, wasted energy, higher bills
- How-to: Replace batteries, program winter settings, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat
3. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
- Frequency: Before the heating season (continue checking monthly)
- Why it’s important: Ensures proper airflow and reduces fire hazards
- Consequences of neglect: Reduced efficiency, potential safety risks
- How-to: Remove clutter within 30 inches, check the flue for debris, and run the furnace briefly with windows open to clear dust
4. Inspect and Clean Ductwork
- Frequency: Annually
- Why it’s important: Maintains efficient airflow and good air quality
- Consequences of neglect: Reduced heating efficiency, poor air quality, higher energy bills
- How-to: Check for visible damage, look for fallen insulation, consider professional cleaning if needed
5. Perform a Safety Check
- Frequency: Annually, before the heating season
- Why it’s important: Prevents carbon monoxide leaks and ensures safe operation
- Consequences of neglect: Potential health hazards, risk of fire or gas leaks
- How-to: Test CO detectors, check for gas smells, ensure vents are clear, inspect for corrosion
6. Schedule Professional Maintenance
- Frequency: Annually, ideally in early fall
- Why it’s important: Ensures comprehensive care beyond DIY capabilities
- Consequences of neglect: Missed early warning signs, reduced efficiency, potential for major breakdowns
- How-to: Contact a professional HVAC service, request a full system check and safety inspection
Trust Wolfgangs for Expert Furnace Maintenance in Phoenix, AZ
At Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we’ve kept Phoenix homes comfortable for over 40 years. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained to service all makes and models of furnaces, including gas furnaces and two-stage systems.
We offer:
- Comprehensive annual maintenance programs
- 24/7 emergency repair services
- Free duct inspections with every tune-up
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
Don’t wait for a breakdown to think about your furnace. Proper maintenance now can save you from costly furnace repairs and ensure a warm, comfortable winter.
Ready to prepare your furnace for winter? Call Wolfgangs at 928-766-0872 or schedule your furnace maintenance online today!
Remember, in Phoenix’s unique climate, a well-maintained furnace isn’t just about comfort—it’s about energy efficiency and saving money on your heating bills all winter long.
