Colorado winters can be brutal, and the last thing you want is for your furnace to fail when temperatures drop below freezing. At Summit Heating & Air, we have helped thousands of Longmont homeowners stay warm through the coldest months. Here is our complete guide to preparing your furnace for winter.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and increasing energy bills. Replace your filter every 1-3 months. For homes with pets or allergy sufferers, monthly changes are best. A clean filter also improves indoor air quality.
2. Test Your Thermostat
Switch your thermostat to heating mode and set it a few degrees above room temperature. Listen for the furnace to start. If it does not respond, check the batteries or call a professional. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better efficiency.
3. Inspect and Clean Vents
Walk through your home and ensure all vents and registers are open and unobstructed. Vacuum away dust and pet hair. Blocked vents create pressure imbalances that strain your system and create uneven heating.
4. Check the Pilot Light
For gas furnaces, the pilot light should burn blue. A yellow or flickering flame may indicate incomplete combustion or a carbon monoxide risk. If you notice anything unusual, shut off the furnace and call for professional inspection immediately.
5. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Our 21-point furnace inspection covers burner cleaning, heat exchanger checks, blower motor testing, safety control verification, and carbon monoxide testing. A professional tune-up can prevent up to 80% of winter breakdowns and extend your system's lifespan.
"We had Summit do our annual tune-up last October. They found a cracked heat exchanger we never would have caught. They literally saved our family's safety." — Rebecca T., Longmont
6. Seal Air Leaks
Caulk around windows and doors, add weatherstripping where needed, and seal gaps in your ductwork. Every leak you fix reduces the workload on your furnace and lowers your heating bills.
When to Call a Professional
If your furnace is making unusual noises, cycling on and off frequently, producing weak airflow, or showing a yellow pilot light, do not wait. Call Summit Heating & Air at (833) 378-2513 for same-day service.