How to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter in North Texas

February 12, 2024

While North Texas winters are generally milder than many parts of the country, cold snaps can still arrive quickly, and the last thing any homeowner wants is a furnace that isn't ready to perform. Old Glory Air Conditioning and Heating shares practical steps Arlington area homeowners can take to prepare their heating system before temperatures drop.

Schedule a Professional Furnace Inspection

The single most effective step homeowners can take is scheduling a professional heating system inspection before winter arrives. A technician can check for worn components, test safety controls, and confirm your system is ready to handle the demands of the season ahead.

Replace Your Air Filter

A clean air filter supports proper airflow and system efficiency. Replacing your filter before the heating season begins helps your furnace run more effectively and reduces strain on the blower motor throughout the winter months.

Test Your System Before You Need It

Rather than waiting for the first genuinely cold day to discover a problem, it's worth turning on your heating system for a short test run while temperatures are still mild. This gives you time to address any issues before you're relying on the system daily.

Check Your Thermostat Settings and Batteries

If your thermostat uses batteries, replacing them before winter helps avoid an inconvenient failure during a cold spell. It's also a good time to confirm your programmable settings are configured appropriately for the upcoming season.

Inspect Vents and Registers

Walking through your home to confirm all vents and registers are open and unobstructed by furniture or curtains helps ensure even airflow throughout your house once the heating season begins in earnest.

Consider a Carbon Monoxide Detector Check

For homes with gas furnaces, confirming that carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly is an important safety step before relying heavily on your heating system for the season.

Clear Debris From Outdoor Components

If your heating system is part of a combined heat pump setup, clearing leaves, debris, and vegetation away from the outdoor unit helps ensure proper airflow and performance once cooler weather sets in.

Address Any Lingering Issues From Last Season

If you noticed any unusual noises, uneven heating, or performance issues the previous winter, addressing them before the new season begins is far better than waiting for the problem to resurface during a cold spell.

Why Early Preparation Pays Off

Furnace problems are always more inconvenient, and sometimes more expensive to resolve, when discovered during an active cold snap rather than caught ahead of time through routine preparation and inspection.

Our team helps Arlington area homeowners prepare their heating systems each year, providing thorough inspections and honest recommendations before the cold weather arrives.

Schedule Your Furnace Check-Up