Star City | Furnace Maintenance Tips For Nebraska Winters

Advice For Homeowners, Heating

As the temperature begins to drop, ensuring your furnace is running in peak condition is more important than ever. In this blog we’ll guide you through the furnace maintenance process. From easy do it yourself tasks, to full-blown furnace tune-ups from our experienced technicians, make sure you’re ready for the Nebraska winter with furnace maintenance from Star City Heating & Cooling.

Posted by Payton | February 12, 2024 | Reading Time:

Furnace Maintenance Tips For Nebraska Winters

As the chill of the winter months set in across Nebraska, ensuring your furnace is in top condition becomes more important than ever. Neglecting furnace maintenance not only risks a mid-winter breakdown, but can also lead to higher energy bills and safety hazards.

In this blog, our team at Star City Heating & Cooling guides you through the maintenance process. We’ve provided routine furnace maintenance to Lincoln and the surrounding communities for years, and we know all about how to make your heating equipment ready for the challenges winter brings. Let’s get started!

Maintaining Your Furnace Yourself

Regular Filter Replacement

Furnace filters are your first line of defense against dust, debris and other contaminants. It’s recommended to check your filter monthly and replace it every 90 days, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a more dusty environment due to renovations or outdoor construction.

A clean filter improves air quality and efficiency, making your furnace work less to heat your home. Not sure what size or type of filter you need? Give our friendly team a call today, we’re well versed in all things filter and can easily identify and install your new furnace filter.

Thermostat Management

Checking your thermostat is one of the best ways to ensure your furnace runs in top shape over the coming months. If it’s battery operated, make sure they’ve been changed or are charged up before the heating season starts.

Also try adjusting the temperature a couple times a day to make sure everything is connected and operating as it should.

Remember, it’s also a good idea generally to lower the temperature when you’re not home to reduce the strain on your furnace. Even just lowering your thermostat by a few degrees while you sleep can make a significant difference.

Ensure Your Vents Are Cleared

Making sure you have proper airflow throughout your home is key to an efficient heating system.

Ensure any and all obstructions have been removed from your vents, like furniture or rugs, and then use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from the inside and outside of your registers.

Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation is key to furnace efficiency. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. Insulating your attic and walls also helps retain heat, reducing the workload on your furnace. If you suspect insulation issues throughout your home, our team can quickly provide solutions.

Keep the Area Around Your Furnace Clean

Ensure the area around your furnace is clear of storage items, especially flammable materials. This not only reduces fire risk but also improves ventilation and accessibility for maintenance or repairs.

Pay Attention to Unusual Noises or Smells

If you notice strange noises like banging, whistling, or grinding from your furnace, or unusual smells, contact Star City right away. These could be signs of serious issues needing immediate attention.

Annual Professional Inspection From Star City Heating & Cooling

While we do believe the above tips to be helpful from a DIY perspective, the absolute best way to maintain your furnace during our harsh Nebraska winters is by scheduling your annual furnace tune-up with the experienced technicians at Star City.

Your technician will identify issues like wear and tear, electrical problems, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Early detection can prevent costly repairs or replacements, and ensure your furnace runs efficiently throughout winter.

Here’s what you can expect from our industry-leading furnace tune-up service.

Inspect the Heat Exchanger – Check for any signs of corrosion, cracks, or damage.
Check the Burners – Ensure they are igniting properly and burning cleanly.
Examine the Blower Motor – Verify that it’s running efficiently and check its amp draw against the manufacturer’s specifications.
Test the Ignition System – Make sure it’s working reliably and safely.
Inspect the Flue Pipe – Look for any blockages, leaks, or signs of corrosion.
Check the Safety Controls – Ensure all safety mechanisms are in place and functioning properly.
Inspect the Electrical Connections – Tighten any loose connections and measure the voltage and current on the motor.

We will also thoroughly inspect your ductwork to make sure there is no contaminant build up that could hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of your furnace. Our technicians will:

Check for any signs of damage, leaks, or blockages.
Use specialized tools to thoroughly clean the ducts.
Seal any leaks if they are found to improve efficiency.

Benefits of Furnace Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your furnace not only ensures a warm and cozy Nebraska winter but also saves money and keeps your family safe. You’ll benefit from:

Lower heating bills
Longer furnace lifespan
Improved air quality
More consistent heating
Less frequent repairs

Become a Star City Member!

To help make furnace maintenance as stress-free as possible, we’re proud to offer our exclusive Healthy Homes Maintenance Plan. For one low monthly cost you’ll get:

Guaranteed priority service.
Customize your plan with your choice of safety inspections.
Service history record and review.
No warranty processing fee.
Exclusive members only specials on routine maintenance, repair and installation services.

With the Healthy Homes Maintenance Plan from Star City, you can rest easy knowing we’ve got your annual furnace maintenance under control.
Don’t wait for the deep freeze to settle in; take proactive steps today to guarantee a well-functioning furnace all winter long! Call Star City for your furnace maintenance service today!