Chicago winters are not for the weak, and not knowing how to maintain your furnace year-round can make these colder months feel even colder. With the right preparation, however, you can not only prevent a total system failure but set your home up to save more money and keep you nice and warm, even when temperatures plummet.
From furnace-related maintenance to some quick home improvements, there are plenty of ways to improve your furnace efficiency even after temperatures drop below the dreaded 0°F.
Chicago Cold Weather Prep
For best results, make sure you are maintaining your HVAC system year-round to have it running in top shape when you need it the most. Paired with some basic improvements, you’re sure to set the stage to reduce heating bills and settle in for a nice, cozy Chicago winter.
Replace Filters On Schedule
Furnace filters should be replaced on a regular schedule, often every 1 to 3 months. The schedule you need to follow depends on:
- Filter thickness
- Filter material
- Degree of debris in your home (e.g. homes with pets may need to replace more often)
Filters seem to get dirtier during the winter, so you may need to reevaluate your replacement schedule during these more frigid months. As far as repairs go, replacing a filter is much cheaper than the costly repairs a clogged filter can cause, not to mention the discomfort that comes from an inefficient or out-of-order heating system.
Inspect Your HVAC System BEFORE Temperatures Drop
It’s recommended to have annual service performed before you’re depending on your system daily, but if you’ve missed the ideal fall window don’t worry. Having your HVAC system inspected by a professional earlier is always better than waiting for an emergency.
While you can certainly perform a visual inspection of ductwork and other visual components, professional technicians have access to years of experience alongside advanced diagnostic tools that provide the clearest understanding of your system’s functionality. Routine inspections often catch issues before they manifest, saving you time, money, and discomfort.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are worth much more than their coolness factor and novelty suggest. In other words, “smart” is more than a flashy marketing gimmick.
These new-age thermostats feature years of technological advancement and sophisticated tools that allow you to set up schedules that optimize your home’s climate, reducing stress on your system and ensuring 24-hour comfort in your home.
Smart thermostats also keep track of metrics that can help predict issues in your home. Patterns such as energy consumption are invaluable, especially if you’re not home when these issues occur. Mobile monitoring and control are another major benefit, alerting homeowners to potential issues and giving you the power to get the house comfortable when you’re on the way home.
Seal Up Drafty Windows and Doors
Windows and doors may not be directly linked to your HVAC system, but they have a direct impact on its performance. Taking time to inspect these portals to the outside world for gaps or loose fittings is one of the best ways to reduce the strain on your furnace when the cold weather finally sets in.
Fills any open spaces with caulk or foam, and replace worn weatherstripping before it becomes a problem. You can even cover older windows with clear plastic film to seal off drafts, then cover them with energy efficient drapes, blinds, or even blankets.
5 Ways to Aid Your Furnace During a Chicago Polar Vortex
Routine maintenance sets your furnace up for success, but you need to be a team player once that vortex finally settles in.
Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
While it may seem counterintuitive, ceiling fans are a great way to circulate warm air and reduce the strain on your furnace. Simply find the switch on the fan and set it to reverse.
This causes the blades to turn clockwise, pushing air up instead of down. They draw up the warm air your furnace pushes out from the vents, leading it to fill the room instead of settling nicely around the vent.
If you don’t have a ceiling fan, rotary fans are a great substitute.
Set Up a “Warm Room”
It’s important to set appropriate expectations and plan for them when cold weather approaches. While well-maintained furnaces should perform well even as temperatures approach 0°F, they may not be able to achieve the Holy Grail temperature of 68°F.
Setting up a warm room allows household members to have a place to slink off too when that cold is nipping a bit too hard at the bones. It also gives you a greater buffer in case of an emergency.
If you must, focus your weatherproofing efforts on this room. Make sure it is completely free of drafts, and keep all window coverings closed. Consider doubling up on window coverings, and use a draft stopper and a shut door to keep the room extra toasty.
Keep Garage Door Closed and Avoid Opening Exterior Doors
On that note, it’s a good idea to keep as many exterior doors (including your garage door) closed as much as possible throughout the day. This may mean consolidating outside trips, such as your daily mail run and your dog’s morning toilet time, or even banning your children from their usual in-and-out routine.
Keeping the garage door closed is the baseline for this tip. The garage space holds plenty of air that helps insulate the home, but opening the garage door quickly rids your home of that effortless protection.
Keep an Eye on Your Outdoor Intake and Exhaust Pipes
Efficiency goes beyond reducing your heating bills and encompasses keeping your HVAC system, your home, and your health as safe as possible. While you should limit your trips outside, make sure you’re taking time to keep an eye on your furnace’s outdoor intake and exhaust pipes at least every 2 weeks in colder months.
These are the white or black PVC pipes that stick out of your home near where your furnace rests inside. You should have at least 5 feet of clearance around the pipes (meaning no encroaching plant growth), and when cold weather hits you need to make sure there is no ice or snow blocking airflow.
Boost Humidity and Heat
A quick, easy, and sometimes tasty way to boost efficiency inside is simply to bake when it’s cold. This increases the humidity and adds a small amount of heat that your furnace is not responsible for, plus you get to snack at the end.
If baking isn’t your thing, consider setting up a humidifier in the colder months. The air gets colder during this time, with dry air increasing the rate of moisture evaporations from your skin and making it feel even cooler than it is. Adding moisture back to the air prevents this from happening, and you feel more comfortable at cooler temperature than you would otherwise.
Book Your Furnace Tune-Up Today!
Wantuck is not a new name in the area; we have been keeping Chicago comfortable since 1971, endeavoring to provide quality work in a timely fashion. When you book an appointment with Wantuck, you’re choosing a factory-authorized Carrier dealer and NATE-certified technicians to get your HVAC system running in top shape.
Call us today to book your winter furnace tune up, emergency repair, or discuss any other issues with your heating and air conditioning system.
People Also Ask
How do I keep my furnace from breaking down in a deep freeze?
Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your furnace from breaking down in a deep freeze. This includes regular air filter replacement alongside annual professional inspections and repairs.
What temperature should I set my thermostat during a polar vortex?
The Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat around 68°F to 70°F when you are home and away and lowering this when asleep or away from the home. As long as your furnace is working properly, this should keep your home warm without compromising efficiency or cranking up your utility bills.
How can I lower my heating bill without being cold?
Improving the overall efficiency of your home by sealing drafty areas and keeping your HVAC system in good operating condition can easily lower your heating bill when the time comes. Beyond this, make sure you are adapting your lifestyle to the cold weather by keeping exterior doors shut, using electric blankets or heating pads, and wearing comfortable layers inside.
Does a dirty filter make a furnace work harder in the cold?
Dirty filters make a furnace work harder as they restrict airflow, causing the blower fan to work harder. This often leads to higher energy costs and can cause overheating or short-cycling, uneven heating, and may even damage your HVAC system.