Tips to prepare heaters for cooler temperatures

(WKBN) - You may have already turned the heat on this season, but experts say it's still a good time to get maintenance done before winter.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means winter is right on our heels. You may have already experienced some of the chilly mornings as the calendar prepares to flip to November, which means you may be flipping the switch on your thermostat.

That said, it's not too early to prep your furnace for colder temperatures.

Calvin Clayton with Clayton Heating and Air Conditioning in Youngstown, Ohio, said getting preventative maintenance is always good.

Around this time of year is when the company starts getting an influx of service calls, so it is best to get on the schedule early. However, homeowners can make the first move in getting themselves ready for the colder months.

"Make sure the filter is clean. Check the drain lines for high-efficiency furnaces. Make sure those drain lines aren't plugged and run it through the operations," Clayton said. "Make sure that it's maintaining that temperature that you're looking for on the thermostat."

There's a range most homeowners can set their thermostats to in the winter, Clayton said, but this can change depending on a person's comfort.

"Most people mainly keep that thermostat between 68 and 72. That's going to be that nice spot that you're going to have comfort year-round," he said.

Clayton said it's also a good idea to check the PVC venting from the furnace leading outside, as it could get clogged with leaves. In addition, he said, you should start thinking about replacing your furnace if it's getting older, especially if it's getting close to the 15- or 20-year mark.

"We do, most of the time, connect to existing ductwork. So, what's there in the house most of the time will work in any application with the new systems. So, you can put a new system in with the existing ductwork," he said.

According to the U.S. Energy Department, proper maintenance and equipment upgrades can increase your comfort level and save you money in the long run. The department suggests using the "whole-house approach."

"By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with recommended insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can save about 30% on your energy bill while reducing environmental emissions," the department says.

While it may take some time, ensuring your heat is working properly is a smart move as winter approaches, so you'll want to hurry before the wait list starts heating up.