Phoenix is known for its very hot summers, but many who have lived here for a long time know that the desert can get very chilly in the winter, especially at night. It gets quite cold, perhaps even below freezing, and the temperature drops into the 30s. At that point, your heater is as necessary as your air conditioner. You don’t want to find out that your heating system isn’t working on the first chilly night of the year. That’s why one of the best things you can do to make sure your furnace works well, is safe, and keeps you comfortable is to get it ready before winter.
Why it’s still important to prepare your furnace in Arizona
Even though winters in Phoenix are milder than in northern regions, the abrupt changes in temperature and dry desert air can put a lot of stress on your heating system. A lot of people who own homes don’t use their furnace for months at a time. When a system isn’t used, dust collects, parts wear down without anybody noticing, and small problems can escalate into big fixes.
The easiest approach to do the following is to tune up your furnace before the season starts:
- Avoid unexpected breakdowns
- Improve heating efficiency
- Reduce energy bills
- Eliminate safety risks like gas leaks or carbon monoxide
- Extend the life of your furnace
- Maintain warranty coverage
It’s not true that your heater needs less upkeep just because you don’t use it as often. In fact, regular maintenance is much more necessary if you haven’t used anything in a long time.
Steps to Get Your Furnace Ready
1. Schedule a Professional Inspection
The most crucial thing to do to get your furnace ready is to set up an annual tune-up for your heating system. An experienced HVAC technician will:
- Inspect burners and heat exchangers
- Test electrical components and safety switches
- Check for gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks
- Clean internal components
- Lubricate motors and moving parts
- Verify airflow and temperature output
- Confirm thermostat accuracy
This level of inspection is essential—not just for performance, but for your family’s safety.
2. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
Dirty filters block airflow, making your system work harder and raising your bills and lowering your comfort. Dust and pollen make it necessary to change filters in Arizona every one to two months. Use a new filter to start the heating season.
3. Check Vents and Registers
Check to see that all of your home’s supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or drapes. For even heating, airflow must be right.
4. Test Your Thermostat Before You Need It
Change your system to heat mode and check if warm air is coming out of the vents. Call a professional right away if the furnace won’t start, blasts cold air, or smells strange. You may also set up distinct heating plans for the cooler months on smart thermostats.
5. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
Keep the space around your furnace free of trash, paint cans, boxes, and other things that could catch fire, whether it’s in a garage, utility room, or closet. This makes the air flow better and gets rid of fire risks.
6. Consider Upgrading an Old Furnace
If your system is older than 15 years, breaks down all the time, or doesn’t heat evenly, it could be time to get a new, energy-efficient one. Newer units make you more comfortable, cut your utility expenses, and make the air inside your home cleaner.
Don’t Wait Until the First Cold Night
A lot of people in Phoenix don’t worry about their furnace until they need it. At that point, HVAC contractors get a lot of service calls, and repairs often take longer than expected. A preseason check will make you feel better and make sure your system is ready to go as soon as the weather turns cold.
Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling provides skilled furnace tune-ups, safety checks, repairs, and replacements for homes in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, and other areas. Make an appointment early and remain toasty all winter long.
Tru Comfort Heating & Cooling In The Phoenix Valley
At Tru Comfort Heating & Cooling, we deliver reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to enhance comfort and water quality. Whether you need HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, or water treatment solutions, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today for exceptional service from an insured and bonded HVAC company. Experience reliable and efficient solutions that exceed your expectations.
