3 Tips For A Winter Furnace Installation

A winter furnace breakdown is frustrating, but a prompt replacement can get you and your family warm again. There are some challenges that are unique to a winter furnace installation. The following guide can help you prepare your home while also mitigating some of the challenges of the season.

1. Seal off your home

One of your main objectives when the furnace breaks down is to keep the rest of your home as warm as possible — not just for comfort's sake but also to prevent pipes from freezing. You can help trap in heat by closing the drapes on all of your home's windows and shutting the doors to the parts of the home that the installation technician won't be immediately accessing.

A furnace installation can take several hours, which can be a problem if temperatures are sub-freezing. In this case, it may be worthwhile to safely use space heaters to maintain a livable temperature in other parts of the home during the installation — particularly in rooms where frozen pipes are a concern.

2. Clear the area

The area around your furnace and thermostat needs to be easily accessible for the technician. In many homes, the furnace is tucked away in a storage closet, garage, or basement. Verify that nothing impedes access, particularly if you have been moving things around near the furnace due to the season (such as unpacking holiday decor).

If you have pets, put them in a closed-off area of the home during the installation, since putting them outside may not be an option due to winter weather conditions. Your installation tech can work more quickly and safely if they have an area to work in that is cleared of both items and pets.

3. Ensure safe access

Safety is paramount. Although your furnace technician is likely insured, you still don't want to chance an injury on your property. Shovel the driveway, sidewalks, and any other areas where the tech may need outdoor access before the installation professional arrives. Apply deicer or sand, if necessary.

Indoors, remove any rugs or other tripping hazards. Your technician will be moving heavy equipment and carrying tools, which makes it more difficult to avoid hazards. Don't be concerned; most technician wear boot covers indoors so they won't track in snow and mud that could ruin the floors.

For more installation information and help, contact a heating installation service in your area.