Call Now
(855) 848-3970
Essential furnace and heating system maintenance to keep your family warm and safe all winter long
When the first cold snap hits, there's nothing worse than discovering your heating system isn't working. A furnace breakdown in the middle of winter isn't just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous, especially for families with young children or elderly members.
The good news? Most heating system failures are preventable with proper fall maintenance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to do to prepare your heating system before winter arrives, ensuring your family stays warm, safe, and comfortable throughout the cold season.
Heating Failures Occur in Winter
Energy Savings with Maintenance
Longer System Lifespan
Your heating system has been idle for months. During this dormancy, dust accumulates, components can corrode, and small issues can develop into major problems. Starting your furnace without maintenance is like driving a car that's been parked all year without checking the oil—you're inviting trouble.
Prevent carbon monoxide leaks and fire hazards with proper inspection
A tuned furnace uses up to 20% less energy than a neglected one
Catch problems early before they become expensive mid-winter emergencies
Maintain even heating throughout your home all winter long
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by gas furnaces and boilers. A cracked heat exchanger or improper venting can leak CO into your home, causing serious illness or death.
Install CO detectors on every floor and test them monthly.
If your CO alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Complete these essential tasks before the first freeze arrives
A clean filter is the most important maintenance task you can do. Dirty filters reduce efficiency by up to 15%, increase energy bills, and can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down.
Pro Tip:
Check filters monthly during heating season and replace every 1-3 months. Buy filters in bulk at the start of winter so you always have replacements on hand.
Before you need it, make sure your thermostat is working properly and communicating correctly with your furnace.
Testing steps:
Blocked vents reduce heating efficiency and create uneven temperatures throughout your home. They can also cause your furnace to work harder than necessary.
What to do:
The color of your furnace flame tells you a lot about its health and safety. This is a critical safety check you should perform every fall.
What the flame should look like:
Even the best furnace can't keep up with cold air rushing in through gaps and cracks. Proper insulation and draft sealing can reduce heating costs by 10-20%.
Priority areas to check:
While DIY maintenance is important, an annual professional inspection is essential for safety and optimal performance. HVAC technicians have specialized tools to detect problems you can't see.
Professional inspection includes:
Don't ignore these red flags—they could indicate serious problems
This indicates incomplete combustion and possible carbon monoxide production. Turn off your furnace and call a professional immediately.
Banging, rattling, screeching, or popping sounds indicate mechanical problems. These often get worse over time if ignored.
If your furnace turns on and off constantly (short cycling), it could be due to a faulty thermostat, clogged filter, or more serious issues.
Some rooms hot, others cold? This could indicate ductwork problems, failing blower motor, or insufficient insulation.
Burning smell, rotten egg odor (gas leak), or musty smells all require immediate attention. Don't run your system until inspected.
A sudden increase in heating costs means your system is working inefficiently, often due to a developing mechanical problem.
ServiceOne Warranty covers heating system repairs and annual maintenance. Get protected now and avoid expensive emergency repairs when temperatures drop.
Get Coverage NowStay warm while keeping your heating bills under control
Set your thermostat to 68°F when you're home and awake, and lower it to 60-65°F when sleeping or away. Each degree you lower saves about 3% on heating costs.
Smart upgrade: A programmable thermostat pays for itself in 1-2 years through energy savings. Program it to automatically adjust temperatures based on your daily schedule.
Open curtains on south-facing windows during sunny days to let in free solar heat. Close them at night to insulate against the cold glass.
Bonus tip: Thermal curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%, especially effective on large or older windows.
Run ceiling fans clockwise at low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling. This can make rooms feel 2-3 degrees warmer without touching the thermostat.
How to reverse: Look for a small switch on your fan's motor housing, usually near the blades. Switch it before turning the fan on.
Winter air is dry, which makes you feel colder. Use a humidifier to maintain 30-40% humidity. Humid air feels warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat.
Natural humidifiers: Houseplants, bowls of water near heat vents, and air-drying laundry indoors all add moisture to the air.
Close vents and doors in unused rooms to concentrate heat where you need it. But don't close more than 20% of vents—it can strain your furnace.
Smart alternative: Use space heaters in frequently occupied rooms, allowing you to lower the whole-house thermostat setting.
Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket and insulate hot water pipes. This reduces heat loss and eases the burden on your heating system.
Cost savings: Water heater insulation costs $20-30 and can save $20-45 annually. It pays for itself in the first year.
$300 - $600
By combining proper heating system maintenance with these energy-saving strategies, you can save $300-600 or more on your winter heating bills.
Preparing your heating system for winter isn't just about comfort—it's about safety, energy efficiency, and protecting your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide and freezing temperatures. The time you invest in fall maintenance pays dividends throughout the winter months in the form of lower energy bills, consistent comfort, and peace of mind.
Don't wait for the first freeze to discover your furnace isn't working. Start with these DIY tasks today, then schedule a professional inspection for complete assurance. Your family's comfort and safety are worth the investment.
Winter breakdowns don't just cost money—they can put your family at risk. Our comprehensive home warranty plans cover heating systems, water heaters, and all major home systems. Get 24/7 access to licensed professionals and never worry about winter emergencies again.