Updated 4/24/24

Are you thinking about putting your heating system maintenance on the back burner this year? Think again.

Remember that your heater is also responsible for regulating your overall indoor air quality in addition to helping to keep you warm in the winter months. Plus, if your heater isn’t working properly, it’s easy for you to end up with sky-high heating and energy bills.

In other words, there are lots of different consequences for failing to schedule a heating system service or conducting the proper maintenance.

So, what sort of heating maintenance should you make sure you conduct before winter hits?

Keep on reading this post in order to find out.

1. Switch Out The Filter
Let’s start with the most common entry on any furnace maintenance checklist: changing the filter.

First of all, remember that this is important because a dirty filter negatively impacts the overall air quality in your home.

If your filter is covered in dust, dirt, and other debris (including pet hair,) all that junk will end up being filtered back into your home’s air. Plus, a filter that’s clogged with debris also won’t be able to work as effectively.

Filter-Replacement

This translates to uneven temperatures in your home, potential problems with the system, and, worst of all, higher heating bills.

When you want to learn how to switch out your filter, check out this helpful tutorial.

2. Ask A Pro To Remove Debris From The Burners

What’s another part of central heating servicing that you should be sure you don’t skip out on?

Getting rid of any debris on the burners themselves. During the summer months, when the heating system isn’t in use, it’s easy for dust and dirt to build up.

We suggest that you don’t attempt to clean the burners on your own. However, you can vacuum the outside of the unit and the area around it.

Just make sure that the system is shut off completely before you get started.

You should also vacuum out the blower door. Especially if you’re concerned you’re missing a few spots, use a handheld flashlight to help you to spot black soot.

3. Make Sure The Vents Aren’t Blocked

While this step likely won’t require you to call on a central heating repair, it’s surprising just how many people completely forget about it.

Remember that vents are there to help improve the air’s ability to move freely throughout the home. If there’s a piece of furniture in the way, it’s tough for the vents to do their job.

For best results, we suggest that you leave about 18 inches of space between the vents in your home and the furniture.

Be aware that things like rugs and curtains can sometimes also obstruct the flow of air within your home.

4. Check out Your Thermostat
Make sure that you’ve switched your thermostat over to heating. This is another thing that a surprisingly high number of people forget.

But simply switching your thermostat over to heating sometimes isn’t enough.

To check that yours is in good working order, you should switch on the furnace and check out how long it takes for your thermostat to start responding.

And if you’re still working with a manual thermostat, make this the winter that you upgrade to a more modern option.

Man Adjusting Digital Central Heating Thermostat At Home
5. Oil The Blower

You might need to make sure that all of the parts are still in good working order before the winter season arrives, especially if you have an older heating system in your home.

One of the most important parts of the heating system is the furnace blower. It works to make sure that your heater is running efficiently. You should aim to have it professionally oiled once a year — though if the system is old, you may need to do it once a season.

A well-oiled blower also means that you won’t have to deal with any annoying squeaking sounds coming from your heater when it’s on.

6. Schedule A Professional Inspection

Of course, the most important step of heating maintenance is to call in a professional.

Especially if your heater has been making odd sounds, or if you’re concerned that it might be in need of heating system service, working with a professional ensures that you correctly identify the problem.

You’ll also be able to learn if you need to purchase any new parts for your system, or if your best bet is to replace it altogether.

For best results, make your appointment a month before winter really kicks in. This way, you’ll be certain that you have enough time to make any required replacements.

Make sure that you look for a company that offers a guarantee on their repairs, as well as 24-hour emergency service. You should also check out a company’s online reviews, to understand the level of service you’re likely to receive.

How long does heating maintenance typically take?

The duration of heating maintenance can vary depending on the type and condition of your system, but it generally takes a few hours for a thorough inspection and service.

Is it too late to schedule heating maintenance if winter has already started?

It’s never too late to schedule heating maintenance! Even if winter has already begun, it’s still beneficial to have your system inspected and serviced to ensure optimal performance throughout the season.

Need The Help Of A Heating Maintenance Professional?

We hope that our furnace maintenance checklist has helped you to know the best ways that you can prepare your heating system for the winter months.

And while some of the maintenance tips on this list are simple enough for you to handle on your own, others will likely require the help of a heating maintenance professional.

After all, you don’t want to end up accidentally damaging your system or hurting yourself in the process.

Check out the list of HVAC services that we have to offer, and get in touch with us when you’re ready to schedule your appointment. We even offer free estimates.