As temperatures begin to drop, now is the perfect time to make sure your heating system is ready for the season. A few simple maintenance tasks can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve efficiency, and keep your home comfortable all winter long.
Here are three easy things every homeowner should check before turning on the heat.
1. Replace Your Thermostat Batteries
Your thermostat is the control center for your heating system. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, most thermostats rely on batteries to operate properly.
Replacing the batteries at the start of each heating season can help prevent unexpected issues when you need your heat the most.
Depending on your thermostat model, replacing the batteries is simple:
Remove the thermostat faceplate from the wall-mounted base, or
Open the battery compartment on the front of the thermostat.
As a general rule, replace the batteries every fall, typically in September or October, before colder weather arrives.
2. Verify Your Heating System's Power Switch Is On
Even if your thermostat is set correctly, your heating system won't operate if its power switch has been turned off.
Many furnaces and boilers have a master power switch with a red cover located near the equipment or at the top of the basement stairs. Homeowners sometimes switch it off during the warmer months or use it to shut the system down in an emergency.
Before the heating season begins, confirm that the switch is in the ON position.
Keep in mind: If your home uses an indirect water heater that relies on your boiler to heat your water, the boiler should generally remain powered year-round. Only turn the system off if your home uses a separate electric or direct-fired water heater and you're certain it's appropriate to do so.
If your heating system isn't responding, checking this switch is one of the quickest troubleshooting steps you can take.
3. Check and Clean or Replace Your Air Filter
Clean air filters help your heating system operate efficiently while improving your home's indoor air quality.
How you maintain your filter depends on the type of system you have:
Furnaces: Replace the air filter regularly based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Many homes benefit from changing the filter every 1 to 3 months, though the schedule may vary depending on filter type, pets, and indoor air quality.
Heat pumps and ductless mini-splits: Wash reusable filters with warm, soapy water, allow them to dry completely, and reinstall them according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
A clean filter improves airflow, reduces strain on your system, and helps capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
Schedule Seasonal Heating Maintenance
While these simple checks can help prepare your home for colder weather, a professional heating tune-up is the best way to ensure your system is operating safely and efficiently before winter arrives.
Routine maintenance can identify small issues before they become costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and help extend the life of your heating equipment.
If you're due for seasonal heating maintenance, contact our team or use our online scheduling tool to book your appointment today.
