Is your heating system ready for the coldest months of the year? Whether you own a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, taking good care of your heater is essential if you want to stay warm and comfortable throughout the season. If you want to learn how to prepare your heating system for winter, here are five things homeowners like you can do to help your HVAC unit get ready for colder temperatures.

Adjust Your Thermostat

The first thing you can do to prepare your heating system for winter is to adjust your thermostat. Homeowners can avoid wasted heat by setting temperatures that keep them comfortable while saving energy.

A programmable thermostat can help you balance comfort with energy savings throughout the winter season, so making the switch is a good idea. This small adjustment will help keep your heating system running efficiently, allowing you to program it to lower the temperature when you're away or asleep.

Clean or Replace the Air Filters

Clean filters help your heating system move heated air effectively, preventing your blower motor from overworking. If your air filters are clogged, however, your HVAC unit has to work harder to push warm air through the duct system, increasing your heating bills and risking costly repairs. Additionally, dirty air filters often lead to poor indoor air quality.

Before the cold season arrives, check your furnace filter and replace it if necessary. This simple task will keep your HVAC system running smoothly during the heating season. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters also improves both energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Keep Objects Away From Your Heater

Before winter arrives, be sure to move objects and furniture away from your heating equipment to allow for optimal airflow. Blocking your heating system can limit the amount of heated air reaching your living spaces, resulting in cold spots and wasted heat. Keeping the area around your HVAC system clear maximizes efficiency.

Additionally, maintaining a clear space around your heating system reduces the risk of fire hazards, as items near the heater could overheat or catch fire. This advice also applies to your air conditioner if it’s located near your heat pump or furnace — unrestricted airflow improves performance for both heating and cooling systems.

Perform a Test Run

It's a good idea to perform a test run of your heating system to ensure it's ready to handle the demands of winter. A test run can reveal potential issues that could compromise your HVAC system, allowing you to address them before they turn into costly repairs.

Turn on your heater and monitor it for any unusual sounds, smells, or signs of malfunction. If you notice inconsistent warm air output or strange noises from the blower motor, it’s time to have your HVAC system inspected. This is also a great opportunity to check your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure your household is prepared in the event of a leak.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Routine maintenance is a smart investment that keeps your heating system in good condition for the colder months. Schedule a professional inspection to have an expert check for air leaks, inspect the heat exchanger, and service other critical components of your HVAC system. Regular maintenance helps:

  • Maintain maximum efficiency
  • Reduce heating bills
  • Prevent poor indoor air quality
  • Extend the lifespan of your heating equipment

An HVAC technician will clean your system, check the thermostat, and ensure the ductwork is functioning properly. With regular maintenance, you'll avoid breakdowns during the winter season and extend the life of your HVAC units.

For Professional Heating System Services, Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Bucks County, we offer repair and maintenance services to help homeowners stay warm and cozy even on the coldest nights of the year. Whether you own a boiler, furnace, heat pump, or geothermal system, our team is just a phone call away, ready to provide the services you need to maintain comfort in your home.

Contact us today to schedule your service and ensure your home stays warm all winter long!