Heating systems almost always fail on the coldest night of the year, usually because small issues went unchecked through the fall. A little maintenance before winter prevents most no-heat surprises. Here is a homeowner checklist.
Do this yourself before winter
Replace or clean the air filter, clear furniture and rugs away from vents and return grilles, and test your thermostat by running a short heat cycle. For a heat pump, keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris. Confirm exhaust and intake terminations are unobstructed, and test your carbon monoxide detector.
What a professional tune-up covers
A technician inspects combustion and the heat exchanger, checks gas pressure and electrical connections, verifies refrigerant charge on heat pumps, cleans and tests the blower, and confirms the safety controls work. These are the items a homeowner cannot safely check.
Warning signs not to ignore
Short-cycling, unusual smells, a yellow or flickering burner flame, steadily rising energy bills, or weak airflow all warrant a professional look before the cold sets in.
Heat-pump-specific winter prep
Keep the coil and the area around the outdoor unit clear of leaves and snow. A heat pump will periodically enter a brief defrost cycle in cold, damp weather, which is normal and not a fault.
Why fall is the best time
Booking maintenance in the fall avoids the peak-season wait and catches small problems before they become a breakdown on the coldest night.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a furnace be serviced?
Annually is the standard recommendation, ideally before the heating season, in addition to regular filter changes.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Typically every one to three months depending on the filter type, pets and usage. A clogged filter strains the whole system.
Is a yellow burner flame a problem?
A healthy gas flame is crisp blue. A yellow or flickering flame can signal incomplete combustion and should be checked promptly.
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