10 Essential Heating Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner

When the frigid weather settles over your home, the last thing you want is for your heater to unexpectedly call it quits. The good news is that some proactive care and a few simple steps can keep your furnace running as efficiently as possible all winter long. 

The team at Absolute Heating & Air is always here for heating maintenance in Morgantown and Pittsburgh, repairs, installations, and more. Routine maintenance keeps your home safe and comfortable while reducing your energy costs and avoiding unnecessary repairs.

We also put together our best tips for heating maintenance to keep your home cozy all winter long! Continue reading or reach out to our Morgantown and Pittsburgh heating pros if you have questions or need service!

1) Change Out Your Air Filter Regularly

Air filters play a simple yet pivotal role in the performance of your heating system. They do everything from trap dust to pet dander, pollen, pollution, and more to maintain your home’s indoor air quality. Clogged filters are one of the primary reasons for restricted airflow and inefficient heat. It can also aggravate respiratory conditions, asthma, and more. 

Your furnace’s age and heat usage determine how often you should replace your filter. We typically recommend changing out your filter every three months, but you may need to switch up your schedule to once a month if you have an older furnace, an older home, or use it throughout the day and night.

2) Clear the Junk Away from Your Vents

Another reason for restricted air flow? Blocked vents. Move furniture, books, curtains, and clutter away from your vents to maintain good airflow. The heat will move more consistently through your home and save your furnace from extra strain while extending the life of your system.

3) Avoid Drafty Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors are a nuisance and can wreak havoc on your heating system. When warm air escapes through the leaks, your furnace works overtime and your energy bills rise. You can quickly address the issue yourself with some weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and retain heat. You can also invest in an inexpensive door and window draft stopper to maximize your results.

4) Put Your Thermostat to the Test

Your thermostat needs periodic testing to keep your heater functioning at its best. Make sure your thermostat settings are correct and that they’re responding to the temperature you want. If something is off, try replacing the batteries, reset the system, or upgrade to a smart thermostat. When you have more control over your heating schedule and can optimize your comfort, you’ll also raise your heater’s efficiency while lowering your energy bills. 

5) Check on the Furnace’s Components

Your furnace has several moving parts, including motors and gears. When you hear clanking or grinding sounds, your furnace may need an immediate intervention. Treat any unusual sounds with urgency, as they could indicate a system failure in your furnace. Call the team at Absolute Heating & Air and our technicians will come out to take a look. We’ll make sure your furnace’s components are properly lubricated and make any necessary repairs.

6) Inspect the Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace, the pilot light offers invaluable clues about your furnace’s health. A steady, blue flame is a sign that everything is functioning properly. If the flame is yellow or flickering, there may be an issue with the gas supply or ventilation. An issue with the pilot light could be an emergency that puts your home at risk. Give us a call right away to diagnose and fix the problem. 

7) Clear the Area Around the Furnace

Just like other systems in your household, your furnace needs room to breathe. It keeps your home safer while optimizing its performance. Move clutter away from your furnace and avoid storing flammable items like cleaning products, cardboard boxes, or loose fabric nearby. You’ll reduce your risk of fire hazards while ensuring better airflow to your home.

8) Monitor Your Energy Bills

Winter energy bills may spike after a snowstorm or when hosting relatives for the holidays. But spikes for no reason are usually a sign something is wrong with your furnace. If you’ve already changed out your air filter and checked your thermostat, call the team at Absolute Heating & Air right away. We’ll figure out what’s going on and get on top of the problem before it spirals into a costly repair. 

9) Schedule an Annual Furnace Inspection

DIY maintenance can go a long way to keep your home cozy, but you still need a professional furnace check-up to keep everything in excellent working condition. From duct tears to hidden issues inside your furnace, our heating experts can spot problems before they get out of control. Give us a call and we’ll come out for a thorough inspection in the Pittsburgh and Morgantown areas to ensure your system is winter-ready and safe for use.

10) Call Absolute Heating & Air for Heating Maintenance in Pittsburgh and Morgantown

It’s not difficult to maintain your furnace, but it does require some consistent, high-quality care. Give the team at Absolute Heating & Air a call for all of your heater maintenance, repairs, and replacements in the Morgantown and Pittsburgh areas. Schedule your heating service today and stay cozy this winter!

Learn More About Heating Maintenance in Morgantown, Pittsburgh & Beyond

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• How to Winterize Your Home’s Heating System: A Complete Checklist
• 5 Common Furnace Maintenance Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid