How to Winterize Your Home’s Heating System: A Complete Checklist

Pennsylvania and West Virginia winters are known for their dramatic weather fluctuations and bone-chilling temperatures. Whether it’s ice and snow one week and a breezy the next, you want to make sure your Morgantown or Pittsburgh heating system is ready for anything.

The team at Absolute Heating & Air is always here for your Pittsburgh and Morgantown heating repairs, maintenance, and installation needs. We service furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and more to get you the warmth you need. But in this post, we’ll guide you through your must-do checklist to get your home ready for the winter season ahead.

Of course, if you have any questions or need to schedule service, our Pittsburgh HVAC and Morgantown HVAC experts are just a phone call away!

Inspect and Clean Up Your Furnace

Start your winterization checklist by looking for obvious signs of dirt, wear, and tear on your furnace. Even a small amount of dust and debris can build up over time and clog the components of your system. The results are poor efficiency or overheating. Wipe down accessible areas with a damp cloth, but it’s best to leave deep cleaning to the pros. Absolute Heating & Air provides thorough furnace maintenance in Morgantown and Pittsburgh to keep your system spotless and ready to perform.

Don’t Neglect Your Air Filters

Clogged air filters are often the cause of a struggling, underperforming furnace. Despite being a simple fix, it makes a big difference in the warmth of your home and your energy bills. Swap out or change your air filters before winter to keep your furnace circulating warm air more efficiently and keep your energy consumption in check. 

This small step will pay off big this winter. If you’ve never done it before and aren’t sure about the process, give us a call! One of our heating and cooling experts will come out for routine maintenance and can show you how to change your air filter. 

Check On Your Ductwork

Did you know your ductwork can form microscopic tears and send warm air straight into attics, crawl spaces, and areas you don’t want to waste valuable heat on? Leaky ductwork forces your furnace to work harder while shortening its overall lifespan. If you notice any gaps or holes, you can try using metal tape to seal them temporarily. 

Ductwork problems are best left to the professionals. Give our techs at Absolute Heating & Air a call and we’ll perform a duct inspection, making sure your ducts are sealed tight and your warm air stays where it belongs.

Insulate Any Exposed Ductwork

Does your ductwork run through unheated spaces? Add insulation to prevent heat loss and keep your home as energy-efficient as possible. You’ll probably see your energy bills dip or stabilize after this simple step. Absolute Heating & Air offers ductwork insulation in your attic, basement, and beyond to maximize your comfort and long-term savings.

Double Check Your Thermostat

To maintain a steady, comfortable temperature in your home, calibrate your thermostat properly. Look over your thermostat by adjusting the settings and making sure your furnace responds the way it should. If it’s acting up or you’re ready for an upgrade, call our Pittsburgh and Morgantown teams to assist with any repairs or replacements.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Safety

A furnace should work seamlessly and keep you and your family safe and warm. But there are safety hazards to consider. If there’s an issue with the ventilation or other part of your heater, you want to make sure you’re not vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. Test your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re operational. It’s also a good idea to change out the batteries once a year. A good working carbon monoxide detector is also crucial to detect leaks in gas furnaces.

Clear the Area Around Outdoor Units and Vents

It’s simple to forget that your heating system also has components outside of your home. Make sure your outdoor vents and heating units are completely clear of leaves, snow, and debris for a smooth, consistent airflow. Check these areas every few months, or after a storm, and hose down your unit to remove dirt buildup. You’ll increase your system’s efficiency and keep your home warm through those icy nights.

Maintain or Replace Your Humidifiers

Depending on your furnace and home, you may need a humidifier to combat the dry winter air. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and reduces the cold feeling in your home while helping your furnace work more effectively. If you already have a humidifier, make sure it’s cleaned out and ready to go this winter.

Monitor Your Energy Bills

Nobody wants surprise spikes in their energy bills. Keep an eye on your utility costs throughout the winter season. A sudden increase could be as simple as a snowstorm rolling through and needing more heat. But if you have sudden, unexplained increases, it’s probably an issue with your heating system.

Schedule a Furnace Inspection

The last step to winterize your home is among the most important: Schedule a professional inspection. The heating experts at Absolute Heating & Air offer comprehensive furnace tune-ups in Morgantown and Pittsburgh. Our team will come out as soon as possible to clean, test, and prep your furnace for winter, giving you more peace of mind that your home will stay warm and safe.

Call Absolute Heating & Air to Get Your Home Winter Ready

Don’t let a neglected furnace leave you and your family in the cold. Call Absolute Heating & Air for all of your furnace maintenance, repairs, and replacements in Morgantown and Pittsburgh. Schedule your heating service today for a worry-free winter!

Learn More About Heating Maintenance in Morgantown, Pittsburgh & Beyond

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

• 10 Essential Heating Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner
• 5 Common Furnace Maintenance Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid