Is Your Heating System Ready for the Cold?

By Affordable Air

As the temperatures start to drop, your heating system becomes one of the most essential parts of your home. Whether you rely on a furnace or a heat pump, the cold weather can put a strain on your HVAC system, causing inefficiencies or even breakdowns when you need heat the most. Taking the right steps now can ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long.

How Cold Weather Affects Heating Systems

When the cold sets in, your heating system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. For furnaces, this can mean longer run times, increased energy consumption, and wear and tear on internal components. Heat pumps, on the other hand, may experience reduced efficiency in extremely low temperatures, as they extract heat from the outside air. The colder it gets, the harder the system works to find heat, which can lead to increased energy bills and potential malfunctions.

Steps to Ensure Your Heating System is Winter-Ready

• Schedule a Tune-Up – The best way to prepare for cold weather is with a professional inspection and tune-up. A certified technician will check for potential issues, clean components, and make adjustments to keep your system running smoothly.
• Change Your Air Filters – Dirty filters can restrict airflow, making your heating system work harder. Replace filters every 1-3 months to maintain efficiency.
• Check for Drafts – Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home and making your heating system work overtime.
• Inspect Thermostat Settings – Ensure your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy management.
• Monitor Heat Pump Performance – If you use a heat pump, check for ice buildup and ensure the outdoor unit is clear of debris. Regularly inspect the defrost cycle to keep the system functioning properly.
• Test the Furnace – Turn on your furnace before the cold hits to ensure it’s working properly. Listen for unusual noises and check for consistent airflow from vents.

ENERGY STAR publishes a helpful heating and cooling maintenance checklist ↗ that lines up with what our technicians check during a fall visit.

Warning Signs Your Heating System Needs Attention

• Strange noises such as banging, squealing or grinding when the system starts or runs.
• Short cycling, where the system turns on and off frequently without reaching the set temperature.
• Uneven heat, with some rooms much colder than others.
• A yellow or flickering burner flame on a gas furnace instead of a steady blue flame.
• A sudden jump in your heating bill without a change in weather or usage.
• A heat pump that stays encased in ice or blows cool air continuously in heat mode.

If you notice any of these, call us for furnace repair or heat pump repair before a small problem becomes a no-heat call on the coldest night of the year.

Safety First: Carbon Monoxide

Any home with a gas or propane furnace, boiler, water heater or fireplace should have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level and near sleeping areas. Test them when you change the clocks in the fall. If a detector sounds, get everyone outside and call 911 from a safe location.

Furnace, Heat Pump or Both?

Many homes in Southern Ohio use a heat pump paired with a gas or propane furnace, called a dual-fuel system. The heat pump handles mild weather efficiently, and the furnace takes over when temperatures drop. If your current system struggles every winter, our team can walk you through furnace replacement and heat pump installation options.

Simple Ways to Save on Heating This Winter

• Lower the thermostat a few degrees while you sleep or are away; a programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic.
• Open curtains on sunny days to let in free heat, and close them at night.
• Keep supply vents and return grilles clear of furniture and rugs.
• Run ceiling fans clockwise on low to push warm air down from the ceiling.
• Add weatherstripping to doors and seal gaps around windows and plumbing penetrations.

The Comfort Club Advantage

Want to keep your heating system in peak condition year-round? Join the Affordable Air Chillicothe Comfort Club for just $22.50 per month ($270 a year)! As a member, you’ll receive:

• Annual A/C and Furnace Tune-Ups
• Free Priority Service
• 10% Discount on Repairs
• Exclusive Deals

By staying proactive with regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your HVAC system, reduce energy bills, and enjoy uninterrupted comfort throughout the colder months. Don’t wait until winter is in full swing – sign up today and rest easy knowing your home will stay warm and cozy no matter how low the temperatures drop. Contact Affordable Air Heating and Cooling in Chillicothe to learn more and join the Comfort Club today!