7 Important Tips for Home Heating System Maintenance

Person replacing an air filter in a home.

As fall settles in and temperatures begin to dip, many Alabama homeowners are turning on their heating systems for the first time in months. Just like air conditioners, heaters work harder during peak seasons, which can lead to added strain, wear and potential breakdowns if not properly maintained. To keep your system running smoothly all season long, here are seven essential tips for maintaining your home’s heating system this fall.


1. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly


A clogged filter can reduce airflow and lead to a build-up of dirt and dust on the furnace components. This can eventually cause the furnace to overheat and break down. Additionally, a dirty filter can cause the furnace to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. It’s recommended that furnace filters be changed every one to three months. Regularly changing filters can help extend your furnace's life and keep your energy bills low. If you're unsure how to change the filter, contact a professional HVAC technician for help.


2. Inspect Your Ducts for Leaks


Inspecting your furnace ducts regularly is essential to keeping your home free from leaks and ensuring a healthy, comfortable living space. Signs of air leakage include:

  • Flaking insulation
  • Moisture around the ducts
  • Gaps in connections
  • Visible dirt inside the ducts


3. Clean Your Vents and Registers


Cleaning your vents and registers regularly is a simple yet effective way to keep your heating system running smoothly. Over time, dust, pet hair and other debris can accumulate in these areas, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder than needed. This can lead to higher energy bills and poor indoor air quality. 


By giving your vents a quick vacuum or wipe-down every few weeks, you’ll help ensure that warm air circulates freely throughout your home while also minimizing allergens and keeping your heating system in better condition for the long run.


4. Keep Combustible Items Away From Your Heating System


Combustible materials like paper and fabric can easily ignite, potentially resulting in a devastating fire. That's why it's important to keep anything that could burn at least 3 feet away from your furnace, water heater or any other type of heating system.

 

5. Monitor Your Energy Usage


Keeping an eye on your energy bills during the winter months is a simple but effective way to monitor the performance of your heating system. A sudden spike in costs often signals an underlying issue with your system. By catching these issues early, you can address problems before they lead to costly repairs or wasted energy. 


6. Avoid DIY Fixes


Even with proper maintenance, heating systems can sometimes break down, and when they do, it’s best to leave the repairs to a professional. Attempting a DIY fix may seem like a cost-saving option, but tinkering with the system can often lead to more damage, higher repair costs or even safety risks.


Professional technicians have the training, experience and tools needed to quickly diagnose the issue and restore your system. By relying on expert service, you not only save time and money in the long run but also gain peace of mind knowing the job is done safely and correctly.


7. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance


Like any complex system, heating systems and HVACs require regular maintenance to ensure that they are running efficiently and safely. That's why it's always a good idea to have a qualified technician inspect and tune up your system annually. Routine maintenance can also help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your system, helping you save in more ways than one.


Need Help With Your Heating System? Call the Experts at C&G!


If you're looking to get your heater serviced, C&G Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help! Located in Smiths Station, we provide commercial and residential HVAC services to Phenix City, Auburn, Opelika and Columbus.


Whether it’s regular maintenance, timely repairs or system upgrades, we provide reliable and cost-effective solutions designed to keep your home comfortable for years ahead. Contact our team today at 334-489-3329 for a free estimate. To learn more about other services, including AC repairs and ductwork maintenance, click the link here.

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