When the colder months roll in, being proactive about prepping your heating system can save you a lot of headaches — and money — in the long run. If you’ve ever had your furnace give up during a freezing winter night, you know how quickly things can go south. That’s why doing some routine checks and simple maintenance before the chill sets in can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll go over ten essential tips to prepare your heating system for cold weather.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
First things first — furnace maintenance is vital to keeping your system running efficiently and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Having a professional inspect your furnace annually is one of the best furnace maintenance tips out there. Technicians can check for any wear and tear, loose parts, or signs of trouble. An expert can also address things you might not be able to, like inspecting the heat exchanger for any cracks that could lead to dangerous gas leaks.
Busy Bee Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers expert heating services in Nashville, so if it’s been a while since your last inspection, it might be time to give us a call.
2. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
A dirty air filter can reduce airflow and force your furnace to work harder than it should, driving up energy costs and potentially reducing its lifespan. The good news is that replacing your furnace filter is one of the easiest tips to prepare your heating system for cold weather.
Here in Nashville, TN, this simple maintenance task is important due to the area’s specific weather conditions. Nashville winters bring cold temperatures and occasional freezes, making a reliable heating system critical for staying warm. High humidity levels can also cause moisture buildup in your HVAC system, so a clean filter helps prevent mold growth and improves air quality.
Depending on your system, you’ll want to swap out the furnace filter every one to three months. If you have pets, allergies, or live in a particularly dusty area, it may need replacing more frequently. Regularly changing filters can also help improve indoor air quality.
3. Inspect the Furnace Blower Motor
The blower motor is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home. If it’s covered in dust and debris, it can’t do its job efficiently. Take a moment to clean the blower blades and remove dust from the area around the blower motor. You’ll also want to check that the blower fan spins freely and doesn’t make any unusual noises that could indicate loose parts.
This step is key for maintaining an efficient furnace and preventing unnecessary wear and tear on the motor. Most furnaces benefit from this simple inspection at the beginning of the heating season to stay in top condition.
4. Inspect and Clean Your Air Ducts
Dust and debris can accumulate in your home’s air ducts over time, causing blockages that make it harder for warm air to circulate throughout your house. To prevent your heating system from working harder than necessary, it’s a good idea to schedule air duct cleaning in Nashville, TN, with Busy Bee Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
This is one of the best furnace maintenance tips, as duct cleaning can ensure efficient operation of your heating system and improve the overall air quality in your home. It’s important to maintain good air quality in your home, particularly during winter when windows are often closed.
5. Test Your Thermostat
One of the easiest furnace maintenance tips is to inspect your thermostat. Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system, and you’ll want to make sure it’s working properly before cold weather hits. Set your thermostat to your desired temperature and see how your furnace responds. If the system doesn’t fire up right away, you might have an issue with your thermostat batteries or another part of the system.
Programmable or smart thermostats can be a huge help, allowing you to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule — saving energy and money.
6. Check for Obstructions
It’s easy for furnace ductwork to become clogged with dust or blocked by household items, especially if your furnace is in a basement or storage area. Double-check that there’s nothing blocking the furnace doors or covering vents. This will help the system function properly and avoid overheating. If your blower blades or blower fan are dirty or blocked by dust and debris, it could reduce your furnace’s efficiency and create potential safety hazards.
7. Inspect Your Furnace for Unusual
Sounds or Smells
When you turn on your furnace for the first time in the season, take a moment to listen. A healthy furnace should operate with a low hum. If you hear any banging, clanging, or other unusual noises, there could be something wrong with the blower motor, heat exchanger, or burner assembly.
Similarly, a burning smell could indicate dust burning off, which is normal if the furnace hasn’t been used in a while. However, persistent smells could point to a dirty burner or even a gas leak. If you suspect the latter, don’t hesitate to call a professional for an immediate check.
8. Check the Pilot Light and Burner
Flames
One of the most important tips to prepare your heating system for cold weather is to inspect the pilot light. The pilot light or ignition system should be one of the first things you check when firing up your furnace for the winter. If you have an older furnace with a small flame, it should be blue — indicating proper combustion. If it’s yellow or flickering, you might have a dirty burner or issues with the burner assembly. Modern furnaces often use electronic ignitions, so if you’re noticing that the furnace isn’t lighting properly, it might be time to call in a professional like Busy Bee Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
9. Clear Any Blockages in Vents
and Pipes
If you have a natural gas furnace, check both your indoor vents and the pipes outside that vent gases like carbon monoxide. Blockages from leaves, snow, or other vegetation can trap harmful gases inside your home or cause your furnace to work harder to heat your space.
10. Clean or Replace the Furnace
Drainage Tube
Your furnace likely has a drainage tube that removes condensation, especially if you have a high-efficiency furnace. Over time, this tube can become clogged with dust, dirt, or mold. Inspect the drainage tube for blockages and clean it out with a small brush if necessary.
A clogged drainage tube can lead to water damage in your furnace, so it’s worth the extra effort to make sure it’s clean and functioning properly.
Schedule a Furnace Maintenance
Safety Check
Even if you’ve done everything on this DIY furnace maintenance checklist, it’s smart to schedule a professional furnace maintenance safety check. Technicians can inspect components like the flame sensor, power switch, circuit breaker, and control panel — items that homeowners don’t often have the tools or expertise to handle on their own. Professional inspections are essential to catch potential issues before they become costly repairs.
At Busy Bee Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in the maintenance of furnace systems, boilers, heat pumps, and more. If it’s time for a check-up, don’t hesitate to schedule your appointment with us in Nashville, TN, or one of the nearby areas.
Why Regular Furnace Maintenance
Matters
Maintaining your furnace before the cold hits can save you from costly emergency repairs and extend the life of your unit. Even simple things like replacing an old filter, cleaning blower blades, and checking the heat exchanger can prevent big problems down the line. Proactive care, like following these furnace maintenance tips, can help you avoid a breakdown right in the middle of a cold snap.
Here in Nashville, Tennessee, winters can be unpredictable, with sudden drops in temperature. This makes it necessary to have a well-functioning furnace that’s ready to take on the cold. With the city’s busy pace, getting your furnace serviced early can also help you avoid long waits during peak repair seasons when the demand for HVAC services spikes.
Prepare for Nashville’s
Upcoming Heating Season Today!
Now that we’ve reviewed some tips to prepare your heating system for cold weather, don’t wait until you’re shivering in your own home to give your furnace some attention. Take action now by scheduling routine furnace maintenance with the experts at Busy Bee Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
Whether you need a simple tune-up or a comprehensive safety inspection, our team of certified technicians in Nashville, Tennessee, is here to help you stay warm and cozy. We also serve the residents of:
- Lebanon, TN
- Mt. Juliet, TN
- Hermitage, TN
- Franklin, TN
- Brentwood, TN
- Cookeville, TN
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Clarkesville, TN
- Hendersonville, TN
- Smyrna, TN
- Thompson Station, TN
- Spring Hill, TN
- La Vergne, TN
- Columbia, TN
Let us help get your furnace in top condition for the upcoming winter months. Call Busy Bee Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today at 615.991.2145 to schedule your heating services in Nashville, Tennessee, or one of the surrounding communities!
