As the cold weather starts rolling in, there’s nothing worse than realizing your heating system isn’t ready for the winter chill. I’ve learned the hard way that taking some time to winterize your heating system can save you from a mid-winter crisis. The good news is, getting your heating system ready for winter doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve done it myself with just a few simple steps, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned to help you keep your home warm and your heating system running smoothly.
Let’s go step by step through some easy ways to get your heating system ready for the winter. I’ll walk you through the process just like I did at home, sharing practical tips to make it easy for you to do the same.
Step 1: Change or Clean the Air Filter
This is the first step I always take to get my heating system ready for the winter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make your furnace work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills and even cause damage over time. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way when my furnace started blowing less hot air because of a clogged filter.
Locate the air filter: It’s usually found near the furnace or air handler. If you’ve never changed the filter before, look for a slot where the air intake is—most are easy to access.
Inspect the filter: Take out the filter and see how dirty it is. If you can’t see through it or if it looks dusty and clogged, it’s time for a new one. I always keep a spare filter or two in the garage, so I’m not caught off guard.
Replace or clean the filter: Depending on the type of filter you have, you might be able to clean it instead of replacing it. Washable filters can be rinsed off and reused, but disposable filters should be replaced every 1-3 months. After I started changing my filter regularly, I noticed the furnace ran more smoothly and the house stayed warmer.
Replacing a dirty HVAC filter with a new one.
Step 2: Test the Thermostat
Before the temperatures really drop, make sure your thermostat is working properly. I once discovered my thermostat wasn’t communicating with the furnace properly just as the first big cold snap hit. A quick test can save you a lot of trouble.
Turn on the heat: Set the thermostat to “heat” and adjust the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature. You should hear the furnace kick on within a few minutes.
Check the thermostat settings: If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure the settings are updated for winter. I used to forget this step every year until I started programming it to warm up the house about an hour before I woke up.
Replace the batteries if needed: If your thermostat runs on batteries, now is a good time to change them out. I had my thermostat battery die in the middle of winter once, and it was a hassle I could have avoided with a little preparation.
Testing the thermostat by adjusting the temperature.
Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Furnace
Dust and dirt can accumulate on your furnace over time, making it less efficient and potentially causing it to overheat. I always give my furnace a quick inspection and clean it up a bit before winter sets in.
Turn off the power to the furnace: For safety, make sure the furnace is completely turned off before you do any cleaning.
Vacuum dust from around the furnace: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean away any dust and debris from around the furnace and the blower compartment. I found that doing this every fall helps the furnace run quieter and more efficiently.
Clean the flame sensor (if you’re comfortable doing so): The flame sensor can get dirty and prevent the furnace from lighting properly. I clean mine every couple of years by gently scrubbing it with fine steel wool. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a professional for a seasonal tune-up.
Pro Tip: While cleaning, check for any strange smells or unusual noises coming from the furnace. It’s better to catch any issues early.
Step 4: Bleed Your Radiators (For Homes With Radiator Heating)
If you have a radiator heating system, bleeding the radiators is an essential step to make sure they’re working efficiently. Air can get trapped inside the system, causing cold spots on the radiators.
Turn off the heating system: Before you start bleeding the radiators, turn off the heating system to avoid getting burned by hot water.
Use a radiator key to open the valve: Place a radiator key or a small wrench on the valve at the top of the radiator and slowly turn it counterclockwise. You should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes.
Close the valve when water starts to appear: As soon as water starts dripping out, close the valve by turning the key clockwise. I found that after bleeding my radiators, the whole house heated up much more evenly.
Bleeding a radiator using a radiator key.
Step 5: Check for Drafts and Seal Them
Even if your heating system is in top shape, drafts can let cold air in and make your home less comfortable. I used to feel cold air sneaking in around my doors and windows, but after taking some time to seal up those drafts, the house stayed much warmer.
Use weatherstripping and door sweeps: Add weatherstripping around doors and windows to keep out the cold air. I installed a door sweep on my back door, and it made a noticeable difference.
Seal cracks and gaps: For any larger cracks or gaps around window frames or baseboards, use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal them up. I sealed some gaps in the basement, and it really helped keep the cold out.
Consider window insulation kits: Adding plastic film insulation to your windows can help reduce heat loss. It’s easy to install, and I’ve found it to be very effective in rooms with older windows.
Pro Tip: Walk around your house with a lit incense stick or candle to find drafts. If the smoke or flame flickers, there’s a draft that needs sealing.
Step 6: Test the Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When you’re using a heating system, it’s crucial to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. A faulty furnace can sometimes leak carbon monoxide, which is dangerous and even deadly.
Replace the batteries: Just like with smoke detectors, it’s a good idea to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors every year.
Test the detectors: Press the “test” button to make sure the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t, replace the detector.
Place detectors near sleeping areas: Make sure there’s a carbon monoxide detector near each sleeping area in the house. This way, you’ll be alerted quickly if there’s a problem while you’re asleep.
Why Winterizing Your Heating System Is Worth It
Taking a bit of time to prepare your heating system for winter can make a huge difference in how well your home stays warm and how much you spend on energy. I’ve noticed that when I stay on top of these steps, my house stays cozier, and I don’t have to worry about my furnace breaking down during a cold snap. It’s a small investment of time that can save you a lot of trouble (and money) in the long run.
So, grab your tools and get started—your heating system will thank you, and you’ll be glad you did when those cold winds start blowing. You’ve got this!
