5 Tips to Prevent Major Heating Problems This Winter

Winter is coming—and with it, the last thing you want is a home that’s as chilly as the weather outside. Keeping your heating system happy and healthy is crucial to avoid surprise repairs and chilly nights, especially when the temperatures dip around The Woodlands.

From simple maintenance routines to tips that could save you major headaches (and dollars!), Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling is diving into five essential ways to keep your heater in peak shape all season long.

Don’t wait until your breath is visible indoors—let’s get ahead of any winter heating hiccups and keep the warmth flowing! Read on, and give yourself the gift of a cozy, worry-free winter.

How to Prevent Heating Issues

Ensuring your heating system is in peak condition can prevent unexpected breakdowns and hefty repair bills. Taking proactive measures can also make your home comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient. Especially considering heating contributes to about a third of your heating bill.

Here are five essential tips to help prevent major heating issues this winter.

1. Schedule a Professional Heating System Tune-Up

A professional tune-up is one of the best investments you can make in your heating system[LINK: https://www.miltonfrankplumbing.com/residential/heat-pumps/]. Regular maintenance includes thorough inspections, cleaning, and adjustments that help your system perform optimally.

Here’s what a tune-up usually involves and why it’s crucial:

• Inspection and Cleaning: Our technicians inspect each component of your heating system, looking for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or buildup that could lead to breakdowns. Cleaning components, like the blower and burners, improves airflow and efficiency, which can help your system use less energy and heat more effectively.

• Testing the Thermostat: A well-calibrated thermostat prevents your heater from overworking or under-delivering warmth. During a tune-up, our technician will test and adjust your thermostat, ensuring your system keeps your home consistently comfortable.

• Checking Safety Mechanisms: Safety checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and faulty pilot lights keep your home and family protected. Furnace issues can lead to dangerous gas leaks, so professional maintenance is essential.

• Lubrication and Tightening: Moving parts need lubrication to reduce friction and wear, and technicians tighten loose connections to prevent malfunctions.

This annual service can extend the life of your heating system, improve efficiency, and catch minor issues before they become costly repairs.

2. Replace or Clean the Air Filters

Air filters trap dust, debris, and allergens, helping your heating system maintain good indoor air quality. Over time, filters can clog, forcing your system to work harder to push warm air through your home. This extra strain can cause heating issues and even lead to system failures.

Here’s a simple guide for maintaining your air filters:

• Check Monthly: During high-use seasons, check your filter monthly. Hold it up to the light; if you can’t see through it, it’s time for a replacement or cleaning.

• Replace Every One to Three Months: Depending on the type of filter, you may need to change it every month or up to every three months. Households with pets or allergy sufferers might require more frequent filter changes.

• Consider Higher-Quality Filters: Higher-rated filters trap smaller particles, improving air quality. Just be sure to choose filters that are compatible with your system.

Changing or cleaning air filters regularly is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep your heating system running smoothly.

3. Inspect and Seal Ductwork

Poorly sealed or leaky ductwork can reduce the efficiency of your heating system by up to 30 percent, meaning you’re paying more to heat your home while feeling less comfortable. Additionally, leaky ducts force your system to work harder, which can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.

Here’s how to tackle this issue:

• Check for Visible Leaks: If you can access your attic or crawlspace, inspect the duct network for gaps or holes. Look for disconnected sections that could be allowing warm air to escape.

• Use Mastic Sealant or Metal Tape: For small leaks, apply mastic sealant or metal duct tape. Avoid regular duct tape, as it doesn’t hold up well under heating conditions.

• Consider Professional Duct Sealing: For a comprehensive solution, have a professional test your system for leaks and seal them properly. Professionals can also help insulate ducts, further reducing energy loss.

Sealing your ducts keeps warm air circulating efficiently throughout your home, reducing the load on your heating system and preventing potential breakdowns.

4. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Heating systems, particularly gas and oil furnaces, can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely dangerous if undetected. CO detectors are critical for keeping your family safe and alerting you to potential problems with your heating system.

Here’s what you can do:

• Install Detectors Near Bedrooms and Furnace Areas: Make sure you have detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas. Place them near your heating system but not too close, as they might trigger false alarms.

• Check Batteries Monthly: Like smoke detectors, CO detectors require functional batteries and routine testing. To ensure they function when needed, test them monthly and replace batteries biannually.

• Replace Outdated Detectors: CO detectors typically last five to seven years. If yours is older, consider replacing it to ensure it’s functioning effectively.

A well-maintained CO detector can alert you to leaks before they become life-threatening, allowing you to act quickly to repair your system.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Clear Air Vents

Blocked air vents and lack of ventilation can disrupt your heating system’s ability to circulate warm air effectively, causing uneven heating, pressure imbalances, and system overheating. These issues can damage components and increase the risk of breakdowns.

Follow these tips to keep your vents clear and your system balanced:

• Unblock All Vents: Move furniture, rugs, or drapes away from vents and grilles to allow unrestricted airflow. Blocked vents make your heater work harder and can shorten its lifespan.

• Clean Vents Regularly: Dust, dirt, and pet hair can clog your vents over time. Use a vacuum to clean them periodically to maintain good airflow.

• Maintain Good Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your home by opening windows periodically and using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. This improves air quality and reduces strain on your heating system.

Keeping vents clear and ensuring good ventilation not only prevents strain on your system but also improves indoor air quality and heating efficiency.

Prevent Heating Issues With Milton Frank in The Woodlands

Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected heating issues and keeping your The Woodlands home warm and cozy all winter. Following these tips helps keep your heating system in optimal condition, save energy, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and ensure your family stays safe and comfortable.

Ready to winterize your heating system? If you need a professional tune-up, duct sealing, or help with your HVAC system, contact Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling today. Our experienced technicians are here to ensure your home’s heating system runs smoothly all winter long. Simply call 281-645-9596 or request service online today.