Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter: A Homeowner’s Guide to Staying Warm and Saving Money
As the temperatures drop and the first snowflakes start to fall, your heating system becomes the unsung hero of your home. A well-maintained HVAC system doesn’t just keep you comfortable — it prevents costly emergencies, lowers energy bills, and extends the life of your equipment. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for winter in 2025.
1. Schedule Your Annual Furnace Tune-Up (Do It Now)
Most homeowners wait until the first freezing night to turn on their heat — and that’s when problems show up. Scheduling a professional tune-up in late fall is the single best thing you can do.
During a typical tune-up, a certified technician will:
Clean the burner and heat exchanger
Test safety controls and ignition system
Check blower motor and belts
Inspect flue piping for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks
Measure airflow and system efficiency
Result? A system that runs 15–25% more efficiently and is far less likely to fail when you need it most.
2. Change Your Air Filter — Seriously, Do It Today
A clogged filter is the #1 cause of furnace breakdowns and skyrocketing energy bills. During winter, your system runs longer and works harder. Replace standard 1-inch filters every 30–60 days (or clean reusable filters). Upgrading to a high-MERV pleated filter can also improve indoor air quality when windows stay closed all season.
3. Don’t Ignore Strange Noises or Smells
Banging or clanking → Loose or broken parts
Burning or electrical smell → Overheating components or wiring issues
Constant cycling on/off → Possible oversized system or thermostat problems
These are warning signs, not “normal winter noises.” Addressing them early can prevent a $5,000+ emergency replacement in the dead of winter.
4. Upgrade to a Smart or Wi-Fi Thermostat (If You Haven’t Already)
Modern thermostats like the Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell T10 can save 10–15% on heating costs with features like:
Geofencing (turns down heat when you leave)
Learning your schedule
Remote control from your phone (perfect when you’re coming home early from a family trip)
Many utility companies still offer rebates or even free thermostats in 2025 — ask us for current programs in your area.
5. Consider a Heat Pump (Even in Cold Climates)
Thanks to dramatic improvements in cold-climate heat pump technology, many homeowners are switching from traditional furnaces and enjoying:
30–50% lower operating costs
Both heating and cooling from one system
Federal tax credits up to $2,000 (plus local rebates)
New hyper-heat models work efficiently down to -15°F and below — perfect for most of the continental U.S.
6. Seal Duct Leaks and Insulate
Up to 30% of heated air never reaches your living space because of leaky ducts. Having your ductwork professionally sealed (often with Aeroseal technology) and adding insulation in attics/crawl spaces is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make.
7. Protect Your Outdoor AC Unit
Snow and ice won’t usually damage a condenser, but falling ice from gutters can. A simple plywood “roof” propped above the unit (not covering it completely) protects against ice damage while allowing airflow.
Ready for Winter? We’ve Got You Covered.
Don’t wait for the polar vortex to find out your furnace is 20 years old and on its last legs. Our certified technicians are booking fall tune-ups and new system installations now — before the rush hits. Call BMB today at (606) 377-2113 or schedule online for:
Priority fall tune-ups with complete inspection
financing available on new high-efficiency systems
Free consultation
Stay warm, stay safe, and let us take the worry out of winter.
