Preparing for Winter: The Benefits of Turning on Your Heating System Ahead of the Heating Season

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, it’s a clear sign that winter is coming. Before the cold weather sets in, turning on your furnace, heat pump, and boiler ahead of the heating season can offer numerous advantages. We recommend turning your thermostat to the heat setting for 15 minutes to ensure it’s operating correctly.

1. Ensuring Proper Functionality
   One of the most significant benefits of turning on your heating system early is checking if it’s functioning correctly. After months of inactivity during the warmer seasons, furnaces, heat pumps and boilers can develop issues such as clogged filters, faulty ignition systems, or worn-out components. By starting your heating system beforehand, you can catch these problems early and address them before the cold weather arrives. This proactive approach ensures that your heating system is in top condition when needed most, reducing the risk of breakdowns during the winter.
2.  Improving Indoor Air Quality
   Your furnace not only provides warmth but also plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. Over the summer, dust and debris can accumulate in the ducts and on furnace components. Turning on the furnace early lets you clear out these contaminants through proper ventilation and filter replacement. This can lead to cleaner, healthier indoor air and reduce the risk of allergens circulating through your home.
3. Energy Efficiency
   An efficiently running heating system consumes less energy, which translates into lower heating bills. By giving your system a test run before the heating season, you can identify any efficiency issues and address them promptly. Simple tasks like cleaning or replacing filters, sealing duct leaks, and ensuring proper insulation can significantly improve your furnace’s efficiency and save you money on heating costs throughout the winter.
4. Preventing Unpleasant Surprises
   Few things are more frustrating than discovering that your heating system isn’t working when you need heat. By turning it on ahead of time, you can catch any problems early and schedule necessary repairs or maintenance without the added stress of freezing temperatures.
5. Extending the Lifespan of Your Furnace
   Regular maintenance and early preparation can extend the lifespan of your system. When you take proactive steps to address issues and ensure efficient operation, you reduce the wear and tear on your heating system. This can add years to its lifespan, saving you money on costly replacements.

Turning on your furnace or boiler ahead of the heating season is a smart and practical step for homeowners. It allows you to address maintenance issues, improve indoor air quality, enhance energy efficiency, and prevent unexpected breakdowns. By taking a proactive approach to furnace preparation, you not only ensure a warm and comfortable home during the winter months but also save on energy costs and extend the life of your heating system. Don’t wait until the first frost to switch on your furnace; start preparing for winter today and enjoy a worry-free heating season.

Eric Sherwood( HVAC Service Manager )

HVAC Service Manager Eric has over 25 years of industry experience and relocated from Vermont to be near his grandchildren.
He’s been married for 25 years. He enjoys spending time with grandkids, traveling, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting trying new restaurants.
His biggest hobby is remodeling houses, and his favorite dog is Australian Shepard- his current dog is an Aussie Doodle.