Here are five smart moves to get your heater ready for the cold months ahead.
By Angie Hicks
Ask Angi
Winter might still be a few calendar pages away, but early fall is prime time to give your heating system the TLC it needs.
Once the first cold snap hits, HVAC pros start booking up fast. Acting now means you can schedule a service call before the rush. Think of it as giving your system a warm-up before the real work begins.
Here are five smart moves to get your heater ready for the cold months ahead.
1. Replace Your Filter
If you only do one thing for your HVAC system, keep its filter up-to-date in accordance with your manufacturer’s guidelines. The filter keeps dust and debris out of your unit’s internal components, but over time it clogs and slows down airflow. That means your heater works harder, burning more energy and adding unnecessary wear and tear. A dirty filter is like trying to breathe through a scarf; it’ll get the job done, but not efficiently. And just like driving your car without an oil change, sooner or later the buildup can create costly damage. Change your filter regularly, and your system will thank you with better performance and lower bills.
2. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Twice-a-year inspections (once for heating season, once for cooling) are the gold standard for HVAC care, and now is the time to get on your pro’s schedule. A fall inspection before you start using your heater, typically around $100, gives a pro the chance to tune up moving parts, check electrical connections and make small repairs before they become expensive headaches. This isn’t just good practice; many manufacturer warranties require proof of regular maintenance by a licensed professional. If you skip it, you might end up paying out of pocket for preventable breakdowns. If you have a service contract with a HVAC company, there’s a good chance inspections are already covered.
3. Weatherproof Your Home
Your heater can only do so much if warm air is escaping faster than your system can replace it. Air leaks around windows, doors, and pipe penetrations are notorious for letting heat slip away. Add fresh weatherstripping, seal gaps with caulk and consider plastic window film to create a thermal barrier. Don’t forget the attic. Drafts can rob you of warmth and money all winter long. Spending a weekend sealing leaks can pay off for years in reduced heating costs. You can do this work yourself, or hire a handyperson to do it for a cost of a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of your house.
4. Guard Against Carbon Monoxide
Fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, can produce carbon monoxide, which is an invisible, odorless gas that’s potentially deadly if it builds up indoors. A proper inspection will catch any leaks in your system, but you should also have your own carbon monoxide alarms. Look for models certified by Underwriters Laboratories, make sure they’re battery-powered or have a battery backup, and test them regularly. Place them near sleeping areas so they’ll sound the alarm even at night.
5. Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you’re still using a basic manual thermostat, you’re leaving money on the table. The EPA says a programmable thermostat can trim heating bills by 10 to 30 percent when used correctly. Basic programmable models run $100 to $150 installed, while app-controlled smart thermostats average around $250. Either way, it’s a small investment that can pay for itself in one heating season.
With a little attention now, you’ll be ready to face winter’s chill head-on, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from a home that’s warm, safe, and efficient.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column. Copyright 2025 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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