6 Home Heating System Maintenance Tips for Minnesotans

If you live in Minnesota, you know how harsh our winters can be. They’re brutal. Nobody wants to deal with their heat going out when it’s below zero and gusting outside — and they shouldn’t have to! The best way to avoid issues with your home heating system in the fall and winter is by practicing proactive, proper maintenance all year round.

Here are six tips you can follow to make sure your home stays comfy no matter how cold it gets outside.

1. Change Your Filters Regularly

Changing the filters in your home heating system is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and efficient operation. Filters trap dust, allergens, and debris, preventing them from circulating through your home. When they become clogged, airflow becomes hindered, forcing your home’s heating system to work harder and use more energy.

It’s a good idea to change your filters every 1 to 3 months in order to ensure a healthier living environment and better operations for your heating system. Regular filter changes are a simple yet effective way to keep your home warm, your air clean and your wallet happy.

2. Inspect and Seal Any Drafts

Sealing drafts in your home is vital for protecting your heating system and maximizing its efficiency. Drafts — often found around windows, doors, and other openings — allow cold outdoor air to infiltrate your warm indoor space. When your heating system senses this constant drop in temperature, it works harder to maintain the desired warmth, leading to increased energy consumption and higher bills.

3. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

Scheduling regular furnace maintenance is crucial to safeguard your home heating system. Professional inspections and servicing identify potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring your furnace runs efficiently and safely when you need it to. Neglecting such important maintenance can lead to reduced performance, higher energy bills and even potential safety hazards — not worth it.

Psst. Did you know Sedgwick offers all-in-one heating maintenance plans that help you get more for less? Take a look for yourself.

4. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats enable you to set specific temperature schedules, reducing the workload on your heating system when you’re away from home or sleeping. As a result, you save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort. Programmable thermostats offer convenience and efficiency, allowing Minnesota homeowners to fine-tune their heating preferences and adapt to fluctuating fall temps as needed.

5. Get Your Vents and Ducts Cleaned

Over time, dust, debris, and even mold can accumulate within your ductwork, obstructing airflow and reducing your home heating system’s efficiency. Regular cleaning of your vents and ducts not only ensures even distribution of warm air throughout your home but also helps prevent allergen circulation, helping your air stay fresher and cleaner. Clean vents and ducts mean your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, saving energy and extending the life of your equipment.

6. Make Sure Your Windows are Winterized

Winterizing your windows is a wise strategy for anyone interested in optimizing their home heating system. When windows have gaps or insufficient insulation, they allow cold drafts inside making it harder for your heating system to maintain warmth. By using window insulation kits or installing storm windows, you create a thermal barrier that helps keep the cold out and the heat in. This not only enhances your comfort but also reduces the strain on your heating system, leading to energy savings and lower heating bills.

Staying Warm is Easy With Sedgwick

In the end, the best way to keep your family safe and comfortable is by paying a little extra attention, keeping on top of filter changes and partnering with a local home heating service provider that’s always there to help when you need it. Sedgwick offers home heating repair, installation and maintenance plans for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro — call us anytime you (or your heating system) need it.