Expert Heating Maintenance Tips for The Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, ensuring a warm and cozy home should be your top priority. Between hosting festive gatherings and relaxing with loved ones, the last thing you want is a heating system breakdown.

Proper heating maintenance will keep your home comfortable and prevent unwelcome surprises during this busy time of year. So, before you trim the tree and string up holiday lights, follow these essential tips to maintain your heating system.

Heating Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

While some maintenance tasks are best left to the pros, homeowners can do plenty of things to keep the heater running smoothly all winter. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

1. Change the air filter: A dirty filter reduces airflow and makes your system work harder, leading to higher energy costs and increased wear and tear. To promote efficient operation, change the filter every one to three months.
2. Check your thermostat settings: Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature that doesn’t overwork your system. The EPA recommends setting the thermostat to between 68 and 70° F while awake and lowering the temperature while you’re sleeping or away from home. Installing a programmable thermostat saves energy by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule.
3. Inspect vents and registers: Blocked vents and closed registers reduce efficiency and create uneven heating. Make sure all return vents are clear of obstructions, like furniture or curtains, and all supply registers are open. Even if you close some registers for comfort purposes, keep at least 80% of them open to maintain proper system balance.
4. Clean around your outdoor unit: If you have a heat pump, check the area around it. Remove leaves, snow, or debris to keep airflow unrestricted throughout the winter.
5. Seal drafts around windows and doors: If warm air escapes your home, the heater must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Seal drafty windows and doors to trap warmth inside and reduce unnecessary strain on your heater.

The Importance of Professional Heating Maintenance

While homeowners are encouraged to handle basic tasks, professional heating maintenance is still important for efficiency and safety. Scheduling an annual tune-up with JD Service Now gives you peace of mind during the busy holiday season.

Our technicians can spot problems you might miss, such as a loose fan belt or wiring issues. They also check safety features like carbon monoxide detectors and gas line connections. Tasks such as lubricating moving parts, tightening electrical connections, and cleaning the burner extend your heater’s life and prevent inconvenient breakdowns during the holidays.

Consider Joining a Maintenance Plan

One of the easiest ways to keep your heating system in top shape is to join JD Service Now’s Home Partnership Program. The plan includes biannual HVAC system checks and a 10% discount on services and repairs for as long as your membership remains active.

Program members receive two courtesy reminder calls per year — once to schedule heating maintenance in the fall and another for cooling maintenance in the spring. This way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to schedule these visits yourself.

With upfront pricing and an experienced team that services all brands, you can trust that your system is in good hands. Our unparalleled five-year craftsmanship guarantee adds extra assurance that we complete every job with the highest standard of care.

Schedule Heating Maintenance Today

With the holidays approaching, now is the perfect time to get your heater ready for cold weather. JD Service Now has maintained HVAC systems in Durham, NC, since 2005. We offer professional services backed by our core values of taking great care, standing for something, and being better today than we were yesterday.

Contact us now to schedule heating maintenance and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.