Winter in Joliet isn’t just a change of scenery—it’s a full-on shift in how your home functions day to day. As temperatures drop, your furnace becomes one of the hardest-working appliances in your house. When running continuously, even small inefficiencies can lead to significant comfort issues and higher utility bills. Not to mention, icy roads and packed schedules are not the time you want to deal with an unexpected breakdown.
The good news is that preparing your furnace for the cold months ahead doesn’t have to be complicated. Professional maintenance is recommended every fall, but there are also several simple DIY steps you can take to help your system run smoother, last longer, and deliver reliable heat all season long.
Below are the most effective ways to prepare your furnace for winter, reduce the risk of a mid-season failure, and enjoy greater comfort with fewer surprises.
Replace the Air Filter
If there’s one furnace task homeowners tend to overlook, it’s the air filter—and it’s one of the easiest ways to improve performance quickly. When a filter becomes clogged with dust, pet hair, and debris, airflow drops. That forces your furnace to work harder to push warm air through your home, increasing wear on internal components and raising energy use.
What To Do
- Replace your air filter at the start of the heating season.
- Check it every 30 to 90 days throughout winter, or more often if you have pets, allergies, or a dusty home.
- Hold the filter up to a light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time to swap it.
Pro tip: Write the replacement date on the filter frame with a marker so you always know when it was last changed.
Benefits of a Clean Air Filter
- Better airflow and temperature consistency
- Reduced strain on the blower motor
- Better indoor air quality, which is especially important since windows stay closed during the winter
Adjust the Thermostat for Winter Efficiency
As mild fall weather gives way to real winter conditions, it’s time to switch from cooling to heating mode and ensure your thermostat is ready for consistent performance. Even small adjustments can make a big difference. Heating your home just a few degrees higher than necessary—especially while you’re asleep or away—can noticeably increase monthly energy costs.
If you already have a programmable or smart thermostat, now is the perfect time to set a winter schedule that matches your routine.
Helpful Winter Thermostat Strategies
- Set a comfortable temperature while you’re home. Many households choose 68 to 72°F.
- Lower the temperature at night or when no one is home.
- Avoid frequent manual adjustments. Constant changes can cause your furnace to cycle more often.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat yet, upgrading is a good investment. Many homeowners notice better comfort and lower heating bills once the schedule is dialed in.
Ask your HVAC technician about thermostat options during your maintenance visit. They can recommend models that work best with your furnace type and home setup.
Listen and Look for Odd Noises or Smells
The first time you turn on your furnace each season is like a “first impression” moment. A little dust smell for the first few minutes can be normal, especially if the system hasn’t run in months—but anything beyond that deserves attention.
Catching these issues early can prevent major damage, improve safety, and often costs less to fix than waiting for a full breakdown.
Noises to watch for
- Banging or booming: could indicate delayed ignition or gas buildup
- Rattling: may signal loose panels, duct vibration, or failing components
- Squealing: often points to belt or motor issues
- Grinding: can indicate serious mechanical wear
Odors To Take Seriously
- A persistent burning odor, which is a fire hazard
- Musty smells that don’t go away, indicating mold
- A rotten egg smell means you should leave the house and call your gas provider immediately
Clear the Vents and Registers to Improve Heat Flow
Blocked vents can make your furnace work overtime while leaving certain areas of your home feeling chilly. When furniture, rugs, or curtains cover registers, warm air can’t circulate properly. That leads to uneven heating, longer run times, and higher energy consumption.
Make A Quick Walkthrough Part Of Your Winter Prep
- Ensure every supply register is open and uncovered.
- Move furniture or drapes blocking airflow.
- Vacuum register grilles and return vents to remove dust buildup.
This simple step helps heat distribute more evenly and prevents “hot spots” and “cold rooms” from taking over your home.
Don’t close vents in unused rooms. It might seem like you’re saving energy, but it can disrupt airflow balance and create pressure issues that strain your furnace.
Inspect and Seal the Ductwork
Your furnace might be producing plenty of heat—but if your ductwork is leaking, you’re paying to heat areas you don’t live in, like the attic, crawlspace, or unfinished basement. Even small gaps in ducts can reduce efficiency and weaken airflow to the rooms you use most.
Take A Look At Areas Where Ductwork Is Exposed
- Attic
- Crawlspace
- Utility room
- Basement
What To Look For
- Loose joints or disconnected sections
- Holes or visible gaps
- Sections are crushed or sagging
- Areas with heavy dust buildup
Turn to trusted HVAC technicians for ductwork repair and sealing. Despite its misleading name, standard duct tape does not perform well in extreme temperatures and can fail quickly.
Benefits of Well-Sealed Air Ducts
- Better comfort in every room
- Less furnace run time
- Lower heating bills
Clean Outdoor Exhaust Vents and Air Intakes
Even if your furnace is installed indoors, parts of the system may vent outside. High-efficiency furnaces often have PVC exhaust pipes that exit through a wall, and those openings must remain clear to ensure safe, efficient operation.
Before Winter Hits, Step Outside And Check
- Exhaust vent openings
- Fresh air intake vents
- Areas near shrubs, leaves, or snow drifts
Items That Should Be Cleared Away
- Leaves
- Sticks
- Dirt buildup
- Anything that could block airflow
A blocked exhaust vent can cause your furnace to shut down or operate inefficiently. In some cases, create safety risks. Keeping those pathways open is an easy but important task.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by fuel-burning appliances. Modern furnaces are equipped with safety controls, but CO detectors remain essential for household protection.
What to Do
- Test all carbon monoxide detectors.
- Replace batteries if needed.
- Check expiration dates. Most detectors last around 10 years.
If you don’t already have CO detectors on every floor of your home, make this the winter you install them. It’s one of the most important safety steps you can take—and it’s especially critical in homes with gas furnaces, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Keep a Simple Furnace Maintenance Log
A furnace log sounds fancy, but it can be as simple as a note in your phone or a piece of paper taped near the furnace. The goal is to track what you’ve done, when you did it, and any unusual issues you’ve noticed.
What to Record
- Filter change dates
- Thermostat adjustments or schedule changes
- Strange noises, smells, or performance problems
- Maintenance visits or repairs
This helps you identify patterns, such as a filter clogging faster than normal, and provides technicians with valuable information if a problem develops later.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance Today
DIY steps are great for improving performance and preventing small issues. But they can’t replace a full professional inspection. Your furnace has internal components that need to be checked, cleaned, tested, and tuned—especially before heavy winter use begins.
What To Expect During Professional Furnace Maintenance
- Checking ignition and safety controls
- Inspecting the heat exchanger
- Measuring airflow and efficiency
- Cleaning burners and components
- Testing carbon monoxide levels
- Ensuring proper venting
- Confirming reliable startup and cycling
This detailed evaluation reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns, improves efficiency, and extends the system’s lifespan.
Turn to Comfort First Heating and Cooling for Furnace Maintenance in Joliet, IL
When you want true peace of mind heading into winter, Comfort First Heating and Cooling is here to help. We’re family-owned and operated with more than 30 years of experience serving customers in Joliet and the surrounding areas.
Our team brings professional skill and attention to detail on every visit. Our EPA-certified technicians service all makes and models, and we’re committed to helping homeowners stay warm without stress.
Benefits of Choosing Comfort First Heating and Cooling
- Honest, upfront pricing
- Written estimates and no hidden charges
- No extra fees for nights and weekends
- A No Breakdown Guarantee with every maintenance visit
- Heating maintenance service programs for convenience and savings
Contact Comfort First Heating and Cooling today to schedule furnace maintenance in Joliet and enjoy the comfort of a warm home and fewer worries this winter.
