Winter in the Flathead Valley can be breathtaking, but it can also bring freezing temperatures that push your home’s heating system to its limits. To keep your family safe and comfortable, it’s important to prepare your heating system before the first snow falls. A little preventative care now can save you from costly repairs, high energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns later.
At Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, we’ve been helping homeowners in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Lakeside, Polson, and Somers stay warm for more than 33 years. Based on our experience, we’ve created this step-by-step checklist to make sure your heating system—whether it’s a furnace, heat pump, or ductless heating system—is winter-ready.
General Heating System Maintenance Checklist
- ✅ Schedule a Professional Tune-Up: Book a visit with our NATE-certified technicians to inspect, clean, and test your system. A tune-up improves safety, efficiency, and reliability.
- ✅ Replace or Clean Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Change them monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- ✅ Test the Thermostat: Verify accuracy and replace batteries if needed. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better control and energy savings.
- ✅ Inspect Vents and Registers: Make sure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains.
- ✅ Check for Drafts: Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Preventing heat loss keeps your system from overworking.
- ✅ Clean Air Ducts: Have your air ducts professionally cleaned if there’s visible dust, mold, or uneven heating. This improves both efficiency and indoor air quality.
- ✅ Inspect Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure detectors are functioning and have fresh batteries. This is essential for gas furnace safety.
Checklist for Gas Furnaces
- ✅ Check the electronic ignition for proper operation.
- ✅ Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion (a professional task).
- ✅ Ensure the space around the furnace is clear of any flammable materials.
- ✅ Confirm the flue and vent pipes are free of obstructions, ensuring safe exhaust.
Checklist for Heat Pumps
- ✅ Clear away leaves, snow, and debris from the outdoor unit to allow proper airflow.
- ✅ Check that the unit is level and securely mounted.
- ✅ Switch the thermostat to heating mode to confirm it responds correctly.
Checklist for Ductless Heating Systems
- ✅ Clean the indoor unit’s filters and coils to maximize efficiency.
- ✅ Ensure the outdoor condenser is clear of debris and snow.
- ✅ Test each zone to confirm consistent heating performance.
- ✅ Ensure remote controls have working batteries.
Additional Winter Preparation Tips
- ✅ Humidifier Maintenance: If your home has a whole-home humidifier, clean and replace the water panel to keep winter air comfortable.
- ✅ Seal and Insulate Ductwork: Add insulation to ducts in unheated areas like basements or attics to reduce heat loss.
- ✅ Review Your Maintenance Plan: Join our Comfort Care Program for twice-yearly system checks, priority service, and repair discounts.
- ✅ Have a Backup Plan: If you live in a rural area prone to outages, consider a standby generator to keep your heating system running during power failures.
Stay Warm and Worry-Free This Winter
Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid emergencies during Montana’s coldest months. Whether you need a tune-up, repair, or full system replacement, Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical is here to help you every step of the way.
