Heat Pump & Furnace Quick Tune: Do This Before the Freeze
A 30–45 minute checklist to keep your home warm, safe, and efficient during winter cold snaps.
1) Filters first
- Replace or wash your HVAC filter.
- Set a reminder to check it every 30 to 60 days in winter.
- With pets or heavy dust, check monthly.
2) Thermostat test
- Raise the setpoint a few degrees and confirm the system starts smoothly.
- Fan mode should be “Auto” unless advised otherwise.
- Verify schedules for wake, leave, return, and sleep.
3) Vents and returns
- Open supply vents in occupied rooms.
- Do not block return grilles with furniture or rugs.
- Vacuum dust from covers and grilles for better airflow.
4) Heat pump outdoor unit
- Clear leaves, branches, and snow within 2–3 feet.
- On a mild day, gently rinse debris from the coil.
- Steam or frost during defrost cycles is normal.
5) Furnace basics
- Keep 3 feet of clearance around the unit.
- Check outdoor intake and exhaust pipes for nests, leaves, or snow.
- If you smell gas, shut down and call a pro right away.
6) Condensate and drain lines
- Confirm the drain line is not kinked or clogged.
- Empty the condensate pump if full and restore power.
- A small splash of white vinegar can deter algae if approved by your pro.
7) Humidifier (if installed)
- Set humidity to about 30–40% in winter.
- Replace the pad if it is coated with minerals.
8) Simple energy wins
- Weather-strip drafty doors and add a door sweep.
- Open curtains on sunny days and close them at night.
- Close the damper on unused fireplaces.
9) Safety checks
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries now.
- Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn. Plug directly into a wall outlet.
- Keep clear access to the breaker panel and main water shutoff.
10) Signs you should call a pro
- Heat runs constantly or short cycles
- Strong fuel, burning, or electrical smells
- Loud scraping, banging, or squealing
- Cold air from vents while heat is on
- Tripped breaker or repeated error codes
Quick checklist
- Replace filter
- Test thermostat and heat
- Open and vacuum vents and returns
- Clear 2–3 feet around outdoor unit
- Check intake and exhaust pipes
- Confirm condensate line is clear
- Test smoke and CO alarms
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