Is Your Home’s Heating System Ready for the Cold?
As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures start to drop, there’s no better time to make sure your heating system is up to the challenge. At Borum Heating & Air, we believe that preventative maintenance is one of the best investments you can make in your comfort, safety, and savings. Here’s your guide to getting ready — plus how our Preventative Maintenance services can help.
Why Fall Maintenance Matters
Think of your heating system like your car: you wouldn’t drive it for miles without oil changes or tire checks. Neglecting your heater might work for now, but come a freezing night, issues tend to multiply. Regular maintenance ensures:
- Optimal performance when you need it most
- Lower utility bills by improving efficiency
- Longer equipment life
- Fewer breakdowns (and emergency service calls)
What to Check Before Winter
Here are key steps every homeowner should take to prepare their heating system:
- Change or Clean Filters
Dirty filters reduce airflow, make systems work harder, raise energy bills, and can contribute to premature failure. Replace disposable filters, clean reusable ones, and stick to a regular schedule. - Inspect the Thermostat
Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. Calibrate it if needed, and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart model to save energy. - Check Vents and Registers
Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed by furniture or curtains. Clean or vacuum dust buildup around registers, so warm air flows freely. - Inspect the Heat Exchanger and Burners (for furnaces)
Cracks or buildup can reduce efficiency or even pose safety risks. It’s best to have a professional technician do this. - Test the Pilot Light or Ignition System
A weak pilot light or ignition delay can be a sign something needs adjustment or replacement. - Clean Ducts & Insulation
Sealed and clean ductwork improves airflow. Check insulation in your attic or crawlspaces—especially where ducts pass through unconditioned spaces. - Seal Leaks
Doors, windows, and even electrical outlets can let heat escape. Weather-stripping, caulk, or foam sealants are inexpensive fixes. - Check Safety Devices
Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
How Borum’s Preventative Maintenance Service Helps
We offer a Planned Maintenance Agreement designed to make it easy to keep your system in tip-top shape. Here’s what it includes and why it’s helpful:
- Two Onsite Visits Per Year — One visit for cooling, one for heating; this ensures both systems are maintained at the factory specifications.
- Priority Service — Members get priority scheduling over non-members. If issues arise when you need heating most, that can make a big difference.
- Discounts — 10% off on any repairs and discounted diagnostic fees for service calls.
- Extended Equipment Life & Efficiency — By keeping you at factory spec performance, we help your heating (and cooling) systems last longer and cost less to operate.
- Water Heater Maintenance — We also maintain both electric and tankless heaters. For tankless units, descaling (also called deliming) is important; for tanks, sediment removal helps prevent corrosion and keeps efficiency up.
When Should You Call a Pro?
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call Borum:
- Uneven heating in different rooms
- Strange noises (banging, squealing, clicking)
- Unusually high heating bills
- Frequent cycling on/off
- Pilot/ignition problems
- Strong or unusual smells
Takeaway: Be Proactive = Be Comfortable (and Save)
Being proactive with your HVAC isn’t just about making things work — it’s about making things work well. With fall approaching, scheduling maintenance now can:
- Keep you more comfortable
- Save money on energy and repairs
- Prevent the stress of a breakdown in the dead of winter
If you’d like help getting everything in order, let us at Borum Heating & Air get you ready. Our team is standing by, and our Planned Maintenance Agreement is built to make this kind of seasonal prep easy and worry-free.