Free download for Mid-Missouri homeowners
Winter Ready Home Checklist
10 things to check before the first hard freeze. Most take a minute or two, and together they catch the problems behind a lot of no heat calls.
- 2 page printable PDF
- About 15 minutes
- Lake house tips included
A look at page 1. Enter your info to download the full checklist.
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What's inside
The 10 checks
Here's the short version. The PDF has the details, a lake house section and the signs that mean call right away.
Change the furnace filter
If you can't see light through it, replace it. Most 1 inch filters need changing every 1 to 3 months in winter.
Test the heat before you need it
Set the thermostat 5 degrees above room temperature and feel for warm air within a few minutes.
Fresh thermostat batteries
Weak batteries can make a thermostat drop settings or stop calling for heat.
Test smoke and CO detectors
Press test, replace batteries, and have a CO detector on every level.
Open and clear vents and returns
Move furniture, rugs and curtains so air can move freely.
Clear around the outdoor unit
Heat pumps run all winter. Keep about 2 feet clear and never cover one.
Clean up around the furnace
Nothing stored against it, and no paint, gas cans or cleaners nearby.
Check the condensate drain
High efficiency furnaces drain water. Look for drips, standing water or a clog.
Look at the vent pipes
Connected, sloped and clear of leaves, nests and snow outside.
Know where your shutoffs are
Furnace switch, breaker and gas or propane valve, before you need them at 2am.
Lake house, rental or empty for the winter?
Keep the heat at 55 or higher, have someone check the house after a hard freeze, and think about a Wi-Fi thermostat that alerts you if the temperature drops. A failed furnace in an empty house can mean frozen pipes before anyone notices.
Some checks need a technician
The heat exchanger, burners, gas pressure and backup heat need tools and training. That's what a fall tune up covers, and it's the best way to avoid a no heat call on the first cold night.
Rather have us check it? Book a fall tune up.
Call (573) 693-8863Need a repair today or a new system this season?
Call for a service call any hour of the day, nights and weekends included. Planning a new furnace, heat pump, AC or mini split? Estimates on new systems are free, with no obligation to book.
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