As the year comes to a close and winter settles in, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home’s HVAC system is ready for the season ahead. At Climate Solutions, we know how easily heating systems get overlooked during the holidays—until something goes wrong. A simple year-end checklist can help you avoid mid-winter surprises, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your equipment. With just a few smart steps, you can set your home up for a comfortable and dependable start to the new year.
Replace Your HVAC Filters
Air filters play a major role in how efficiently your system operates. As they collect dust, allergens, and debris, airflow becomes restricted, forcing your furnace to work harder. By the end of the year, filters are often overdue for replacement, especially with holiday gatherings, increased indoor activity, and more time spent inside.
Swapping out your old filter improves airflow, boosts efficiency, and supports healthier indoor air quality. It’s a quick maintenance step that delivers immediate benefits for comfort and performance.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
The end of the year is a great time to review your thermostat schedule. Your daily routines may change during winter, and adjusting your settings can help keep your home warm while preventing unnecessary energy use. Make sure the thermostat is set to a comfortable, consistent temperature and consider programming setback periods for times when the house is empty or overnight.
If your thermostat is older or manual, this is also a great moment to consider upgrading to a smart or Wi-Fi model. Modern thermostats allow for better control, improved efficiency, and easy monitoring throughout the winter.
Inspect Your Ductwork for Visible Issues
Your ductwork is responsible for delivering warm air throughout your home, and any leaks, gaps, or disconnects can lead to uneven temperatures and wasted energy. While homeowners should not perform duct repairs themselves, it’s helpful to do a visual inspection in accessible areas. If you notice damaged insulation, disconnected sections, or dust streaks around joints, your system may be losing valuable heat.
A professional duct inspection can identify and resolve these concerns, restoring proper air distribution and improving comfort in every room.
Check Your Humidifier Settings
Gillette winters are dry, and whole-home humidifiers help keep your indoor air balanced and comfortable. If your HVAC system includes a humidifier, make sure it’s set appropriately for the season. Proper humidity helps reduce static, improves air quality, and allows your home to feel warmer at lower temperatures.
If you’re experiencing dry skin, static shocks, or overly dry air, it may be time for a humidifier adjustment—or a maintenance visit to ensure it’s working correctly.
Review Your HVAC Usage History
Year-end is the perfect time to reflect on how your system performed over the past 12 months. Did you notice uneven heating, rising bills, unusual noises, or frequent cycling? Did your system struggle during the first cold spell? These patterns are often early warning signs that your HVAC equipment may benefit from an inspection or tune-up.
Understanding your system’s behavior helps you plan ahead and schedule service before small issues become costly problems.
Schedule Maintenance in Early January
The start of the new year is one of the best times to schedule HVAC maintenance. Not only does it prepare your equipment for the remainder of winter, but it also allows technicians to address potential issues before they escalate. Regular maintenance supports efficiency, comfort, and long-term system reliability, especially in our cold climate.
Call Climate Solutions, Inc. Today
If you’re ready to start the new year with a well-prepared HVAC system, we’re here to help. Contact Climate Solutions, Inc. today to schedule your winter maintenance or system assessment. We’re the trusted source for all your heating and cooling needs.