Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Home Heating Systems

Regular maintenance extends system life, improves safety, and reduces energy bills. This seasonal checklist covers heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, pellet stoves, and thermostats—organized so you can tackle tasks over a weekend or schedule professional services.

Before winter: homeowner tasks

• Replace or clean filters (heat pump and furnace) every 1–3 months during heavy use.
• Inspect outdoor heat pump unit for debris, clear 2–3 feet around the unit.
• Test thermostat and remote sensors; update schedules and check battery backups.
• Check baseboard units for dust and remove obstructions from radiators.

System-specific checks

Heat pumps

• Confirm proper defrost cycle operation and listen for abnormal noises.
• Schedule professional refrigerant and electrical checks annually.

Furnaces

• Inspect and clean burners, heat exchanger checks if you smell combustion odors.
• Test carbon monoxide alarms and change batteries.

Boilers and hydronic systems

• Check pressure levels and bleed radiators if necessary.
• Inspect expansion tanks and zone valves for leaks or corrosion.

Pellet stoves

• Clean ash and inspect auger and burn pot.
• Test ignition and exhaust fans; verify vent joints are sealed.

Professional services to schedule

• Annual tune-up for furnaces and boilers (combustion analysis where applicable)
• Heat pump refrigerant and electrical safety check
• Duct cleaning and leak sealing if you notice airflow imbalance or dust issues

Energy-saving tips

• Lower thermostats by a degree or two and supplement with zone heating for rarely used rooms.
• Use smart thermostats to reduce heat at night and when away.
• Seal and insulate attic, rim joists, and ducts to reduce wasted heat.

"A simple filter change and outdoor unit clear-out can save energy and prevent costly failures." — The Heating Store

Safety reminders

• Install and test carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances.
• Never block vents and combustion air openings.
• Follow manufacturer maintenance intervals to keep warranties valid.

Final checklist: weekend plan

1. Day 1 morning: Replace filters, test thermostat, clear outdoor unit.
2. Day 1 afternoon: Inspect radiators, vents, and baseboards; vacuum and remove obstructions.
3. Day 2: Call a professional for annual tune-up or do a deeper DIY inspection for non-combustion systems.

Regular maintenance is the single best investment to protect comfort and manage heating costs. Keep a simple log of dates for filter changes and professional services so you can track system health across seasons.