How To Prepare Your Heater or Furnace For The Winter

Posted by Air & Plumbing Today | November 2025

As the temperatures start to drop in San Antonio and Austin, TX, now is the perfect time to make sure your home’s heating system is ready for the cooler months ahead. A well-maintained heater or furnace not only keeps your family comfortable but also runs more efficiently and safely. At Air & Plumbing Today, we’ve been helping families across San Antonio and Austin stay warm for years, and one of the most important steps we recommend is a professional heater/furnace inspection and tune-up before winter hits.

Skipping this crucial maintenance might seem like a way to save time or money now, but it can lead to big problems later. Let’s break down why a thorough tune-up is essential, what happens if you skip it, and exactly what a professional technician does during the service.

The Many Benefits of a Professional Heater/Furnace Inspection and Tune-Up

Getting your furnace or heater tuned up annually offers huge advantages:

• Improved energy efficiency — A clean, well-adjusted system can operate at peak performance, often reducing your heating bills by 5-10% or more.
• Extended equipment lifespan — Regular maintenance can add years to your furnace’s life (typically 15-20 years with proper care).
• Fewer unexpected breakdowns — Catching small issues early prevents major failures when you need heat the most.
• Lower repair costs over time — Preventive care is far cheaper than emergency repairs or premature replacement.
• Better indoor air quality — Cleaning removes dust, allergens, and debris that can circulate through your home.
• Maintained manufacturer warranty — Most warranties require proof of annual professional maintenance.
• Increased safety — Reduces risks like carbon monoxide leaks or gas leaks by ensuring proper combustion and venting.
• Consistent, even heating — Your home stays comfortably warm without hot/cold spots or short cycling.
• Peace of mind — Know your system is ready for Texas’ unpredictable winter weather.

The Serious Consequences of Skipping Heater/Furnace Tune-Ups

Many homeowners think, “If it’s working, why fix it?” Unfortunately, neglecting annual maintenance can lead to:

• Higher energy bills → Dirt and wear force the system to work harder, wasting energy.
• Frequent and expensive breakdowns → Small problems grow into major repairs, often at the worst possible time (like during a freeze).
• Shortened furnace lifespan → You may need to replace your system years earlier than expected.
• Dangerous safety hazards → Risk of carbon monoxide leaks from cracked heat exchangers, gas leaks, or incomplete combustion.
• Poor indoor air quality → Dust, mold, and allergens build up, worsening allergies or respiratory issues.
• Voided warranty → Manufacturers won’t cover repairs if maintenance records are missing.
• Complete system failure → A neglected furnace is far more likely to quit entirely on the coldest night of the year.

Don’t wait for a no-heat emergency—proactive maintenance saves money and stress.

Why You Should Always Hire a Professional HVAC Technician

While some homeowners attempt DIY maintenance, a heater or furnace tune-up involves complex combustion systems, electrical components, and gas lines that require specialized tools, training, and licensing. A certified professional can spot hidden issues (like a cracked heat exchanger) that could be dangerous or invisible to the untrained eye. Plus, they ensure the work meets local codes and manufacturer specifications for safety and warranty compliance.

What Happens During a Thorough Professional Heater/Furnace Tune-Up?

At Air & Plumbing Today, our NATE-certified technicians follow a comprehensive checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked. Here’s what a typical thorough tune-up includes:

1. Inspect and clean or replace the air filter.
2. Check and calibrate the thermostat for accurate operation.
3. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, rust, or corrosion.
4. Clean the burner assembly and adjust for proper flame.
5. Clean the flame sensor to prevent shutdowns.
6. Inspect and clean the blower motor and wheel.
7. Lubricate all moving parts (motors, bearings, etc.).
8. Check and tighten electrical connections.
9. Test starting capabilities and safety controls.
10. Measure voltage and amperage on motors.
11. Inspect and clean the ignition system (pilot or hot surface igniter).
12. Check flue/vent piping for leaks or blockages.
13. Test airflow and static pressure.
14. Measure temperature rise across the heat exchanger.
15. Perform carbon monoxide testing for safety.
16. Inspect ductwork for leaks (if accessible).
17. Check gas pressure and adjust if needed (gas furnaces).
18. Clean condensate drains and trap (high-efficiency models).
19. Provide a full system performance report with recommendations.

This process usually takes 60-90 minutes and leaves your system running like new.

Choose Air & Plumbing Today – The Trusted Name in San Antonio & Austin Heating

When it comes to preparing your heater for winter, trust the local experts with over 3,500 glowing Google reviews. Air & Plumbing Today is proud to be a family-owned company serving both San Antonio and Austin areas. We make service easy and affordable with:

• No trip fees
• No diagnostic fees
• Free estimates 7 days a week

We’re available when you need us, with fast response times and upfront pricing—no surprises!

Ready to schedule your winter heater tune-up? Give us a call today:

• San Antonio area: 210-519-5959
• Austin area: 512-859-5959

Let our familia take care of your familia this winter. Stay warm, Texas!

— The Air & Plumbing Today Team Serving San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding areas with pride. ¡No Problema!