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10 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM FOR WINTER

June 13, 2024

As the warm days of summer give way to the crisp chill of autumn, it’s crucial to start thinking about preparing your heating system for the impending winter months. A well-maintained heating system ensures a comfortable and cozy indoor environment and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns during the coldest times. In this article, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive guide on preparing your heating system for winter, ensuring a seamless transition to the colder season.

There is a lamp on the nightstand next to the bed.

1. SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

The first step in getting your heating system winter-ready is to schedule a professional inspection. Hiring a certified technician to evaluate your system’s components, clean them, and identify potential issues is essential. A thorough inspection can catch minor problems before they escalate into major malfunctions, saving you from costly repairs and inconvenient breakdowns in the dead of winter. At Tyler’s Heating & Cooling, we are your local HVAC and plumbing experts in Mishawaka and surrounding areas.

2. CHECK AND REPLACE AIR FILTERS

Clean air filters are the backbone of an efficient heating system. Over time, these filters accumulate dust and debris, obstructing airflow and reducing the system’s efficiency. It’s recommended to check your filters monthly and replace them as needed. Doing so ensures proper airflow, improves indoor air quality, and helps your heating system work optimally throughout the winter season.

3. CLEAN AND CLEAR VENTS AND DUCTS

Blocked vents and ducts can impede warm air distribution throughout your home. Take the time to inspect all vents, registers, and ducts, removing any obstructions such as furniture, drapes, or debris. Additionally, consider hiring a professional to perform a duct cleaning, as clean ducts facilitate better air quality and ensure efficient heating.

4. CALIBRATE YOUR THERMOSTAT

A well-calibrated thermostat is key to maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. Check the accuracy of your thermostat by comparing it to a separate thermometer. If discrepancies exist, consult your user manual to recalibrate it. Alternatively, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat allows you to set specific temperature schedules, optimizing energy usage and comfort.

5. TEST THE SYSTEM

Before the winter chill sets in, conduct a test run of your heating system. Turn on the heat and monitor its performance. Listen for any unusual noises or detect any unusual odors, which could indicate underlying issues. Address these concerns promptly by contacting a professional technician.

6. INSULATE AND SEAL

Proper insulation and sealing are essential for preventing heat loss and ensuring your heating system operates efficiently. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and other openings. Seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulking. Additionally, consider adding insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to retain heat within your home.

7. SERVICE THE HEATING SYSTEM

Regular maintenance is the key to preventing winter heating system breakdowns. Change the oil or perform necessary maintenance tasks according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you have a gas furnace, ensure the burners are clean and functioning correctly. For boilers, ensure the water pressure and thermostat settings are within the recommended ranges.

8. BLEED RADIATORS

If you have a hot water radiator system, bleeding the radiators is crucial. Air can accumulate in the system over time, causing uneven heating. To bleed the radiators, simply open the valve slightly until a hissing sound indicates the release of trapped air. Once the water starts to emerge, close the valve. This simple task can significantly improve the efficiency of your heating system.

9. STOCK UP ON FUEL

If your heating system relies on oil, propane, or any other fuel, ensure you have an adequate supply for the winter. Schedule deliveries in advance to avoid running out of fuel during the colder months. This preparation guarantees uninterrupted heating and peace of mind throughout the winter season.

10. HAVE EMERGENCY CONTACTS HANDY

Despite your best efforts, emergencies can still happen. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including heating system repair companies, readily available. This way, you can quickly get assistance if your heating system malfunctions during winter.


Preparing your winter heating system might require time and effort, but the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. A well-maintained heating system ensures comfort, energy efficiency, and a cozy indoor environment when the temperature drops. By following these steps and taking a proactive approach, you can transition smoothly into winter, knowing that your heating system is ready to tackle the coldest days. At Tyler’s Heating & Cooling, we offer heating and cooling services in Mishawaka and the neighboring areas. Contact us today and we will help you find a reliable heating or cooling system that meets your needs.

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HOW AIR BALANCING IMPROVES INDOOR AIR QUALITY

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When people consider indoor air quality solutions, they frequently focus on filtration and efficiency. However, air balancing can be an important part of the equation. Balancing is the process of evenly distributing airflow in an HVAC system throughout an entire building. Here is a look at how air balancing influences indoor air quality.
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WHAT IS A HOME ENERGY AUDIT AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?

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One of the biggest ongoing costs that comes with homeownership is energy costs. Here in Mishawaka, IN, the average household pays around $78.70 for electricity each month. Homes with natural gas service may pay less for electricity but an additional $50 or more for gas monthly. If you’re a homeowner here, you know that energy makes up a significant part of your monthly budget. That makes finding ways to conserve energy important. Doing so can trim your energy costs and increase your budget flexibility. However, it isn’t always easy to figure out the best ways to cut your home’s energy use. That’s where a home energy audit can help, though. Here’s what a home energy audit is and why you need one performed on your home.
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TOP 5 SIGNS YOUR AIR CONDITIONER NEEDS MAINTENANCE

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With summertime temperatures in Mishawaka, IN hovering in the mid-80s, having a functional air conditioner is a must. In addition to finding and installing the right cooling equipment for your household and home, it’s also important to care for it. Routine maintenance keeps air conditioners working efficiently. It optimizes humidity control, ensures acceptably high indoor air quality (IAQ), and keeps home cooling costs to a minimum. Read on to discover the top five signs that your AC needs professional maintenance right now.
A man is looking at a water heater while holding a clipboard.

HOW TO FIX WATER HEATER LEAKS

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Water heater leaks can be due to a number of reasons. One thing is for sure, though: it needs your attention right away. Tyler’s Heating & Cooling has dealt with water heater leaks in Mishawaka, IN, homes for several years now. If ignored, it can result in a more severe issue, such as water damage or, worse, structural damage. It’s also not a secret that water and electricity are dangerous together, which is why prompt action is a must.
A digital thermostat is mounted on a wall.

CAN SMART THERMOSTATS SAVE ME MONEY?

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If you already have an old thermostat, you may wonder if upgrading to a smart thermostat is worth it. In reality, traditional and smart thermostats offer the same primary function: regulating conditioned air. However, smart thermostats have additional benefits for your home in Mishawaka, IN. They add more ways to interact with your thermostat through a phone app or voice commands. Most people will agree that an upgrade from a traditional thermostat is necessary to help keep their home more comfortable with today’s energy costs. But the question is, how can a smart thermostat help save you money? Here are four ways that it does so:
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REASONS TO INSTALL A BOILER IN YOUR HOME

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Having a boiler and radiant heating in your home offers many advantages compared to having a furnace and forced-air heating. Switching to radiant heating requires a substantial investment since you will need to install a boiler and radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating coils. However, it is an investment that will definitely pay off over time by improving your home comfort and lowering your heating costs. If you’re unsure whether a boiler is right for your home, here are some of the reasons why it can be such a good choice.
An air conditioner is sitting in the grass in front of a brick building.

7 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON HEATING DURING THE WINTER

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No one likes a high energy bill. Unfortunately, many homeowners experience higher heating costs during winter due to running their heating units more often. If you want to save money on heating this winter, there are simple ways to do so. Here at Tyler’s Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners from all walks of life reduce their heating bills. Remember the seven tips if you need help lowering your bill this winter.
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5 REASONS WHY YOUR FURNACE MIGHT RANDOMLY TURN OFF

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THE TOP 5 BENEFITS OF DUEL-FUEL FURNACE SYSTEMS

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