As the temperatures drop across the Spokane Valley, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system transitions from a supportive role to a mission-critical component of your home or business. Winter is when your furnace or heat pump works hardest, enduring sustained demand to keep the interior warm and comfortable against the freezing outdoor air. Ignoring routine HVAC maintenance during this crucial season can lead to expensive emergency breakdowns, poor indoor air quality, and frustratingly high energy bills.

At Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the unique challenges the Inland Northwest winter poses, and preparing your HVAC system is the best defense against cold-weather failures.

Essential Steps for Winterizing Your Heating System

Proper winter maintenance is not a one-time task; it's a critical strategy that ensures efficiency, longevity, and safety. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns when you need heat the most.

1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters

This is the simplest yet most effective maintenance task you can perform. A clean filter is the foundation of an efficient HVAC system. A clogged, dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and longer to push warm air through your ducts. This increased strain wastes energy and can potentially lead to overheating and system failure. For most standard units, filters should be checked monthly and replaced or cleaned every 30 to 90 days, especially during periods of high usage like winter.

2. Inspect and Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit

Even though your furnace is indoors, many heating systems—especially heat pumps—have an outdoor unit. Ensure that this unit is completely clear of leaves, snow, ice, and debris. Any obstruction can impede airflow and hinder its operation, decreasing efficiency and potentially causing damage to the coil or fan. If you have a high-efficiency furnace, be sure its exhaust vent and air intake pipes outside are also free of blockages, as this can be a serious carbon monoxide hazard.

3. Check and Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

A smart or programmable thermostat can be your greatest ally in winter energy savings. Ensure your settings are optimized for the season. Programming your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit while you are asleep or away from home can save up to 10% on heating costs. Also, check that the thermostat is calibrated correctly and reading the temperature accurately; if your furnace seems to cycle on and off too frequently, it may need adjustment or replacement.

4. Inspect Vents and Registers for Obstructions

Walk through your home or business and check every single air supply register and return air vent. Ensure they are all fully open and that no furniture, rugs, or drapes are blocking the airflow. Blocked vents disrupt the system’s ability to circulate conditioned air effectively, leading to cold spots and an overworked heating unit. Never close off more than 20% of your home's registers, as this can create excessive static pressure and damage the system fan.

5. Schedule Your Professional Heating System Tune-Up

While do-it-yourself maintenance is helpful, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive professional tune-up. A certified technician from Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning performs crucial safety and performance checks that are beyond the scope of a homeowner. This includes inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, testing gas pressure and burner operation, lubricating moving parts, checking electrical connections, and verifying the functionality of safety controls. Early detection of issues like a failing ignitor or a dirty flame sensor prevents sudden mid-winter breakdowns and ensures the system operates safely and at peak efficiency.

Protect Your Comfort This Winter

The Inland Northwest winter demands reliable heating, and proactive maintenance is the key to providing it. By dedicating a little time to these essential steps, and scheduling a professional tune-up before the coldest months hit, you can ensure your HVAC system is prepared to handle everything the Spokane Valley weather throws at it. Don’t wait for a system failure to call for help.

Contact Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning today at (509) 642-6166 to schedule your comprehensive winter inspection and enjoy a season of consistent, worry-free warmth.