How to Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

Jennifer Heinzelman | Nov 03 2025 20:00

When Indiana temperatures dip below freezing, the last thing you want is a furnace that won’t start. A little preparation this fall can keep your home cozy and your energy bills low all winter long. Here’s how to get your furnace winter-ready and a when to know to call the pros at Integrity Heating and Air Conditioning, locally owned and operated and proudly serving Hamilton County Indiana. 


1. Change or Clean Your Air Filter

A clogged filter is the number-one reason furnaces struggle in early winter. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy.

Tip: Check your filter every 30 days and replace it at least every 2–3 months.
If you have pets or live near farms around Sheridan, swap it monthly to reduce dust buildup.


2. Test Your Thermostat Early

Don’t wait for the first 20-degree night to find out your thermostat isn’t responding. Switch from cool to heat now and set it a few degrees above room temperature.

If you don’t hear the furnace click on within a minute or two, it’s time for a professional tune-up.


3. Inspect and Clear Your Vents

Walk through each room and make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. Blocked vents create uneven heating and put extra strain on your furnace.

A quick once-over now can prevent hot and cold spots all winter long.


4. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

A yearly tune-up keeps your system efficient and helps catch small problems before they become big repairs.

When you schedule your Integrity HVAC Fall Tune-Up, our certified technicians will:

  • Inspect and clean burners and heat exchangers

  • Check safety switches and gas pressure

  • Verify airflow and filter condition

  • Calibrate your thermostat for accuracy

Homeowners in Sheridan, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, and Carmel often schedule their furnace service in early November, before temperatures drop below freezing.


5. Watch for Warning Signs

If you notice:

  • Strange rattling or banging sounds

  • Uneven heating between rooms

  • A musty or burning smell when the heat starts

  • Higher-than-usual gas bills

Don’t ignore it — these are signs your furnace may need attention.


6. Seal Drafts and Leaks

Small gaps around windows and doors make your furnace run longer. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal leaks and keep warm air inside.

It’s one of the simplest ways to save energy through the Indiana winter.


The Bottom Line

A furnace tune-up costs a fraction of what a mid-winter repair does — and it helps keep your home safe from carbon-monoxide leaks or system breakdowns.

Ready to schedule your furnace check-up?
Call Integrity HVAC today at (317) 804-7699 to schedule quick and trusted service in Sheridan, Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, or Kirklin.