As temperatures drop and winter takes hold in Brunswick and throughout Ohio, nothing is more comforting than a warm, cozy home.
True comfort in colder weather starts with your furnace. Professional maintenance is crucial to ensure it operates efficiently and keeps you warm throughout these chilly months.
At Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we offer top-class heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services, ensuring your home systems run smoothly and efficiently. Leave it to our experts for trusted home solutions!
Furnace Tips for Greater Comfort This Winter
Our experienced team knows the importance of a well-maintained furnace. Here are three essential maintenance tips to help you stay warm this winter:
- Regular Filter Replacement
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your furnace is by regularly replacing or cleaning its air filter. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder, which can lead to increased wear and tear on its components.According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent, and reduced energy use translates into savings on your heating bills too.
This is a critical maintenance task, so be sure to check and change your filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have pets or household members with allergies, you might need to replace the filter more frequently.
- Annual Professional Inspection
While there are many aspects of furnace maintenance you can handle yourself, an annual professional inspection is essential. A certified technician can perform a comprehensive check of your furnace, including testing its efficiency, inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, checking the burner and flame sensor, and ensuring the blower motor is functioning correctly. - Keep Vents and Air Ducts Clean
Ensuring that your home’s vents and air ducts are clean is another key aspect of furnace maintenance. Blocked or dirty vents can hinder the distribution of warm air throughout your home, causing uneven heating and putting additional strain on your furnace.
Our professionals at Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical are here for you! We offer our Gene’s Membership to ensure you get the most out of your equipment and that it operates at ideal capacity. When you join our plan, you can expect two 21-point inspections per year, service reminders, repair warranties, annual equipment replacement accruals, discounted rates on equipment repairs, accessories, additional plans, and much more!
Vacuuming your vents regularly to remove dust, pet hair, and other debris helps maintain good airflow. Additionally, consider having your ductwork professionally cleaned every few years, especially if you notice excessive dust in your home, which can be a sign of dirty ducts.
Furnace maintenance is not just about ensuring comfort during winter—it is also about safety, efficiency, and prolonging the life of your heating system. By following these essential maintenance tips, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home while avoiding unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Turn to Our Experts for All Your Furnace Needs
At Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we are committed to providing you with reliable and efficient heating solutions. Our team of experts is always ready to help with all your Brunswick, OH, home’s furnace maintenance needs, from filter replacements to professional inspections. Do not wait for the cold to set in! Call 330-723-4104 or request service online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before assuming you need a repair, check a few simple things that commonly cause “no heat” complaints during Ohio cold snaps.
- Confirm the thermostat is set to Heat and the temperature is set above the room temperature.
- Make sure the breaker switch for the furnace is on and the furnace door panel is fully secured.
- Check that supply registers are open and not blocked by rugs or furniture.
- If you have a gas furnace, confirm the gas shutoff valve near the unit is in the open position.
If it still is not heating properly, Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can help homeowners in Brunswick, OH diagnose the cause and restore safe, steady heat.
Furnaces often show warnings before a breakdown. Catching these early can prevent losing heat on the coldest nights.
- Frequent starting and stopping, or long run times with weak heat
- New rattling, banging, squealing, or buzzing sounds
- Uneven temperatures from room to room
- Burning smells that do not go away after a short period of operation
- Unusually high heating bills compared to similar weather
Short cycling can point to a setup issue, a safety switch doing its job, or a control problem. It can also raise energy use and wear out parts faster.
- Thermostat issues, including placement near drafts or heat sources
- Overheating protection shutting the system down repeatedly
- Restricted airflow from closed registers or return air problems
- Ignition or flame-sensing issues
If short cycling is happening regularly, it is best to have a technician evaluate it instead of repeatedly resetting the system.
Yes. Many high-efficiency furnaces create condensation that drains away through a condensate line. In freezing weather, that drain line can sometimes clog or freeze, which can shut the furnace down.
- If you see water pooling near the unit, turn the system off and have it inspected.
- Keeping the drain line clear and protected is especially important during Medina County winters.
Good furnace maintenance is not only about comfort. A few simple safety habits can protect your home and family.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries as needed.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear of boxes, paint, and other combustibles.
- Watch for signs of trouble like soot, persistent burning odors, or a yellow burner flame.
- Do not ignore repeated shutdowns or error codes.
Small home efficiency changes often make a noticeable difference, especially in colder climates.
- Use a programmable thermostat schedule and avoid large temperature swings.
- Seal drafts at doors and windows and add attic insulation if needed.
- Run ceiling fans on low in reverse to push warm air down.
- Maintain comfortable humidity levels so the air feels warmer at lower thermostat settings.
A good rule is to keep the furnace area uncluttered and allow easy access for service. Clearance needs vary by equipment type and local code, so always follow the manufacturer label and your installer’s guidance.
- Avoid storing cardboard, cleaning products, paint, or gasoline nearby.
- Keep pathways open so a technician can safely inspect and service the unit.
Many furnaces last 15 to 20 years, but lifespan depends on installation quality, usage, and how the system has been cared for. If your unit is older and needs frequent repairs, replacement may be more cost-effective.
- Repairs are becoming more frequent or expensive
- Comfort problems keep returning even after service
- Energy bills keep climbing without a clear weather-related reason
If you are unsure, Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can evaluate your current furnace and help you understand your options based on your home and comfort goals in the Brunswick area.
