Simple Heating System Maintenance Tips
Heating and cooling account for nearly 40 percent of the energy used in a typical home. In southern New Hampshire, where the heating season runs roughly seven months a year, keeping your system in good condition is one of the highest-payoff things a homeowner can do for comfort and operating cost.
Most of what makes the biggest difference is simple. At A.J. LeBlanc Heating, we have been servicing heating systems across Manchester, Bedford, Concord, Nashua, Salem, and Auburn since 1928. Below are the maintenance habits we wish every customer knew.
Change your air filter on a schedule
A clean filter does two things: it keeps dust off the indoor coil and blower wheel, and it preserves the airflow your system was designed for. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which causes a furnace to overheat and stresses the heat exchanger, and causes a heat pump or AC coil to freeze.
- Check 1-inch filters monthly. Replace at least every three months.
- 4 to 5-inch media filters typically last six to twelve months.
- Change more often if you have pets, run the fan continuously, or have recently done renovation work.
- Turn off power to the furnace at the switch before removing the filter so the blower does not pull dust into the system.
- Reinstall in the correct direction (the arrow on the frame points toward the blower).
Keep your heat pump clear
Modern cold-climate heat pumps are rated to deliver heat at outdoor temperatures well below zero, but they still need airflow and clearance around the outdoor unit to operate properly.
- Keep 18 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides of the outdoor unit.
- Clear leaves, grass clippings, and snow from the top, sides, and base regularly.
- Brush snow off gently. Do not chip ice with sharp tools. The unit's defrost cycle handles normal frost.
- If the unit is buried or repeatedly icing over after you have cleared it, call for service.
For homes with a mini split or ductless heat pump, the indoor head also needs attention. Wipe the unit, clean the washable pre-filters every one to two months, and have the unit professionally deep-cleaned every few years to remove dust and biofilm from the blower wheel and coil.
Mind your vents and registers
A surprising number of comfort and efficiency problems come down to blocked airflow inside the home:
- Make sure supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture, area rugs, or curtains.
- Do not close vents in unused rooms on a forced-air system. It increases pressure inside the ductwork and can reduce overall efficiency.
- Vacuum supply registers occasionally to remove dust buildup.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat
A thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature when no one is home or asleep is one of the easiest ways to reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort. The savings come from running the heat less during predictable empty or sleeping hours.
- A 4 to 6 degree overnight setback for eight hours can trim roughly 10 percent off seasonal heating costs.
- Programmable thermostats only save money if you actually use the schedule. Many homeowners override them constantly and lose the benefit.
- Modern smart thermostats (Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell Home) build the schedule for you based on motion, occupancy, and your habits. For homeowners who do not want to think about programming, a smart model is usually the better choice.
One caution: avoid large setbacks during extreme cold snaps. Keeping the home at a steady temperature reduces the risk of frozen pipes and prevents the system from working overtime to recover.
Schedule annual professional service
Annual service is the maintenance step that catches the problems homeowners cannot see. A typical visit includes:
- Combustion analysis with measured CO and CO2 readings on fuel-burning systems
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Cleaning and adjustment of the burner
- Blower motor and capacitor checks
- Electrical connection tightening and safety control testing
- Refrigerant charge verification on heat pumps
Annual service is also a condition of most manufacturer warranties.
Ready to book a tune-up?
If your heating system has not been serviced in over a year, or you are noticing comfort issues you cannot explain, contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating. Serving New Hampshire families since 1928.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Check 1-inch filters monthly and replace at least every three months. Larger media filters last six to twelve months. Homes with pets or active renovation projects should change more often.
Can I clean my heat pump myself?
You can keep snow, leaves, and grass away from the outdoor unit, and clean the washable pre-filters on a ductless head. Coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, and electrical work should be left to a licensed technician.
How well do cold-climate heat pumps work in New Hampshire winters?
Modern cold-climate heat pumps continue to deliver useful heat at outdoor temperatures well below zero. Capacity drops as temperatures fall, which is why most installations include a backup heat source for the coldest stretches.
Is a smart thermostat worth it?
For most NH households, yes. The combination of automated scheduling, geofencing, and detailed usage reports makes it easier to actually capture the savings a programmable thermostat is capable of.
How long should my heating system last?
With consistent maintenance, gas furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, cast-iron boilers 25 to 30 years, and heat pumps 12 to 15 years. Without maintenance, all of those numbers come down.