Americans face critical home heating decisions

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Published Date 2/5/2025

As arctic winds sweep across the nation, more than 95 million Americans are bracing for record-breaking cold temperatures. This brings the critical importance of home heating systems into sharp focus, making proper furnace maintenance not just a matter of comfort, but survival as well.

They say you can’t attack an issue until you really understand it, and your home's heating system is no exception, as it’s the first line of defense against winter's assault. While many homeowners remain uncertain about their heating setup, identifying your system type is surprisingly straightforward, according to Realtor.com’s Yael Bizouati-Kennedy.

“The telltale signs of a natural gas furnace include visible flames and distinctive burner sounds during operation, along with a direct gas line connection,” she says. “Propane furnaces share similar characteristics but connect to a separate propane tank, while oil furnaces are easily identified by their nearby oil storage tank.”

Bizouati-Kennedy says modern homes often feature heat pumps, a newer (actually old but now being revived) technology characterized by an external air exchanger connected to an indoor furnace via insulated copper pipes. For homes with radiators, the heating source isn't a furnace at all, but rather a boiler system, marking a distinct difference in how heat is distributed throughout the home.

Regular maintenance stands as the cornerstone of efficient home heating, with filter replacement being the most crucial yet manageable task for you as a homeowner. The timing of filter changes depends on thickness: thinner filters need replacement every one to three months, while thicker variants can last up to a year. Warning signs that it's time for a change include visible dirt accumulation, unusual odors, and increased household dust.

Contrary to common belief, duct cleaning doesn't require frequent attention, she says. A well-maintained HVAC system with regular filter changes can operate effectively for a decade or more without duct cleaning. Instead of costly professional cleaning services, homeowners can maintain air quality by simply vacuuming visible areas around vent covers. Professional duct cleaning becomes necessary only after major renovations or every eight to ten years.

Financial benefits of all this maintenance? Don’t discount their importance, as a well-maintained system can achieve remarkable longevity, potentially serving a home for up to 50 years – three times longer than neglected units. “Furthermore, regular maintenance can slash heating bills by 10-15% through improved efficiency. Perhaps most critically, skipping maintenance can void manufacturer warranties, leaving homeowners vulnerable to costly repairs without coverage,” says the writer.

Smart homeowners schedule professional maintenance checks every one to two years, during which technicians clean internal components, lubricate moving parts, and inspect for potentially dangerous residue buildup. Some utility companies offer these services at reasonable rates, making preventive care both accessible and affordable.

Realtor, TBWS

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