In Hattiesburg and Wiggins, fall sneaks up fast. One week the AC is still running, and the next a cold front has you reaching for the thermostat. This checklist helps you get your home ready for winter in an afternoon, and shows you when it is time for a professional furnace tune-up.
Check Your Filters
Your air filter has been working hard all summer. A clogged filter restricts airflow, makes your system run longer, and can even cause your furnace to overheat and shut down.
- Turn the system off at the thermostat before removing the filter.
- Check the size printed on the frame of the old filter and buy the same size.
- Slide the new filter in with the arrow pointing toward the blower, away from the return grille.
- Replace standard 1-inch filters every one to three months. Homes with pets or allergies may need to change them monthly.
Set a reminder on your phone now so the next change does not slip through the cracks.
Schedule a Tune-Up
A filter change is something you can handle. A tune-up is not. A professional visit covers the parts you should never open yourself, like burners, gas connections, and electrical components.
Which tune-up you need depends on your system:
- Gas furnace: schedule furnace maintenance once a year in early fall.
- Heat pump: schedule heat pump maintenance and tune-ups twice a year, since it heats and cools.
Booking in October gives you the best choice of appointment times. Once the first cold snap hits, schedules fill up with no-heat calls.
Not sure when your system was last serviced? Look for a sticker or tag on the furnace or outdoor unit, where many technicians record the date of their visit. If it has been more than a year, or you cannot find any record at all, it is time to get on the schedule before the cold weather arrives.
Inspect Vents & Ductwork
Take a quick walk through your home and look at every supply vent and return grille:
- Make sure supply vents are open, even in rooms you do not use often. Closing vents can strain your system.
- Move rugs, furniture, and curtains that block vents or returns.
- Vacuum dust from vent covers and return grilles.
- Notice any rooms that felt noticeably hotter or colder than the rest of the house this summer. Uneven temperatures can point to duct leaks.
If you can see ductwork from your attic access hatch without climbing in, look for sections that are disconnected, crushed, or sagging. Leave any repairs to a professional.
Clear Around Your Outdoor Unit
If you have a heat pump, it runs all winter. Rake leaves, pine straw, and branches away from the outdoor unit and keep at least two feet of clear space around it so air can flow freely.
Test Your Thermostat
Do this before you actually need heat:
- Switch the thermostat to Heat and set it a few degrees above the room temperature.
- Listen for the system to start and feel for warm air at the vents within a few minutes.
- Replace the batteries if your thermostat uses them.
- Update your schedule for cooler mornings and evenings if you have a programmable or smart thermostat.
A light burning-dust smell for a few minutes is normal the first time your heat comes on. If it lingers, turn the system off and call a technician.
While You Are at It: Test Your CO Detectors
If your home has a gas furnace, water heater, or fireplace, test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. Install one near each sleeping area if you do not have them already.
Know When to Call a Pro
Some problems are not DIY projects. Call a licensed technician if you notice:
- No heat or lukewarm air after you switch to Heat
- The system turning on and off every few minutes
- Banging, squealing, or grinding noises
- A burning smell that does not go away
- A heat pump covered in thick ice that does not clear
Never open the furnace burner compartment, adjust gas valves, or remove panels that expose wiring. If you smell gas, leave your home right away and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
For problems your tune-up cannot prevent, our team handles furnace repair across Hattiesburg, Wiggins, and South Mississippi.
Schedule Your Fall Tune-Up
Checked everything off the list? Let our NATE-certified technicians handle the rest. Call 601-258-3804 or schedule your fall tune-up online.
