Winter in Riverside may be milder than many parts of the country, but when temperatures drop, your heating system becomes essential for keeping your family comfortable. A well-maintained HVAC system doesn't just keep you warm—it also runs more efficiently, costs less to operate, and lasts longer.

The good news is that many heating problems can be prevented with simple, proactive maintenance. Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or another heating system, these five tips will help you stay cozy all season long while avoiding unexpected breakdowns.

Don't wait until your heating fails on the coldest night of the year. If your system isn't heating properly or you're noticing unusual sounds or smells, contact ServLegacy today or call (951) 291-9954 to schedule a professional inspection. Our team serves Riverside and the surrounding communities with expert heating care you can trust.

Replace Your Air Filters Regularly

Your HVAC system's air filter is one of the hardest-working parts of your heating system, yet it's often the most neglected. The filter traps dust, pet dander, pollen, and other particles that circulate through your home. When it gets clogged, your system has to work much harder to push air through, which reduces efficiency and increases wear on important components.

A dirty filter forces your heating system to run longer to reach the temperature you want. This means higher energy bills and more stress on the blower motor and other parts. Over time, this extra strain can lead to costly repairs or even shorten the life of your equipment.

How often should you change your filter?

Check your filter every month during heavy heating season
Replace standard 1-inch filters every 1-3 months depending on use
Change filters more often if you have pets, allergies, or construction dust in your home
Consider upgrading to higher-quality filters for better air quality and longer intervals between changes

Changing your filter is something most homeowners can do themselves in just a few minutes. Check your system's manual for the correct filter size and location. This simple task can make a significant difference in how well your system performs.

Keep Your Vents and Registers Clear

Even the most efficient heating system can't do its job if warm air can't flow freely through your home. Blocked or closed vents create pressure imbalances in your ductwork and force your system to work harder than necessary. Many homeowners don't realize that furniture, curtains, rugs, and even storage boxes can block airflow without being obvious.

Walk through your home and check every supply vent (where warm air comes out) and return vent (where air goes back into the system). Make sure nothing is blocking them by at least two feet. This includes moving furniture away from wall vents and keeping floor registers free of clutter.

Common airflow blockers to watch for:

Sofas, beds, or chairs pushed against wall vents
Heavy curtains or drapes covering floor or baseboard vents
Area rugs placed over floor registers
Toys, storage bins, or seasonal decorations stacked near vents

Some people close vents in unused rooms thinking it will save energy, but this actually creates problems. Modern HVAC systems are designed to heat your entire home evenly. Closing vents disrupts this balance and can cause your system to overheat or freeze up. Instead, keep all vents open and consider adjusting your thermostat or using a programmable model to manage temperature zones more effectively.

Schedule Professional Maintenance Before Winter Arrives

Think of professional HVAC maintenance like an annual checkup at the doctor—it catches small issues before they become big problems. A trained technician can spot worn parts, test system performance, and make adjustments that keep your heating running smoothly all winter long. Fall is the ideal time to schedule this service, before the coldest weather arrives and HVAC companies get busy with emergency calls.

During a professional maintenance visit, a technician will thoroughly inspect your entire system. They'll clean components that collect dust and debris, check electrical connections, test safety controls, and measure airflow and temperature output. This comprehensive approach ensures your system is ready to handle whatever winter throws at it.

What a professional maintenance visit typically includes:

Inspection of all heating components including the heat exchanger, burners, and blower motor
Cleaning of burners, flame sensors, and other critical parts
Testing of thermostat calibration and system cycling
Checking and tightening electrical connections
Measuring carbon monoxide levels and testing safety shutoffs
Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and noise

Regular professional maintenance can extend the life of your heating system by several years. It also helps maintain your manufacturer's warranty, which often requires proof of annual servicing. Most importantly, a professional can identify potential safety issues like gas leaks or cracked heat exchangers that homeowners can't detect on their own. If you need a heating repair, catching it early during maintenance is far less expensive than dealing with a complete breakdown in the middle of winter.

Check and Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system, but many homeowners don't use it to its full potential. Modern programmable and smart thermostats can significantly reduce your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable. Even if you have an older manual thermostat, making small adjustments to your heating schedule can add up to big savings over the season.

The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees when you're home and awake during winter. For every degree you lower your thermostat for eight hours, you can save about one percent on your heating bill. If you're gone during the day for work or school, consider lowering the temperature while you're away.

Smart thermostat strategies for winter:

Program your thermostat to lower temperatures at night when you're sleeping under blankets
Set the temperature to drop during work hours when nobody is home
Use the "hold" or "override" feature instead of constantly adjusting settings manually
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts automatically

If you notice that your home isn't reaching the temperature you've set, or if your system runs constantly without reaching the target, something may be wrong. This could indicate a thermostat malfunction, a problem with your heating system, or even poor insulation. These issues are worth investigating because they waste energy and money while leaving you uncomfortable.

Inspect Your Heating System for Warning Signs

Your heating system often gives you warning signs before a complete breakdown occurs. Learning to recognize these signals can help you call for service before a small problem becomes a major repair. Pay attention to how your system sounds, smells, and performs throughout the heating season. Any changes from normal operation deserve attention.

Strange noises are one of the most common warning signs. While all heating systems make some noise when they start up and shut down, loud banging, squealing, or grinding sounds indicate something is wrong. Unusual smells are another red flag—burning dust is normal when you first turn on your heat for the season, but persistent burning smells or the odor of gas always require immediate attention.

Warning signs that need professional attention:

Yellow or flickering flame in gas furnaces (should be steady and blue)
Frequent cycling on and off without reaching the set temperature
Weak airflow from vents even with a clean filter
Rising energy bills without increased usage
Moisture or rust around your heating equipment
Age of your system (most systems last 15-20 years)

Heat pumps have their own set of warning signs to watch for, including ice buildup on the outdoor unit during heating mode or difficulty switching between heating and cooling modes. If you notice any of these issues, it's time to call a professional. Ignoring warning signs usually leads to more expensive repairs down the road and increases the risk of a complete system failure when you need heat the most.

Keep Your Home Comfortable All Winter Long

Taking care of your heating system doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. These five simple maintenance tips—changing filters, keeping vents clear, scheduling professional service, optimizing your thermostat, and watching for warning signs—will help ensure your Riverside home stays warm and comfortable throughout the winter months. Regular maintenance also saves you money on energy bills and helps you avoid the inconvenience and expense of emergency repairs during the coldest weather.

Ready to prepare your heating system for winter? ServLegacy provides expert heating services throughout Riverside and the surrounding communities. Our experienced technicians can handle everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs.

Schedule your heating maintenance today or call (951) 291-9954 to speak with our friendly team. We're here to help keep your home comfortable all season long.