When temperatures drop in Colorado Springs, your furnace becomes one of the most important systems in your home. But as your local HVAC technicians, we see the same winter furnace maintenance mistakes pop up every year — and they’re often the reason for no-heat calls, unexpected repairs, and high energy bills.
Whether you’re turning on a heater after a long time or running a high-efficiency furnace daily, it’s important to know what not to do. Here are the most common furnace mistakes we see homeowners make during the winter, plus expert HVAC tips for winter comfort and efficiency.
1. Skipping Winter Furnace Checkups
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make? Not scheduling a furnace tune-up before winter hits. A simple winter furnace check can prevent breakdowns, improve airflow, and even lower your utility bills. Our team recommends annual furnace maintenance for every system, whether you’ve got a forced-air furnace, a condensing furnace, or a natural draft furnace in an older home.
A proper winter furnace maintenance visit includes checking your thermostat, testing the blower motor, inspecting the heat exchanger, and ensuring your combustion air is flowing safely. Skipping this step is like driving cross-country without an oil change — you might get there, but it’ll cost you more in the long run.
2. Waiting Too Long to Replace Air Filters
A clogged air filter is one of the simplest problems to fix, and also one of the most common reasons your furnace stops working. When filters are dirty, your gas furnace has to work harder to circulate warm air. This puts unnecessary strain on your blower motor and heat exchanger, leading to uneven heating and reduced AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).
We recommend replacing your filter at least every 1–2 months during peak winter use. It’s an easy task to add to your furnace maintenance checklist and can dramatically improve indoor air quality and system performance.
3. Blocking Vents or Return Air Registers
If rooms in your home feel colder than others, check your vents before calling in a tech. Blocked supply or return vents can reduce airflow and cause your furnace to overheat or short-cycle. In forced-air gas furnaces, proper air circulation is essential for consistent temperature control and safe operation.
Avoid placing furniture, curtains, or rugs over registers. Even high-efficiency furnaces rely on free-moving air to operate correctly.
4. Cranking the Thermostat All at Once
We get it — you walk into a cold house and your first instinct is to blast the thermostat. But rapidly raising the temperature doesn’t heat your home any faster. In fact, it can stress single-stage furnaces or even confuse two-stage or modulating furnaces that are designed to heat gradually based on demand.
A better approach? Set your programmable thermostat to a comfortable, steady temperature throughout the day. This helps your furnace work efficiently without unnecessary wear and tear.
5. Ignoring Ductwork Issues
Did you know that leaky ductwork can waste up to 30% of heated air in some homes? If your ducts are routed through unheated attics or crawlspaces, or if they’re unsealed or poorly insulated, you could be losing a significant amount of heat without realizing it.
During a professional furnace maintenance visit, we’ll inspect your ductwork for signs of leaks or poor insulation. Fixing these issues can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and heating bills.
Putting Off Repairs After the Furnace Went Out in Winter
If your furnace went out in winter and then started working again, don’t ignore it. Intermittent problems, like ignition issues, draft inducer failure, or heat exchanger cracks, can come and go before causing a full shutdown.
Waiting until your system fails completely can leave you in the cold during the worst time of year. If something seems off, give us a call. Our team can diagnose the problem and perform any necessary service before it becomes an emergency.
7. Forgetting to Clear the Exhaust System
Modern condensing furnaces often have PVC vent pipes for exhaust. These can easily become blocked by snow, leaves, or ice buildup, especially in Colorado winters. If the pipe is blocked, your furnace may shut down for safety.
As part of your winter furnace maintenance, be sure to check that your exhaust and fresh air intake pipes are clear of debris and snow. We also recommend confirming that your sealed combustion system is operating safely and efficiently.
8. Not Knowing How to Service a Furnace for Winter
Too many homeowners assume their furnace will “just work” after months of sitting idle. But turning on a heater after a long time requires some preparation. Beyond changing filters and checking the thermostat, a full inspection of the heat exchanger, blower, venting, and burner assembly is needed to ensure safe operation.
That’s why we always recommend having your furnace serviced before the first cold snap. It’s the best way to catch small issues early, keep your system efficient, and avoid surprise breakdowns on a freezing night.
Furnace Maintenance Tips to Stay Warm and Save Energy
Once you’ve avoided the common mistakes, there are a few smart HVAC tips for winter you can follow to keep your system running strong:
- Schedule an annual winter furnace check with a licensed technician
- Add “replace filter” to your monthly furnace maintenance checklist
- Keep vents and ductwork clear and sealed
- Adjust your thermostat for steady temperatures (especially with single-stage furnaces)
- Don’t ignore unusual smells, noises, or performance dips
- Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace if your system is over 15 years old
Whether you have a two-stage furnace, modulating furnace, or older natural draft system, regular furnace maintenance can improve comfort, cut energy costs, and extend the life of your unit.
Need Help With Winter Furnace Maintenance?
At Falling Star Heating and Cooling, we help homeowners across Colorado Springs stay warm all winter long. Our team provides professional furnace tune-ups, repairs, and full system replacements with the honesty and integrity you deserve.
Whether you need a quick winter furnace check or help diagnosing why your furnace went out in winter, we’re here 24/7.
Schedule your winter furnace maintenance with Falling Star today. We’ll keep your system running safely so you can stay comfortable all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Furnace Maintenance
How often should my furnace kick on in the winter?
Your furnace should cycle on and off several times per hour during winter, especially on colder days. If it’s constantly running or short cycling, it could signal a problem with your thermostat settings, clogged air filters, or even an issue with your furnace blower motor.
Is 72 too high for heat in winter?
Not necessarily. It depends on your comfort and how well your home is insulated. However, keeping your thermostat closer to 68°F is often recommended for better furnace energy efficiency and to prevent overworking a single-stage or older forced-air furnace.
What’s the lowest I should set my thermostat in the winter?
If you’re home, don’t go lower than 60–62°F, or you risk frozen pipes and uneven heating. When you’re away, a programmable thermostat can help maintain safe temperatures without wasting energy, especially in high-efficiency furnace setups.
What should I include on my winter furnace maintenance checklist?
Your winter furnace maintenance checklist should include replacing clogged air filters, checking thermostat settings, testing the exhaust system, inspecting ductwork for leaks, and confirming that combustion air intakes are clear. Don’t forget a professional furnace tune-up to catch small issues before they cause your furnace to go out in winter.
What should I do before turning on a heater after a long time?
Before turning on a heater after months of inactivity, inspect your furnace heat exchanger, replace the filter, and check that the furnace exhaust system and vent pipes are clear. It’s also smart to schedule a winter furnace check with a licensed technician to make sure everything is running safely.
What are the best HVAC tips for winter energy savings?
Seal ductwork, keep vents unobstructed, and service your furnace for winter before the first cold snap. Regular winter furnace maintenance, especially for condensing furnaces or modulating systems, can reduce heat loss and extend the life of your heating equipment.
