Heating System Checklist

• Test Run:
  Turn the thermostat to heat mode and set it to 80 degrees just for testing. You should hear the furnace turn on and warm air should blow within a few minutes. If it’s running OK, turn the thermostat back to its normal setting. If it’s not running properly, you can try to diagnose it as outlined in Troubleshooting a Gas Furnace. Depending on what’s wrong, you can fix it yourself or you may need a qualified service technician.
• Seasonal Maintenance:
  Either have the furnace checked by a service technician or do it yourself as outlined in Seasonal Furnace Maintenance.
• Replace the Air Filter:
  Put in a new clean air filter. It’s easy, just follow the steps in Furnace Filter Replacement
• Fuel:
  If you have a propane or oil furnace, make sure to have your fuel storage tank topped off and ready to go.
• Heating Vents:
  Clear obstacles to heating vents so air can freely flow.
• Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks:
  This silent killer can easily be detected with either an inexpensive test badge or battery operated alarm. Whichever way you decide, just please decide to protect your family with one of these units.
  See Testing for Carbon Monoxide for more information.

Plumbing Checklist

Plumbing is especially susceptible to cold weather and freezing. Burst pipes from freezing can cause some of the most expensive repairs in the home. So let’s go over some of the basics to make you have them covered.

• Insulate Exposed Piping
  If you have any exposed water or drain piping at all in uninsulated spaces such as in a crawlspace, attic, outside walls, etc., make sure to insulate them with foam insulation at a minimum. Ideally you should wrap them with electrical heating tape first, then insulate them.
  
• Exterior Faucets
  Known as hose bibbs or sill-cocks, the exterior faucet needs to have its water supply turned off inside the house, and you also need to drain water from it by opening up the exterior faucet. You may also want to consider an insulated cover for the hose bibb. And remember to disconnect your garden hoses from the sill cocks or outside faucets and drain them if you store them outside.