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With winter knocking on the door and the cold weather taking over, the last thing you would want is a house that is frozen because of a furnace breakdown. During the first cold snap many heating systems fail and usually because of fixable problems. There is no need to spend big money and do complex work to prepare your house in winter, and some basic work can make the system effective and save up to a lot of money and avoid future problems. The correct measures such as installing pleated MERV 8-13 filters in Filterbuy to have better airflow, and dust catch can help you attain a warm, safe and cozy season.
A complete winter HVAC maintenance checklist comes down to two categories: what you handle yourself and what a professional should inspect. Having already shipped millions of filters to homes throughout the U.S., we have personally witnessed that the homeowners who do not only do this are the ones who never end up in the most expensive winter breakdowns.
DIY essentials (monthly):
Professional tune-up (once before heating season):
Three numbers worth remembering:
Summary: The most effective thing that you can do now, is to check your air filter. IIf it's dirty, replace it. You can just have auto-delivery and have clean filters delivered to you, in case you do not want to think about it anymore.
Having a kind of out of sight, out of mind attitude towards your heating system is easy to have, particularly when that system appears to be performing well. However, neglecting maintenance is the fastest way to shorten the lifespan of your unit. Winter HVAC maintenance is about more than just comfort; it’s an investment in your home’s infrastructure.
Preventative care helps avoid costly breakdowns during peak cold weather, which is inevitably when repair services are busiest and most expensive. An efficient system also performs better and requires less energy to heat your house which directly results to reduced utility bills. Moreover, the installation of such elements as air filters and ductwork will ensure the quality of indoor air, preventing the spread of winter allergens and pollutants.
Preparing your system doesn't require a degree in mechanical engineering. By following this core maintenance of HVAC system checklist, you can tackle the most critical tasks yourself.
The single most important thing you can do for your HVAC system is to manage your air filtration. A lot of the older houses still have the low quality fiberglass filters. Although they provide the least amount of resistance to airflow, they practically do nothing to prevent the circulation of smaller particles such as pet dander, mold spores, or fine dust in your home and plugging your equipment.
Pleated filters are a superior alternative. A pleated MERV 813 filter with a huge surface area to trap contaminants does not limit the amount of air that your furnace requires to perform effectively. When your system is used regularly, like in the winter when it is running, you should strive to check your filter at least every month and change it at least every 90 days. You might have to change it more frequently in case you have pets or are allergic to it.
Filterbuy’s pleated filters are designed specifically to balance consistent airflow with high-performance filtration, ensuring your system doesn't have to work overtime to keep you warm.
Your furnace might be pumping out plenty of heat, but if your ducts are leaking, that warm air is escaping into your attic or crawlspace before it ever reaches your living room. Leaky ducts are a major cause of uneven heating and wasted energy.
Use a flashlight and physically examine available ductwork to identify any disconnections, holes or divided areas. Look out to streaks of dust around seams, and this is usually showing an air leak. You can also seal these by using metallic foil tape (not ordinary duct tape which will dry up and peel) and this will greatly enhance the efficiency of your system.
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. When it is misreading the temperature, your furnace will be overly long or short of the mark and you are going to be uncomfortable and lose some money.
Check the accuracy of your thermostat by using another, good, thermometer next to it during an hour. When the readings are not within a degree of variation, refer to your manual on how to calibrate. People with smart thermostats, too, be sure your software is updated, and your away schedule
It sounds simple, but blocked vents are a frequent culprit for heating issues. Go room by room and ensure that all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed. These vents may be covered with furniture, heavy curtains or carpets that may choke the airflow in your system, resulting in pressure imbalances that over-work your blower motor.
Complete a test cycle before the temperatures drop. Adjust your thermostat to the heat position, and adjust it a few degrees above the room temperature. Hear the start up sequence. The heat pump should turn on or the furnace should start and then the blower fan should start a little later. Hear any banging, rattling or squealing sounds, which are definite indicators that something in the machine requires some attention.
Self-service maintenance is great, but it does not substitute the eye of an expert. A qualified technician is equipped to test electrical connections, gauge gas pressure, check the heat exchanger of the system with the dangerous cracks, and test the safety switches. A professional tune-up helps to make sure that the complex internal parts have been serviced and are safe and prepared to handle the high work load of winter.
Just because you aren't using your cooling system doesn't mean you should ignore it completely. Proper maintenance of air conditioner units during the off-season is vital for ensuring they start up reliably next spring.
Get outside and remove any fallen leaves, twigs or tall grass which has built up around the condenser unit. In case you decide to cover your AC unit, a breathable cover or a simple piece of plywood is all you need to cover it to ensure that the fan is not affected by the falling ice and debris. Do not wrap up the whole unit in an airtight plastic cover because this traps in moisture and forms a snug winter home of the mice and other pests capable of chewing electricity wiring.
Your heating system works hand-in-hand with your home's envelope. To keep the heat in and the cold out, add these tasks to your winter home maintenance checklist:
Staying organized makes maintenance easier. Using a printable HVAC maintenance checklist PDF helps you track what you’ve done and when, ensuring no steps are missed year after year.
Homeowners can also customize a digital HVAC maintenance checklist template to include specific filter sizes for their unit, the model number of their furnace, and the contact information for their preferred HVAC technician. Filterbuy offers a range of educational resources and guides that act as practical tools to keep your maintenance schedule on track.
Skipping these steps might save you an hour on a Saturday, but the long-term costs are rarely worth it. Neglected systems inevitably face higher energy bills as dirt and neglect force the unit to consume more power to do the same job.
Even worse, small amount of wear and tear may build up to a disastrous failure. A frayed belt or a dirty sensor can shut down your entire system in the dead of winter, leading to expensive emergency repair calls. Furthermore, poor maintenance leads to reduced air quality and can significantly shorten the overall lifespan of your expensive equipment, forcing you to pay for a replacement years earlier than necessary.
Don't wait for the first snowstorm to realize your furnace isn't up to the task. Just by using this checklist, you will ensure the comfort of your home and its efficiency throughout the months. Filterbuy has upgraded to a pleated MERV 8 -13 filter today to guarantee that your system is breathing easy and that you enjoy the peace of mind of having a warm and secure home.
"In over a decade of manufacturing filters and working directly with homeowners, we've seen the same pattern every winter—systems that fail during the first cold snap almost always have one thing in common: a neglected filter that's been choking airflow for months."
Look, we get it—you've got a full plate. Between work, family, and everything else on your list, diving deep into HVAC maintenance probably isn't how you want to spend your weekend. Good news: you don't have to figure it all out on your own. We've rounded up seven resources we actually trust to help you keep your system running strong, your energy bills in check, and your home's air cleaner this winter. Think of it as your cheat sheet for being the hero of your household—without the homework.
You already know that staying on top of things saves you headaches down the road. The official ENERGY STAR® maintenance checklist makes it easy—laying out exactly what to do each season so your heating and cooling system keeps running the way it should. Bookmark this one and check it off as you go.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / Department of Energy Best for: Homeowners who like having a clear, repeatable game plan → energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling/maintenance-checklist
No one would be willing to spend much money than is necessary- especially when the solution is easy. The U.S Department of energy winter guide is full of free/ cheap measures (such as setting back your thermostats and sealing draftiness) can slice 10 percent off your heating bill. Small effort, big impact.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy Best for: Homeowners looking for quick wins that add up fast → energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips
If you've ever stood in the filter aisle wondering what the difference is between a MERV 8 and a MERV 13, you're not alone. The EPA guide divides the ways in which the rating system functions and what each level really embodies, so you don't make an unconfident decision and take the nearest item you can find.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Best for: Anyone comparing filter options and wanting the facts, not the marketing → epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating
This is where we get to nerd out a little (in a good way). Our MERV rating guide walks you through the real-world differences between MERV 8, 11, and 13—and helps you figure out which one fits your household. Got pets? Allergies? A dusty older home? We've been manufacturing filters in the U.S. for over a decade, and we'll help you find your perfect match with a side-by-side comparison that actually makes sense.
Source: Filterbuy Best for: Homeowners ready to pick the right filter without second-guessing it → filterbuy.com/resources/air-filter-basics/which-merv-rating-should-I-use/
Here's one of those upgrades that practically pays for itself. The thermostat guide by the Department of Energy describes the working principle of programmable and smart thermostats, optimal heating setting during the winter months, and the features to look at in case you are willing to upgrade. In case you are still taking a trek to the wall each morning to control the temperature, this one is on your side.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy Best for: Homeowners who want to automate savings without overthinking it → energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
Scheduling a fall tune-up is one of the smartest things you can do before winter hits. But how do you know if the technician is doing a thorough job? This contractor level checklist discusses the appearance of a quality professional inspection- heat exchanger inspections to carbon monoxide tests to be aware of what to expect and what to enquire.
Source: Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Best for: Homeowners who want to feel confident about what they're paying for → serviceexperts.com/blog/categories/cooling/winter-hvac-maintenance-checklist/
Every household is different—and the right thermostat setting depends on whether you're home, away, sleeping, or keeping your pets comfortable while you're at work. This guide lays out ideal temperature ranges for every scenario, backed by Department of Energy data and sleep research. It's a quick read that can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost.
Source: American Standard Best for: Families fine-tuning their settings for better sleep, lower bills, and happier pets → americanstandardair.com/resources/blog/best-temperature-winter-save-money/
After more than a decade of manufacturing air filters in the U.S. and shipping millions to homes nationwide, we've learned most homeowners underestimate what's happening with their indoor air—and how much it's costing them. The research confirms what we hear from customers every day.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration found that heating and air conditioning account for 52% of a household's annual energy consumption (EIA – Use of Energy in Homes).
That number doesn't surprise us. When customers call about mid-winter bill spikes, the first thing we ask is when they last changed their filter. The answer is almost always months ago.
What we've seen firsthand:
The EPA reports that indoor pollutant levels are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels—and Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors (EPA – Indoor Air Quality Report).
Customers are consistently shocked when they pull out a used filter and see what it captured. But the visible buildup is only part of the story.
What your filter is trapping that you can't see:
Our recommendation based on testing and thousands of customer reviews:
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that replacing a dirty filter can lower energy consumption by 5% to 15% (DOE – Energy Saver).
But from our experience working with homeowners and HVAC professionals, wasted energy is just the beginning.
What a neglected filter can lead to:
The simplest fix we recommend:
A clean filter can save you hundreds in avoidable repairs and wasted energy over a single heating season.
We've spent over a decade manufacturing millions of filters across our U.S. facilities in Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Utah. If there's one thing we've learned, it's this:
The homeowners who stay ahead of filter changes almost always avoid the biggest headaches.
That's not a sales pitch—it's a pattern we've seen across millions of orders and thousands of customer conversations.
What proactive homeowners consistently report:
What homeowners who wait too long usually deal with:
Our Honest Take
The HVAC industry has done a poor job of educating homeowners about how much a simple air filter actually matters. Most people know they should change it. Far fewer understand why—or how much money and stress they're leaving on the table by putting it off.
Here's what the data and our firsthand experience both point to:
None of this requires a major renovation, an expensive service call, or hours of research. It requires a filter that fits, shows up on time, and gets swapped out before it becomes a problem.
Where We Stand
We built Filterbuy around one belief: clean indoor air shouldn't be complicated, expensive, or easy to forget.
That's why we offer:
But beyond the products, our mission is simpler. We want every homeowner to know that the air inside their home matters—and that protecting it is one of the easiest, most impactful things they can do for their family, their home, and their wallet.
Change your filter. Breathe easier. It really is that simple.
You've got the knowledge. Now put it into action. These steps take minutes—not hours—and each one moves you closer to cleaner air, lower bills, and a healthier home this winter.
1. Check Your Current Filter
Pull out your existing filter and look for these warning signs:
If any of these apply, it's time for a replacement. That dirty filter is costing you money right now.
2. Find Your Exact Size
An ill-fitting filter lets unfiltered air bypass the system entirely. Get the right fit:
Can't find a standard size? We manufacture custom filters for hard-to-fit systems.
3. Choose the Right MERV Rating
MERV 8 handles everyday dust, lint, and debris — ideal for homes without pets or allergies. MERV 11 offers stronger particle capture for homes with pets or mild sensitivities. MERV 13 provides the best defense for allergy and asthma sufferers, capturing bacteria, pollen, and mold. For homes dealing with smoke, cooking odors, or persistent smells, our Odor Eliminator with activated carbon is designed specifically for that.
Not sure? Our team can help you choose in minutes.
4. Set Up Auto-Delivery
The most common mistake we see? Homeowners who mean to change their filter but let months slip by.
How it works:
What you get:
5. Schedule a Seasonal HVAC Checkup
A clean filter is the foundation. A professional tune-up covers the rest.
Ask your technician to check:
Our pro tip: Pair regular filter changes with a professional tune-up before each heating and cooling season. Most HVAC professionals we work with confirm this combination maximizes both efficiency and equipment lifespan.
6. Share What You've Learned
Clean air affects everyone who spends time in your home.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit Filterbuy.com to find your size, choose your MERV rating, and set up auto-delivery — all in a few clicks.
Better air for all starts with one filter. Yours.
A: We recommend every 60–90 days during the heating season. However, homes with pets, allergies, or heavy system usage may need a fresh filter closer to every 30–60 days. Based on what we've seen across millions of filter shipments, winter is when systems work the hardest — and dirty filters cause the most problems. A quick visual check once a month is the easiest way to stay ahead of it.
A: A solid winter checklist covers both what you can do yourself and what a professional should handle.
DIY tasks:
Professional tasks:
The combination of regular filter changes and at least one professional tune-up before the heating season gives your system the best chance of running efficiently all winter.
A: It depends on your household — not the season. That said, winter brings unique challenges. Homes are sealed tighter, air recirculates more, and pollutants have fewer ways to escape.
From our experience, most homeowners who upgrade from a MERV 8 to a MERV 11 or 13 notice a difference within the first week.
A: Yes — and the data confirms it. Heating and cooling account for 52% of household energy consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Department of Energy reports that a dirty filter alone can increase energy consumption by 5–15%.
We hear from customers regularly who trace a sudden bill increase back to a filter they forgot to change. When your system is forced to push air through a clogged filter, it runs longer, works harder, and uses more energy. Over a full heating season, that adds up to real money.
A: If you've ever forgotten to change your filter — and most homeowners have — auto-delivery pays for itself.
What you get:
The most common mistake we see is homeowners who fully intend to change their filter but let months go by. Auto-delivery removes that risk entirely. You pick your size, choose your MERV rating, set your frequency, and your filters arrive before you need them.
Find your exact size, choose the right MERV rating for your home, and set up auto-delivery at Filterbuy.com — so your system stays protected all season without the hassle. Better air for all starts with one filter. Yours.
