It’s fall in New England and that means the weather could turn on us at any minute! As the temperatures begin to drop and fall breezes remind us that winter is around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make sure your heating system is ready to keep you and your family warm. We feel that a little preparation now can go a long way in ensuring your home stays cozy without any unwelcome surprises when the real cold sets in. Propane Plus has been Service the community for over 30 years! We have pooled our collective winter knowledge to put together this awesome guide to help you prepare your furnace or boiler for the colder months ahead.

1. Schedule an Ultimate Tune-Up

We know your heating system works hard during the winter months, and the best way to make sure it's running efficiently is with an Ultimate Tune-Up from Propane Plus Heating & Cooling. We have options for you whether you have a furnace or boiler. Not sure which you have? We can help there too – here’s a little trick we use to tell the difference Boiler = Baseboard Heat, Furnace = forced air (vents). Our comprehensive services will help improve your system's efficiency, extend its lifespan, and prevent costly breakdowns. Here’s what our Ultimate Tune-Up includes:

• Furnace Tune-Up Services: Combustion analysis, thermostat check, standard filter change, safeties tested, heat exchanger inspection, and much more.
• Boiler Tune-Up Services: Burners pulled and cleaned, combustion chamber checked, ignition system cleaned, and combustion analysis, among other services.

Our professional technicians will make sure every part of your system is functioning the way it should, so you can relax knowing your home will stay warm and comfortable all winter long.

2. Change Your Air Filters

Your filters are the first line of defense against dust, dirt, and debris. Over time, your filters can become clogged, restricting airflow and reducing efficiency. Regularly changing or cleaning your filters (at least once every three months) will definitely improve your system's performance, keeping your home toasty warm without causing additional stress on the equipment.

3. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Now is the perfect time to adjust your thermostat settings for the season. A programmable thermostat is the way to go! It allows you to set different temperatures for different times of day, keeping your home cozy and your energy bills lower. Why heat the whole house when nobody is home right? Helpful tip: Consider lowering the temperature at night or while you're out to save energy.

4. Clear Vents and Baseboards

One easy thing you can do to help your system do its job is clear anything blocking you vents or baseboard heaters. Make sure your furniture, curtains, or any other items aren’t trapping that nice warm air. Proper air circulation is key to keeping your home evenly heated.

5. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

We want to make sure your home stays warm but also make sure it’s safe! Your heating system burns propane to generate heat, which can produce carbon monoxide. Help us keep your family safe, make sure your CO detectors are working properly. Replace the batteries and test the devices at least once a year and consider replacing detectors that are over 5 years old.

6. Consider Upgrading Your Heating System

Is your boiler or furnace more than 10 years old? Technology has changed a lot in the past 10 years, it may be time to think about upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. The upgrade will not only improve your comfort but also save you money on energy bills in the long run.

Stay Warm, Stay Ready!

These New England winters can be unpredictable, but your heating system doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to prepare now, you can enjoy a warm and worry-free winter. Don’t wait until the first cold snap to find out your system isn’t up to the task—schedule your Ultimate Tune-Up with Propane Plus today and make sure your furnace or boiler is ready for the colder months ahead.