When Do I Start Preventative Maintenance for My Heater?

As Alabama’s long summer finally lets go, your heater is about to clock back in. The best time to schedule preventative maintenance is Early Oct. thru December so your system is tuned up before the first cold snap hits Birmingham, Hoover, Leeds, Trussville, Mountain Brook, Moody, and nearby communities.

Tri-Counties Heating & Air keeps local homes comfortable with reliable tune-ups, repairs, and replacements. Here’s when to book, what’s included, and how a simple visit can save headaches and money all winter.

The Best Timing, By System Type

System When to schedule How often Why it matters
Gas or Electric Furnace Early Oct. thru December Once per year Safety checks, efficiency, and reliability when temps drop
Heat Pump Early Oct. thru December and Mar/Apr Twice per year It heats and cools, so it needs two seasonal checkups
Packaged Unit Early Oct. thru December Once per year Heavy seasonal load deserves a reset before winter

Signs You Should Book Sooner

  • You just moved, finished renovations, or skipped last year’s tune-up
  • Burning or dusty smell that doesn’t clear after 10–15 minutes of first heat
  • Odd noises, short cycling, or rising utility bills
  • System is 10+ years old or needed repairs last winter

If you ever smell gas or something electrical burning, shut the system off and call right away.

What Tri-Counties’ Heater Maintenance Includes

A professional tune-up goes far beyond changing a filter. Our technicians typically:

  • Inspect heat exchanger and burners; clean and verify proper ignition
  • Check flue venting and confirm there are no carbon monoxide risks
  • Tighten electrical connections and test safety controls
  • Calibrate the thermostat and verify temperature rise is within spec
  • Check blower motor and confirm healthy airflow at registers
  • Replace or clean the air filter
  • Evaluate duct leakage and static pressure for efficiency
  • Run a full heat-cycle performance and safety check

Explore related services:

  • Heating Maintenance • Heating Repair • Furnace Installation • Heat Pump Repair • Indoor Air Quality • Duct Sealing

Why Timing Matters In Birmingham

  • Beat the rush. The first cold front fills schedules. Early tune-ups get faster appointments.
  • Lower bills. Clean burners, correct airflow, and tighter ducts help your system use less energy.
  • Fewer breakdowns. Small fixes now prevent big mid-season repairs.
  • Safety first. Proper combustion and ventilation protect your home.

Quick DIY Checks You Can Do Today

  • Swap the air filter. If it looks like felt, it’s overdue.
  • Clear supply and return vents of rugs and furniture.
  • Set the thermostat to Heat and let it run for 10–15 minutes to test.
  • Check your carbon monoxide detector and replace batteries if needed.

Local Focus: Where We Work

We serve homeowners across Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Leeds, Moody, Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Pelham, and Alabaster. See our Service Areas.

Ready to Schedule?

Lock in your fall appointment now and head into winter with confidence.

Call: (205) 699-6088 | Request service: Contact Tri-Counties

Ask about our Maintenance Plans for priority service and seasonal savings.