A Step-by-Step Guide to Keeping Your Home Warm, Safe, and Energy Efficient

When the temperature drops in Thurston County, the last thing you want is a furnace that fails when you need it most. Whether you live in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, or near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), prepping your furnace for winter isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, energy savings, and preventing costly repairs.

Here’s a detailed guide to getting your furnace ready for the cold months ahead.

Why Furnace Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained furnace:

• Heats your home more efficiently

• Reduces your energy bills

• Helps you avoid emergency repairs

• Extends the lifespan of your system

• Keeps your indoor air cleaner

And most importantly—it ensures your family stays warm when winter really kicks in.

Step 1: Replace or Clean the Air Filter

This is the simplest and most important step you can take.

• Dirty filters make your furnace work harder, reducing efficiency and straining the system.

• Change the filter every 1–3 months, especially if you have pets or allergies.

• Make sure you’re using the right size and MERV rating for your system.

If you’ve been running your AC all summer without changing the filter, now is the time.

Step 2: Clear the Area Around the Furnace

Your furnace needs space to breathe.

• Remove boxes, storage bins, or flammable materials within 3 feet of the unit.

• Ensure the area is clean and dust-free.

• Keep the access panel visible and easy to reach.

This is especially important in homes with garage or basement units, which are common in South Sound homes.

Step 3: Inspect Vents and Registers

Blocked vents reduce airflow, which can cause uneven heating and even damage your furnace over time.

• Walk through your home and make sure all supply and return vents are open and unblocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.

• Vacuum vents to remove dust buildup.

• Check for unusual airflow changes—if a room feels too cold or too warm, mention it to your HVAC tech.

Step 4: Test Your Thermostat

Before it gets really cold, turn on your heat and check that everything responds properly.

• Set the thermostat a few degrees higher than the current room temperature.

• Listen for the furnace to kick on.

• Make sure warm air comes through the vents within a few minutes.

If the furnace doesn’t turn on or shuts off quickly, that’s a sign it needs a professional check-up.

Step 5: Listen for Unusual Noises or Smells

• Rattling or banging could mean loose parts.

• Burning smells at first startup are common if dust has settled—but they should go away after a few minutes.

• If you smell gas, turn off the unit and leave the home immediately. Then call your utility provider.

Never ignore strange furnace behavior. It’s cheaper to fix a small issue now than wait for it to fail in mid-January.

Step 6: Check the Pilot Light (For Gas Furnaces)

If your system uses a standing pilot light:

• Make sure the flame is blue—yellow or orange can mean incomplete combustion or a ventilation issue.

• If it goes out repeatedly, you may have a faulty thermocouple or gas valve.

Newer systems may use electronic ignition, so if you’re unsure what you have, check your owner’s manual or ask a pro.

Step 7: Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

If you do nothing else—do this.

A certified HVAC technician will:

• Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks

• Test for gas leaks or carbon monoxide issues

• Lubricate moving parts

• Calibrate the thermostat

• Clean internal components

• Ensure everything is safe and running efficiently

In Western Washington, fall is the ideal time to schedule this before technicians get booked up for emergency calls in the dead of winter.

Step 8: Consider a Smart Thermostat (Optional Upgrade)

A programmable or smart thermostat can help you:

• Save on heating costs

• Set schedules for weekdays/weekends

• Control your home temperature remotely

This is especially helpful for military families near JBLM who travel frequently or work irregular hours.

Bonus: Prep for Power Outages

Winter storms in Thurston County can lead to outages. If your furnace relies on electricity to ignite or run the blower:

• Have backup heating options (like a space heater or wood stove).

• Consider a generator if outages are common in your area.

• Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.

Final Thoughts

Your furnace is the heart of your home during the winter. A little prep now can prevent big headaches later—whether you’re staying put or getting ready to list your home in the South Sound real estate market.

Stay warm, stay safe, and if in doubt—call a local HVAC pro. They’ll catch what you might miss and give you peace of mind all season long.