Taking care of your home all year long helps protect its value, prevent surprise repairs, and make a great impression—whether you’re living in it for life or planning to sell someday.

With the time change complete and our chilly 50° mornings rolling in (followed by afternoons that somehow still hit 85°—classic Austin!), November is the perfect time to make sure your home’s heating system is ready for winter.

Even if your heater only gets used a few months out of the year, regular maintenance helps it run efficiently, lowers your utility costs, and can prevent the potential “it’s freezing and my heat won’t turn on” moments.

Here’s the scoop:

For New Construction Homeowners

If this is your first winter in a new build, good news—you’re likely in great shape. New systems typically don’t need a full tune-up yet, but it’s still smart to:

• Replace or clean your air filter. (Even new homes collect dust during construction.)
• Turn on the heat for 5–10 minutes to make sure it’s working properly.
• Note any unusual noises or smells (a brief dusty smell at first use is normal).

If everything runs smoothly, mark your calendar for a professional inspection next fall—most builders recommend servicing within the first 12–18 months.

For Homes 2+ Years Old

If your home isn’t brand new, now’s the time for a professional heating system inspection and tune-up. A technician will:

• Test and calibrate your thermostat
• Check electrical connections and safety controls
• Clean and inspect the burner, heat exchanger, and blower motor
• Replace or recommend a new air filter

💰 Typical cost: $100–$200 for a standard HVAC tune-up in the Austin area
🕒 Time: Usually takes about an hour

This small investment keeps your system running efficiently, can extend its lifespan by several years, and helps catch minor issues before they turn into big repairs.

DIY Option

If you prefer the do-it-yourself route, here’s a simple checklist:

1. Replace your HVAC filter.
2. Test your thermostat to make sure it switches from cool to heat properly.
3. Vacuum dust and debris around vents, returns, and the furnace unit.
4. Make sure outdoor heat pump units are clear of leaves or debris.

If you notice uneven heating or the system struggles to maintain temperature, that’s your cue to call a professional.

A little attention now keeps your home warm, efficient, and buyer-ready year-round. If you’d like referrals for trusted local HVAC companies or have questions about your system (especially if this is your first winter in your new home), I’m always happy to help!