As temperatures begin to drop in Middle Tennessee, your furnace becomes the unsung hero of your home. But before the first cold front arrives, it’s important to ask: Is your furnace actually ready for winter?
Skipping a pre-season check could leave you and your family shivering during a surprise cold snap—not to mention dealing with expensive emergency repairs or high utility bills.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the key signs that your furnace may not be ready for the winter months and what steps you can take now to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient heating throughout the season.
1. Your Furnace Hasn’t Been Turned On Since Last Winter
If you haven’t powered on your furnace since last season, it’s a good idea to test it before the first frost. Start by setting your thermostat to “heat” mode and increasing the temperature a few degrees.
If the furnace doesn’t kick on within a minute or two—or if you notice unusual noises, strange smells, or no heat at all—those are clear signs it’s not ready.
What to do:
Test early in the season (not the first cold night)
Call a technician if it fails to start, runs oddly, or emits unusual odors
2. You’ve Noticed Strange Noises or Smells
Furnaces aren’t silent, but they also shouldn’t be loud. If you hear:
Banging
Rattling
Squealing
Grinding
…your furnace may have loose parts, worn belts, or blower motor problems. Likewise, a burning smell could indicate dust on the burners (normal at first start-up), but persistent odors or a rotten egg smell could signal a gas leak—which is a serious safety concern.
What to do:
Schedule a professional inspection immediately
Never ignore gas-like smells—turn off the unit and call a licensed HVAC pro
3. Uneven Heating or Cold Spots
Does your furnace heat one room perfectly but leave another freezing? Inconsistent heating is a red flag that your system is struggling to distribute air properly.
It could be due to:
Clogged air filters
Dirty or leaky ductwork
A malfunctioning blower motor
An aging system losing efficiency
What to do:
Check and replace filters
Make sure vents are open and unobstructed
Have ductwork inspected for leaks or buildup
Consider a zoning system if uneven heating is a constant problem
4. Your Energy Bills Were Sky-High Last Winter
If your heating bills soared last year despite similar usage, your furnace could be the culprit. Older or poorly maintained units have to work harder to heat your home, leading to higher energy consumption.
What to do:
Compare last year’s energy bills to previous years
Schedule a seasonal furnace tune-up to improve efficiency
Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace if yours is over 15 years old
5. The Furnace Is More Than 10–15 Years Old
Furnaces typically last between 10 to 20 years, depending on use and maintenance. If your system is nearing or past this range, it’s more prone to:
Breakdowns
High energy usage
Safety risks
Difficulty sourcing replacement parts
Even if it seems to be running fine now, age alone is a good reason to have it inspected and start thinking about replacement options before a breakdown leaves you without heat.
6. You Skipped Your Last Maintenance Visit
Regular furnace maintenance isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a must. Skipping your annual tune-up can lead to:
Reduced efficiency
Increased wear and tear
Missed safety hazards (like a cracked heat exchanger or carbon monoxide leaks)
A maintenance check allows HVAC professionals to clean components, inspect for damage, test for gas leaks, and ensure safe startup.
What to do:
Schedule seasonal maintenance before cold weather arrives
Ask about maintenance plans for year-round HVAC care
7. You Haven’t Checked the Carbon Monoxide Detector
Your furnace burns fuel to create heat—which means carbon monoxide (CO) is a natural byproduct. A cracked heat exchanger or poor ventilation could cause CO to leak into your home, putting your family at serious risk.
That’s why every home with a furnace should have a working CO detector on every floor, especially near sleeping areas.
What to do:
Test all carbon monoxide detectors
Replace batteries or expired detectors
Schedule CO testing as part of your furnace inspection
8. You’re Planning Holiday Travel or Hosting Guests
Whether you’re leaving town for the holidays or expecting family to visit, your furnace needs to be in top shape.
The last thing you want is:
A no-heat emergency while you’re away
An uncomfortable home for holiday guests
Emergency service costs during peak season
What to do:
Test and inspect your furnace before peak winter
Make sure filters are clean and vents are clear
Schedule a tune-up before hosting large gatherings
Why Furnace Maintenance Now Saves You Money Later
A neglected furnace may still run—but it won’t run well. You’ll waste money on high energy bills, risk breakdowns, and possibly put your household’s health and safety at risk.
Regular inspections and maintenance help:
Extend system lifespan
Improve efficiency and comfort
Prevent costly repairs
Catch safety issues early
Give you peace of mind all winter
Call South Nashville Heating & Cooling Before the Chill Sets In
At South Nashville Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners stay warm, safe, and energy-efficient all winter long. Whether your furnace needs a seasonal tune-up, minor repairs, or a complete upgrade, we’re here to help.
Our certified technicians are trained to spot potential issues before they become emergencies. From carbon monoxide testing to filter replacement and system optimization, we keep your furnace running at its best.
👉 Fill out the form below to schedule your furnace inspection or request a quote today.
