Heater Maintenance Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
When winter hits, your heating system becomes the workhorse of your home. But without proper upkeep, it can run less efficiently and face a higher risk of failure, especially when cold air starts leaking in.
That’s why prepping your home before temperatures drop is essential to winter home maintenance. Inspecting your utility room, checking around your furnace for draft points, and sealing up problem areas can go a long way in keeping the cold out and the heat in.
Flex Caulk is an easy-to-use waterproof caulk that can be used around your utility room and furnace to help seal drafts and air leaks. This can help your heating system run more efficiently, leading to better performance and lower energy bills.
The following guide outlines the steps to get your heating system winter-ready and how Flex Caulk can help.
Why Prepping Your Heater Matters
A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, heats more evenly, and saves money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing leaks and doing basic maintenance can cut your energy bill by up to 20%. That money can add up, especially over a long winter. Here are some tips on how to maintain your heater with the help of Flex Caulk.
Winter Heater Maintenance Checklist
Materials You’ll Need
- Flex Caulk Hybrid
- Replacement air filter (check label for size)
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Screwdriver (for access panels)
- Flashlight
- Shop towels or microfiber cloths
- Weatherstripping or door sweep
- HVAC foil tape (for duct joints only)
Important Information: DO NOT apply Flex Seal products inside or directly onto a heater or furnace. When using Flex Seal Products, read all directions carefully and take proper safety precautions such as wearing protective gear and applying in a well-ventilated area.
1. Power Down the Furnace
Always begin by shutting off power at the breaker or switch. This helps protect you while inspecting internal parts or accessing panels.
Flexpert Tip: If your unit has a dedicated service switch, shut that off too for extra safety.
2. Replace the Air Filter
Old filters block airflow and force your system to work harder. Slide in a fresh one to improve efficiency and indoor air quality.
Flexpert Tip: Write the installation date on the filter and check it monthly during the winter season to ensure quality. Replace as needed.
3. Clean Around the Heater
Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris around the unit, including the floor, blower cabinet, and nearby air returns.
4. Seal Cold Air Entry Points with Flex Caulk
Cold air drafts reduce the temperature in your furnace room, which can trigger unnecessary heating cycles. That means higher bills and a harder-working unit. Flex Caulk makes it easy to seal these vulnerable areas without a caulking gun.
Inspect for gaps around your system and apply Flex Caulk to:
- Utility line penetrations
- Wall seams and baseboards
- Vent edges and trim
Flex Caulk Hybrid is durable, waterproof, and paintable. It bonds to drywall, brick, wood, and more, and can withstand temperatures up to 200°F.
Flexpert Tip: Before applying Flex Caulk, remove any old caulk and clean the application surface thoroughly.
5. Seal Around Doors and Frames
Furnace rooms located in basements or garages often have exterior-facing doors. Cold air easily seeps through those gaps and cools the space.
- Use Flex Caulk around the interior trim and baseboards.
- Add a weatherstripping kit or door sweep to block under-door airflow.
Flexpert Tip: Even a small ⅛” gap under a door can leak the same amount of air as a 2½" hole in your wall.
By sealing the spaces around your furnace and utility areas with Flex Caulk, you can reduce energy loss, improve comfort, and help your system last longer. Click here for more tips on winterizing your home with Flex Caulk.
