Arizona’s sunny days can be deceiving, but once the sun sets, cooler desert nights make reliable home heating a must. Instead of waiting for the first cold night to test your system, it’s best to prepare ahead of time. A few simple steps can help you ensure your heating system runs safely and efficiently all season long. The experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® in Tucson share how to get your heater ready for the desert’s cooler months.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

One of the most important steps in preparing your heating system for winter is scheduling a professional tune-up. During this service, our technicians inspect, clean, and test all components of your heating system to confirm everything is working correctly. We also lubricate moving parts, check gas connections, and look for worn or failing components that could cause breakdowns later.

Routine maintenance helps catch small issues before they turn into major repairs, improves performance, and ensures your system remains under warranty. For Tucson homeowners, fall is the ideal time to schedule your tune-up before cool nights arrive.

Change the Air Filter

If your home has a furnace or heat pump that uses ductwork, it relies on an air filter to trap dust, dirt, and other contaminants before they enter your system. A clean filter helps maintain airflow, energy efficiency, and good indoor air quality.

Replace your air filter at the start of the heating season and check it every month. Hold it up to the light, if you can’t see through it, it’s time for a replacement. For households with pets, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities, consider using a filter with a higher MERV rating for extra protection against airborne particles.

Program Your Thermostat

Using a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort and save on energy bills. You can set schedules that automatically lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away and raise it before you return home.

In Tucson, where days can still be warm, programming your thermostat properly helps balance comfort without wasting energy. Smart thermostats can also track your usage and suggest adjustments to improve efficiency throughout the heating season.

Test Safety Devices

If your heating system runs on natural gas, propane, or heating oil, it produces small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) during combustion. To stay safe, make sure your home has working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Test these devices now and replace batteries if needed. If your detectors are more than seven years old, consider replacing them with newer models for better sensitivity and reliability.

It’s also wise to have a fire extinguisher rated for Class C or ABC fires stored near your heating equipment. Check the pressure gauge and expiration date, and replace it if it’s no longer effective. These small precautions can make a big difference in keeping your family safe.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks are one of the biggest culprits of heat loss in any home. Even small gaps around windows, doors, outlets, or light switches can allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. To locate leaks, run your hand around these areas on a chilly evening, you may feel drafts or temperature changes.

Seal these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to keep warm air inside and improve energy efficiency. This simple step not only helps your heating system run more efficiently but also keeps your home more comfortable during those cold desert nights.

Adjust Ceiling Fans for Winter

Ceiling fans can help you stay warm in the winter, not just cool in the summer. Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise at a low speed. This motion gently pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the living space.

This simple adjustment helps distribute heat more evenly and can even allow you to lower your thermostat setting a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. Make sure to use this setting in main rooms like living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens for maximum benefit.

Consider a Whole-Home Humidifier

Desert air is naturally dry, and indoor heating can make it even drier. Dry air can cause static electricity, irritated skin, and breathing discomfort, and it also makes your home feel cooler. A whole-home humidifier adds the right amount of moisture to your indoor air, helping it retain heat more effectively.

With balanced humidity, your home feels warmer at a lower thermostat setting, which can save energy and improve comfort. It’s also beneficial for protecting wood furniture, floors, and musical instruments from cracking or warping due to low humidity.

Upgrade If Necessary

Every heating system has a lifespan. Electric furnaces typically last 20 to 30 years, while gas and oil furnaces average 15 to 20 years. Heat pumps generally last 10 to 15 years, and ductless mini-splits can last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

As your system ages, it naturally becomes less efficient and may struggle to heat your home evenly. Upgrading to a newer, high-efficiency model can significantly reduce your energy use and provide more consistent comfort. Newer systems also offer advanced features like variable-speed motors and smart controls for better temperature regulation and quieter operation.

Schedule Duct Cleaning and Sealing

Dust and debris build up inside ductwork over time, restricting airflow and putting extra strain on your heating system. Professional duct cleaning every three to five years helps remove buildup, improves efficiency, and enhances indoor air quality.

In addition to cleaning, duct sealing every eight to ten years can prevent heated air from leaking into walls, attics, or crawl spaces. Sealing leaks helps your system deliver warm air where it’s needed most and reduces wasted energy. Together, cleaning and sealing extend the life of your heating equipment and improve comfort throughout your home.

Reliable Heater Maintenance in Tucson, AZ

When it comes to preparing for Tucson’s cooler desert nights, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® has you covered. Our certified technicians provide professional tune-ups, repairs, and installations for all types of heating systems. We ensure your system runs safely, efficiently, and reliably before the first chill hits.

Call us today to schedule your heater maintenance appointment and experience the peace of mind that comes from having a well-prepared, energy-efficient heating system this winter.