New year, new you – but what about your furnace?

While you’re planning to hit the gym and finally organize that closet, your heating system could probably use some resolutions of its own. We get questions all the time from homeowners in Bowling Green and across Northwest Ohio about how to keep their furnaces running smoothly. So we’re kicking off 2026 by answering the most common questions we hear about home heating – because a comfortable home should be at the top of your resolution list.

Q: How often should I really be changing my air filter?

A: Here’s the truth – it depends on your home. The standard answer is every 1-3 months, but if you have pets, allergies, or you’ve been running your system heavily, you might need to change it more often. The easiest way to know? Just look at it. If it’s gray, clogged, or you can’t see light through it, it’s time for a new one. A dirty filter makes your furnace work way harder than it needs to, and that leads to higher bills and potential breakdowns.

Q: Is annual maintenance actually necessary, or is that just something HVAC companies say?

A: We know it sounds like a sales pitch, but annual furnace tune-ups really do make a difference. Think of it like getting your oil changed – skipping it once might not kill your car, but over time, you’re asking for trouble. During a maintenance visit, we clean components, check for wear and tear, and catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs. Most furnace breakdowns we see could’ve been prevented with regular maintenance.

Q: My heating bills seem really high. What can I do about it?

A: Start with the simple stuff. Change your filter, make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture, and check that your thermostat is set efficiently (68-70 degrees when you’re home is usually the sweet spot). Also, take a walk around your house on a cold day and feel for drafts around windows and doors. Sealing those up can make a huge difference. If your bills are still through the roof after that, it might be time for a heating system check to see if something’s wrong or if your furnace is just getting old and inefficient.

Q: What temperature should I set my thermostat when I’m not home?

A: Don’t turn it off completely – that’s a common mistake. Dropping it to 60-62 degrees while you’re at work or away is usually fine. Your furnace won’t have to work as hard to bring the temperature back up, and you’ll avoid the risk of pipes freezing in our Ohio winters. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat yet, that’s a resolution worth making. They pay for themselves pretty quickly in energy savings.

Q: My furnace is making weird noises. Should I be worried?

A: Depends on the noise. A little humming or the sound of air moving is normal. But banging, rattling, screeching, or grinding? That’s your furnace telling you something’s wrong. Don’t ignore it – those sounds usually mean a part is loose, worn out, or about to fail. Call us before a weird noise turns into a no-heat situation in the middle of January.

Q: How long should a furnace last?

A: Most furnaces last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If yours is getting up there in age and you’re dealing with frequent repairs or your energy bills keep climbing, it might be time to start thinking about replacement. We can help you figure out if it makes more sense to repair or replace based on your specific situation.

Make 2026 the Year of a Comfortable Home

Your heating system works hard all winter to keep your family comfortable. A little attention now – whether it’s changing filters regularly, scheduling maintenance, or finally fixing that thermostat issue – can save you money and headaches down the road.

At Tin Man Heating and Cooling, we’ve been helping families in Bowling Green and throughout the Greater Toledo area stay comfortable since 1988. We’re your neighbors, and we’re here to answer your questions and keep your home running smoothly all year long.

Ready to check “home maintenance” off your resolution list? Give us a call at 419.827.5799 or schedule service online. Let’s make sure your heating system is set up for a great year ahead.