The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but what if your furnace decides IT doesn’t care?

Nothing ruins Christmas cheer faster than a furnace that quits right when you need it most. Between hosting family dinners, baking cookies, and watching holiday movies in your pajamas, the last thing you want is for your heating system to give up. And with Northwest Ohio winters, we all know just how quickly a cozy home can turn into an icebox.

Here at Tin Man, we’ve seen it all – furnaces breaking down on Christmas Eve, heating systems struggling during holiday parties, and thermostats acting up right when the in-laws arrive. The good news? Most of these holiday heating headaches are totally preventable.

Why Your Furnace Needs Some Holiday Love

Your heating system has been working overtime since fall began, and with winter just getting started, it’s only going to get busier. Think about it – you’re cranking up the heat more often, your home is fuller with guests, and your system is running longer stretches to keep everyone comfortable.

Add in all the extra cooking (hello, endless oven time), the extra showers from visiting family, and doors opening and closing more than usual, and your furnace is working harder than ever.

Pre-Holiday Furnace Checklist

Before the holiday chaos kicks into full gear, give your heating system a quick once-over:

Check your air filter. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder and can lead to breakdowns. If it looks dirty or hasn’t been changed in a few months, swap it out. Your furnace (and your energy bill) will thank you.

Listen for weird noises. Banging, rattling, or squealing sounds aren’t normal. If your furnace is making unusual sounds, it’s time to call in the pros.

Test your thermostat. Make sure it’s responding properly and holding the temperature you set. If you’re constantly adjusting it or rooms feel unevenly heated, something’s up.

Clear the area around your furnace. Holiday decorations and storage boxes are great, but not when they’re blocking airflow to your heating system. Keep the area clear so your furnace can breathe.

Look at your vents. Make sure furniture, presents, or holiday decor aren’t blocking vents throughout your house. Good airflow keeps your system running efficiently.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Professional Help

Some issues require more than a DIY fix. Call Tin Man if you notice:

  • Your heating bills suddenly spike without explanation
  • Some rooms are freezing while others are toasty
  • Your furnace is cycling on and off more frequently than usual
  • You smell gas or notice unusual odors (turn off your furnace and call us immediately if you smell gas)
  • Your furnace is struggling to reach the temperature you’ve set
  • The pilot light is yellow instead of blue

Why Now Is the Time to Schedule Maintenance

We get it – you’re busy. Shopping, decorating, planning meals, wrapping presents. But scheduling a quick furnace tune-up now can save you from a holiday disaster later.

Our certified technicians can spot small problems before they become big ones, clean components that help your system run more efficiently, and give you peace of mind that your heating system won’t quit in the middle of Christmas dinner.

Plus, let’s be honest – it’s a lot easier to schedule HVAC maintenance now than it is to squeeze in an emergency repair on December 23rd. (Though if that happens, we’re here for you. That’s what the 24/7 emergency service is for.)

Keep Your Home Cozy All Season Long

The holidays should be about hot cocoa, warm blankets, and time with loved ones – not about whether your furnace is going to make it through another day. With a little preventive care and the Tin Man team in your corner, you can focus on what really matters this Christmas season.

At Tin Man Heating and Cooling, we’ve been keeping Bowling Green homes comfortable since 1988. We’re your neighbors, we understand Ohio winters, and we’re here to make sure your holidays are merry, bright, and warm. Whether you need a quick tune-up or you’re dealing with a heating emergency, our team delivers service with a heart.

Ready to make sure your furnace is holiday-ready? Give us a call at 419.827.5799 or schedule service online. Let’s keep your home comfortable so you can focus on making memories this Christmas season.