Homeowners Should Prepare for Winter 2025 Despite Milder Forecasts

While forecasts suggest a milder winter in 2025, HVAC specialists caution against neglecting your regular fall preparations.

Even with warmer temperatures across much of the US, sudden weather changes could still impact your home, making it crucial to be proactive.

Here are five essential maintenance tasks that experts recommend, regardless of the anticipated mild winter.

Importance of Fall Preparation for a Milder Winter

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), most of the southern US can expect a drier, milder winter.

However, these are merely predictions.

Danny Reddick, master plumber and HVAC technician, states, 'We've seen winters that were supposed to be mild suddenly turn severe, with cold snaps arriving unexpectedly.'

He adds that a 'mild' winter can still put a strain on your heating system. 'If your furnace hasn't been serviced, it may struggle to keep up, leading to higher energy costs and a greater risk of breakdowns.'

Many systems appear to function well until a major failure occurs. Moreover, a winter with temperatures hovering around freezing can cause your HVAC to cycle more frequently, putting additional stress on it.

In Danny's words, 'Neglecting winterization can lead to burst pipes, heat pump damage, and other costly issues that proper prep would have prevented.'

Thus, thorough winter preparation is vital to avoid maintenance mishaps. Here are five key actions experts are focusing on.

1. Furnace Maintenance

Scott Levene, VP at Levco, emphasizes the need for furnace upkeep, regardless of weather predictions.

'Inspect and clean your HVAC system, furnace, or heat pump to prevent breakdowns when temperatures drop. A soiled system works harder, leading to inflated energy bills and reduced equipment lifespan.'

'While maintaining, replace air filters regularly, ideally every 30 to 90 days, especially if you have pets. Clean filters boost system efficiency and indoor air quality.'

'Also, check your carbon monoxide detector to ensure it's functioning properly before winter. This is crucial for your safety and comfort during the colder months.'

While some heating issues can be DIY, having a professional assess your system can help identify problems before they escalate.

2. Thermostat Calibration

With a well-functioning furnace, the next step is to ensure your thermostat is correctly calibrated for comfort and energy efficiency.

Danny explains, 'A thermostat that's off by even two degrees or is poorly programmed can cause your system to overwork, even during a milder winter. I either check the existing thermostat for accuracy or recommend switching to a programmable or smart thermostat, such as the Honeywell T6 Pro or Ecobee.

Smart thermostats offer maintenance reminders and can alert you to issues before they turn into emergencies. The investment usually pays off in under two years, even in milder climates.'

They help streamline your response to unexpected weather, allowing for prompt adjustments to heating schedules when necessary. Additionally, consider a digital temperature controller for extreme cold alerts.

3. Insulate Ducts

Knowing where to insulate to maintain warmth is essential, but understanding where to insulate to avoid damage is equally important.

Danny warns that duct insulation is often overlooked. 'Leaky ducts can inflate energy bills year-round, especially in attics and garages.'

'Even in a mild winter, losing 20-30% of heated air through leaks is common in unsealed ductwork, leading to heating outdoors rather than indoors.'

'I don't recommend duct tape; I prefer mastic sealant and proper insulation rated R-6 for ducts in unconditioned spaces.'

4. Clean Heating Vents

Cleaning vents regularly is crucial for efficient heating and minimizing strain on your system.

Richie Drew, VP at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, suggests straightforward cleaning methods to ensure your system is ready for winter.

'Using a vacuum wand attachment is an effective way to clean vents. This should be done throughout the year but is especially important before winter to reduce dust circulation. Indoor air quality becomes more vital as people and pets spend more time inside.'

5. Ensure Backup Power

Even with predictions of milder weather, it's always a good idea to prepare your home for emergencies. A generator is a great investment for any situation.

Richie stresses the importance of being ready for the unexpected. 'Winter storms can develop quickly, resulting in power outages. It's crucial to have a backup heating source available.'

The Kobalt 5500 Dual Fuel generator has received high ratings for emergency use during outages.

It's also smart to keep extra blankets and sleeping bags handy. 'If you have a wood-burning stove, ensure you have enough dry firewood stored.' Consider our tips on how to stack firewood safely indoors.

Shopping Suggestions

The long handle of this brush is perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach areas in radiators and heat vents without causing damage.

Attitude products are certified non-toxic by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), ensuring they lack harmful chemicals.

This clear insulating window film can help reduce heat loss and lower energy expenses, even in milder winters.

This insulating foam expands upon application to fill gaps up to one inch, minimizing air transfer and keeping your home warmer.

This smart thermostat is excellent for energy savings and integrates smoothly with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for efficient heating control.

This potent air purifier enhances indoor air quality, effectively cleaning spaces up to 1,000 sq ft in just one hour.

Meet the Experts

With a background in plumbing since age 18, Danny Reddick established his family-owned company, Reddick & Sons, in 2015, serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas.

Scott has been with Levco, an oil and HVAC service company in Trumbull, CT, for over 18 years, helping clients find effective cooling solutions.

Once your home is secured, don't overlook your winter gardening checklist to prepare your outdoor areas for the chilly months ahead.