Blue Northers and Your Heating System

Test the heat early

Run the furnace or heat pump on a cool fall evening, before the first strong front, so any problem shows up while it's still mild.

Change the filter

A dusty filter left from summer can overheat a furnace and shut it down just when you need it.

Dual-fuel switching

With a heat pump and furnace, the system should switch to the furnace as temperatures fall. Make sure the thermostat is set up for it.

Avoid deep setbacks

If a front is coming, avoid large overnight setbacks so the system doesn't struggle to recover in the morning.

Protect pipes

Sudden hard freezes can catch pipes on outside walls. Keep cabinet doors open and heat the house steadily.

Propane levels

If you use propane, check the tank level before winter fronts arrive.

Vents and snow

After a blizzard, clear snow from any furnace vent pipes on outside walls.

CO alarms

Test carbon monoxide alarms before heating season.

More help

See furnace repair.

Heat pump defrost

When a front brings cold, damp air, a heat pump's outdoor unit may pause to melt frost and give off steam. That's normal, and the furnace or backup heat keeps the house warm meanwhile.

Space heaters

If the heat fails during a front, use only approved electric space heaters, away from curtains and bedding, and never a stove or grill indoors.

Know your shut-offs

Know where your furnace switch, breaker and gas shut-off are before the cold arrives, so you can act quickly if something goes wrong.

More air conditioning and heating guides

• Dust, Wind and Your AC in Amarillo
• Hail and Your Outdoor AC Unit
• Keeping Cool in Amarillo's Dry Heat
• Heat Pumps on the High Plains
• When to Replace Your AC in Amarillo
• Hiring a Licensed AC Contractor in Texas