How to Stay Cozy, Safe, and Energy-Smart All Winter Long
- December 11, 2025
- Tips
Your step-by-step guide to preparing your home for an Ohio winter
According to the Old Farmers’ Almanac, Ohio is in for a cold, snowy season. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned winter pro, now’s the time to prepare your home. Our techs have outlined five steps to keep you and your house warm, safe, and running efficiently all season long.
Step 1: Change Your Furnace Filter
A clean air filter is one of the easiest ways to protect your system and improve indoor air quality. A clogged filter restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and forces your furnace to work harder than it should.
Do this:
✔️ Replace your filter every 1–3 months, depending on allergies and how many people and animals are in the house. If you have a lot of animals, we recommend changing the filter more often.
✔️ Keep additional filters on hand!
Step 2: Schedule a Furnace Inspection
If your furnace is over 10 years old or isn’t heating evenly, don’t wait for it to fail. A professional furnace tune-up ensures it’s operating safely and efficiently, and catches small problems before they become major repairs.
Bonus: A safety check includes inspecting critical components and verifying proper airflow and system operation.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Thermostat
Programmable and smart thermostats help maintain steady comfort and reduce energy waste. Instead of manually adjusting the temperature, your system adapts to your schedule automatically.
What to expect:
- Improved energy efficiency in your home
- Less system strain
- A consistently comfortable home
Step 4: Add or Maintain a Whole-Home Humidifier
Winter air in Ohio is notoriously dry. A whole-home humidifier helps retain warmth, protects wood flooring and furniture, and makes your home feel more comfortable at lower temperatures.
Added benefits:
- Fewer static shocks
- Healthier skin and sinuses
- Less strain on your heating system
Step 5: Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas furnaces that run more often bring higher risks — especially when it comes to carbon monoxide. Take a few minutes to check your alarms.
Quick safety checklist:
- Replace batteries
- Test alarms throughout your home
- Replace detectors older than 10 years
Ready for Winter? Let’s Make Sure.
A few simple steps now can save you from discomfort when the cold really hits. Don’t know where to start? Atlas Butler is available 24/7 for expert inspections and repairs.
Call 1-800-FURNACE to schedule your winter prep today.
What Our Customers are Saying:
“Mike G. was very helpful and friendly during my furnace cleaning and inspection. He took the time to show me all of the furnace parts he was cleaning and inspecting. I will definitely request him for next time!” - Nate
“Our technician was timely and extremely thorough concerning our furnace needs. We couldn’t ask for better care.” - Susan W.