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January HVAC Checklist - Keep Your Systems Running Smoothly

January is often the coldest and most demanding month for HVAC systems in Ontario.
With heating systems running almost nonstop, this is when small issues can turn into costly breakdowns if left unchecked.
A simple January HVAC checklist can help homeowners maintain comfort, improve efficiency, and avoid unexpected repairs during the heart of winter.
Here’s what every homeowner should focus on in January to keep their HVAC system operating reliably.
Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
Your HVAC system works harder in winter, and dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to use more energy.
In January, homeowners should:
Check filters monthly
Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones
Use the correct filter size and rating recommended for your system
Clean filters improve airflow, efficiency, and indoor air quality.
Check Thermostat Settings
Cold weather often leads homeowners to constantly adjust thermostat settings, which can increase energy usage.
Best practices include:
Keeping a consistent temperature
Avoiding frequent manual changes
Using programmable or smart thermostat schedules
Stable settings help your HVAC system run efficiently while maintaining comfort.
Inspect Vents and Registers
Blocked or closed vents reduce airflow and strain your heating system.
In January:
Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed
Move furniture, rugs, or curtains away from registers
Check for weak airflow that could signal a problem
Balanced airflow helps maintain even temperatures throughout your home.
Listen for Unusual Noises
January is the time to pay attention to how your system sounds.
New or unusual noises can indicate developing issues.
Watch for:
Rattling or buzzing sounds
Grinding or squealing noises
Loud cycling or short run times
Catching problems early can prevent mid-winter breakdowns.
Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels
Winter heating can dry out indoor air, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
In January:
Monitor humidity levels
Consider using a humidifier if air feels dry
Watch for excess dryness or static buildup
Balanced humidity improves comfort and protects wood furniture and flooring.
Clear Snow and Ice from Outdoor Units
If your home uses a heat pump, the outdoor unit must stay clear of snow and ice.
Homeowners should:
Gently remove snow buildup after storms
Keep at least two feet of clearance around the unit
Avoid chipping ice with sharp tools
Proper airflow ensures efficient winter operation.
Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors
For homes with fuel-burning appliances, January is a critical time to confirm safety systems are working.
Be sure to:
Test carbon monoxide detectors
Replace batteries if needed
Ensure detectors are installed on every level of the home
This step is essential for winter safety.
Schedule Mid-Winter HVAC Maintenance
January is a good time to schedule a professional system check—especially if maintenance was missed earlier in the season.
A professional inspection can:
Identify wear or airflow issues
Improve system efficiency
Reduce the risk of emergency repairs
Extend equipment lifespan Stay Comfortable and Protected This January
A little attention goes a long way during Ontario’s coldest month.
Following this January HVAC checklist helps ensure your system runs efficiently, keeps your home warm, and avoids unexpected disruptions.
For homeowners in the Durham Region and Toronto, Twintech Heating & Cooling offers professional HVAC inspections, maintenance, and repairs to keep your system performing reliably all winter long.
Reasonable price and the workmanship was prompt and timely and the employees were great to deal with.
The sales process was friendly, informative, and very consultative. They worked hard to earn our business by taking a careful look around our home to assess our needs, providing a lot of information about the product, and answering all our questions and finding the right solution for our home at a competitive price. They prepared us very well for what to expect on installation day, and the installation went very smoothly - no surprises, all very professional! They gave us a call after installation to ensure we were happy with the work. We're very happy that we chose to work with TwinTech to get our new furnace.
Twintech promptly responded to request for quotation. They were thorough and helpful in explaining options. The quote was very competitive. Installation of new furnace was very professionally completed. Excellent work.
When our old oil furnace finally broke down we decided it was time to finally convert to natural gas and finally install central air conditioning at the same time. Knowing it was going to be a significant investment for us, we wanted to make the right choice. Twintech came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed. From the first contact with the salesperson, until the final touches on the installation, we were so pleased with their service. Everyone from the company was so friendly, efficient and a pleasure to deal with. Best of all, the cost was very competitive. We would certainly recommend Twintech to anyone requiring HVAC work in their home.
Mitch from Twintech came out for our annual furnace inspection. We found him to be friendly, conscientious & he left the work area clean. We were also very impressed with the thoroughness of the job he did. This is the 2nd job weve had Twintech do for us & have been very happy with the results for each. We highly recommend this company. Thank you, Mitch, Dave & Greg.
Work was done on schedule, professionally, according to quote and with minimal inconvenience to building users. Very happy with the end result. The only area for improvement from my experience - need more timely quoting process.
The team was great! Very knowledgeable, professional and extremely helpful. A few days after install the unit didnt seem to be working, user error, but within minutes of contacting them..on a Saturday.. a tech was on the phone troubleshooting with us. I highly recommend Twintech for your cooling or heating needs. They stand by their products and a pleasure to deal with.
During the hottest week in the summer our old A/C decided to call it quits. I called Twintech Heating & Cooling after receiving a referral from a family member; came highly rated for being an honest, family-run business, who appreciates their customers. Dave was able to accommodate my hectic schedule and book a late evening appointment to walk through the specifics. Greg and Mitch arrived exactly on time a few days later, were very polite and friendly, and within a couple of hours had a new unit up and running. I also received a follow-up call to ensure we were happy with the Amana.
They were on time and very professional. I'm so glad I decided to go with Twintech, thanks!
Timely and appreciated - this was during the hottest days this year when our Air and Furnace way.
Efficient. Professional. No BS or overselling. What was promised, was delivered at a cost-effective price point.
Down to earth.
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We are very happy to recommend this company to everyone. Our furnace broke down on Sunday morning. We phoned them and before noon Grant the owner showed up. He worked on the furnace for about a hour not wanting to give up to fix the problem. The furnace was 17 years old. I was the one talking about replacing it. End result was the next day it was all done. On the Sunday Bob came over with heaters to warm up the house. We decided to replace the water heater at the same time. Thanks Grant for the excellent work. Thumbs up.
Right on time. Explained how to work the HRV in a different way so the house would not be so dry. Changed my whole house water filter for me as well. Friendly, helpful, caring service!
Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.
We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!
TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!
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