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January HVAC Checklist - Keep Your Systems Running Smoothly
Posted On: January 6, 2026
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.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Jun 5, 2018
All interactions from sales to installation were Courteous and professional. The installation was seamless and the attention to detail including clean up was outstanding. I highly recommend TwinTech Heating and Cooling.
May 17, 2018
Twintech's Salesman Dave arrived promptly was friendly and courteous, listened and assured us the installation would be completed according to our requests. The crew arrived early morning on May 11th, 2018 and worked through till late afternoon non-stop. They were very friendly, very professional, their expertise was excellent, their workmanship outstanding and the installation was completed in a timely and efficient manner. We were completely satisfied and happy with the quality of the work.
May 9, 2018
I had cold and hot spots all over my 70 yr old home. My furnace is quite new and Greg optimized the fan and furnace. The original installer just took it out of the box with factory settings and installed it- basically running at 50% of capacity. Greg also routed heat into my laundry room, yeah - so now I can renovate laundry room - thanks Greg. He is honest, professional and knowledgeable. I will be calling him back in the spring to optimize my AC as well.
May 8, 2018
Wonderful from beginning to end. I tend to fret and worry about home improvements but the excellent team at TwinTech put my mind as ease. They listen, they are patient and best of all ... the work they did is amazing! I chose the Goodman 80K BTU 2 stage furnace and the matching Goodman air conditioner. Greg, Grant and Poitr "Peter" arrived on time, took great care, explained everything to me and they answered all of my questions. They carefully adjusted the factory settings to optimize the furnace for my house and they also checked the duct work in the basement. Dave, the Sales Manager, came by to say "hello" and to see if I was happy. YES, I am happy with the work! The furnace is very quiet. I have it running on low just to circulate the air in the house and it's so much quieter than my old furnace. When I need new duct work for an upcoming basement renovation TwinTech will be my first choice. I highly recommend TwinTech. PS. They were even nice to my dogs.
Apr 21, 2018
Greg was prompt on the scheduled day of installation and the work was done well within the time estimated beforehand. Installation was neat and the equipment and scope of work was as specified in the quote. One item I must point out is that we were faced with a "No Heat" situation the day before the scheduled installation and Greg came out to address it free of charge. Not only that, but he also corrected an installation fault with our smart thermostat that was not part of the original job, again free of charge.
Mar 16, 2018
Greg came by to do a routine furnace checkup. He was very knowledgeable and professional, letting me know what's being checked/adjusted and giving me tips to ensure everything runs smooth. Very honest and upfront about what's working fine vs. what may need to be fixed/replaced. He didn't attempt to up sell anything that wasn't necessary. I'm glad to have finally found someone I can trust and rely on for all my HVAC needs - furnace, A/C, and hot water tank.
Mar 4, 2018
I'm very happy with the work that was done. Everyone from salesperson to the installers were friendly and professional. They were on time and cleaned up the job site after it was installed. They also answered all my follow up questions promptly. I wouldn't hesitate to work with them or recommend them again.
Feb 28, 2018
Thanks to the team at Twin Tech for a great job installing my new heat pump/ac unit. The guys were very polite and professional. When they left you would never have known they had been there except for the new Mitsubishi unit on the wall!! would highly recommend the Twin Tech team.
Feb 28, 2018
Installed professionally, no delays, no rework needed. Very reliable contractor and sales person. Also installed BBQ gas line and some duct work.
Feb 19, 2018
Greg and Grant are friendly, reliable, and knowledgeable HVAC professionals. The twins, Dave and the entire team provided efficient top quality service. Our family plns to use Twintech for all of our future HVAC needs.
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