Furnace Checkup Before Winter Could Save Money and Avoid Stress

Unmaintained Furnaces Could Mean Costly Repairs, Safety Risks as Almanac Forecasts a Stormy Winter

NORWALK, Conn. – Sept. 21, 2025 — With the Farmers' Almanac warning of a winter ahead packed with “snow, sleet and surprises,” HomeServe urges homeowners to schedule a professional furnace tune-up now — before the cold hits and the calls start coming in. National Fall Tune-Up Day, observed each Sept. 25, spotlights a simple step that can prevent dangerous breakdowns, reduce energy bills and keep families safe.

Winter Is Coming

The Farmers' Almanac 2026-2027 winter forecast calls for an active, wet storm track across the South, sudden cold snaps through the North, and a particularly unpredictable mix of rain, sleet and heavy, wet snow across the Northeast — with the worst conditions likely in January and February. The almanac's bottom line: “Keep the snow shovel, rain boots and ice scraper close at hand. This winter, you may need all three.”

That kind of forecast puts real pressure on home heating systems — especially those that haven't been serviced, and, in a HomeServe survey of HVAC contractors, 43% said most customers don’t proactively schedule a tune-up, with another 10% saying less than a quarter do and 17% saying less than half do.

Winter Is Coming

The Farmers' Almanac 2026-2027 winter forecast calls for an active, wet storm track across the South, sudden cold snaps through the North, and a particularly unpredictable mix of rain, sleet and heavy, wet snow across the Northeast — with the worst conditions likely in January and February. The almanac's bottom line: “Keep the snow shovel, rain boots and ice scraper close at hand. This winter, you may need all three.”

That kind of forecast puts real pressure on home heating systems — especially those that haven't been serviced, and, in a HomeServe survey of HVAC contractors, 43% said most customers don’t proactively schedule a tune-up, with another 10% saying less than a quarter do and 17% saying less than half do.

Most Homeowners Are Unprepared

According to the newly released 2026 HomeServe State of the Home survey, 22% of American homeowners needed an HVAC repair or replacement in the past 12 months, making it one of the most frequently reported home emergencies. Yet more than half of homeowners have $1,000 or less set aside for unexpected home repairs — a thin financial cushion when a furnace fails on a cold night. In a separate poll, 43% of homeowners said it would be a strain on their budget or a real financial problem if their furnace were to breakdown. Only 5% said they had a home repair plan to address such issues.

Approximately 71% of homeowners say they feel comfortable handling basic tasks like changing an HVAC filter. But 61% say they would not attempt an HVAC repair themselves — with lack of knowledge or skill cited by 35% and safety concerns by 19%. Only 46% maintain a go-to list of trusted home maintenance professionals, leaving many to search for qualified help at the worst possible moment.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Skipping a tune-up isn't just inconvenient — it's expensive. A professional furnace tune-up costs between $150 and $300 on average. A repair usually includes a service call fee averaging between $75 and $200, and, after the first hour, an hourly technician rate, averaging between $100 and $150, plus necessary replacement parts. A full system replacement averages between $3,800 and $12,000 for parts, installation and labor. During peak winter heating season, when demand for HVAC technicians is high and parts may be scarce, costs climb even higher.

Poorly maintained systems also drag on energy budgets. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, maintaining your HVAC system can reduce your costs by 5 to 10% — not insignificant, given that heating accounts for nearly half of a home's total energy use.

Safety Is on the Line

The risks go beyond the wallet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires caused 75% of deaths and injuries in 2024, and heating equipment is the second leading cause. U.S. Fire Administration recorded 1,125 home fire fatalities in 2026.

Carbon monoxide poses an equally serious threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that unintentional CO poisoning — not linked to fires — kills more than 400 Americans each year, sends more than 100,000 to emergency departments, and hospitalizes more than 14,000. Neglected heating equipment is a leading contributor.

Tune-ups can catch these issues, with 73% of surveyed HVAC contractors saying that tune-ups occasionally reveal a safety concern and an additional 17% saying it frequently or very frequently reveals a safety concern. Homeowners may be more confident than warranted about the safety of their heating equipment – 74% said they were confident their heating systems don’t pose a safety risk.

What a Tune-Up Includes

A standard furnace tune-up takes up to an hour. A certified HVAC technician will:

• Inspect safety systems, controls and electrical connections
• Clean burners, flue pipes and blower assemblies
• Replace filters to improve airflow and air quality
• Examine thermostats, motors, ignition systems and condensate lines

Regular maintenance can extend a furnace's lifespan and reduces the likelihood of a mid-season breakdown when technicians are hardest to reach. Peak season has a real impact on wait times – 18% of polled contractors said they had moderate or extended wait times for customers during peak heating season, including 11 percent who said they had wait times of more than three days or had to turn customers away altogether. Additionally, 32% said supply chain constraints and limited parts availability had moderate to severe impact on completing timely repairs.

Act Now, Before Demand Peaks

Homeowners are encouraged to schedule a tune-up this fall, before seasonal demand increases wait time for technician availability. For more information, visit www.NationalTuneUpDay.com.

About HomeServe USA

HomeServe USA Corp. (HomeServe) is a leading home repair solutions company with more than 4.6 million customers across North America. HomeServe offers protection plans that help shield homeowners from the expense and inconvenience of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other home repairs. The company empowers over 1,350 leading municipal and utility partners to educate and advocate for their customers when home repair emergencies strike. HomeServe has an exceptional customer satisfaction rating and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

For more about HomeServe, plus the latest home repair advice and customer stories, head to www.homeserve.com. You can also connect with HomeServe on Facebook @HomeServeUSA, Twitter @HomeServeUSA, Instagram @HomeServe_USA, and LinkedIn @HomeServe-USA.

HOMESERVE MEDIA CONTACTS:

Myles Meehan
HomeServe
Phone: 203-356-4546
Email: Myles.Meehan@homeserveusa.com

Kristin Elder
Burson for HomeServe
Phone: 703-835-6245
Email: Kristin.Elder@bursonglobal.com