Start the Year with a Safer, Warmer, and More Efficient Home
The new year is the perfect time to reset—not just your goals, but also your home. January in Minnesota brings freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and plenty of indoor time. Taking a few smart steps now can make your home more comfortable, efficient, and healthy for the rest of the winter season and beyond.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been helping White Bear Lake families stay cozy and safe since 1974. Here are our top January home prep ideas to kick off the year with comfort and peace of mind.
🛠️ Schedule a Mid-Winter Furnace Check-Up
Even if your system ran fine in December, January’s deep freeze can push your furnace to the limit. A mid-winter inspection helps catch small issues before they turn into big breakdowns.
✅ What we check:
- Filter condition and airflow
- Burners, blower, and ignition system
- Carbon monoxide levels
- Unusual noises or smells
💡 Bonus Tip: A well-maintained furnace uses less energy—saving you money when heating bills are highest.
🧼 Replace or Clean HVAC Filters
Start the year with a clean slate—and a clean filter. Your furnace filter collects dust, pet dander, and allergens. In winter, it needs changing more often due to heavier system use and closed windows.
📆 Replace every 1–3 months, or more often if:
- You have pets
- Someone in your home has allergies
- Your home feels dusty or stuffy
🌬️ Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
If your home feels chilly despite the heat being on, you might be losing warm air to hidden drafts.
🔍 What to do:
- Add weatherstripping around doors
- Use caulk to seal window gaps
- Install thermal curtains for extra insulation
- Try draft stoppers along baseboards and sills
💸 Energy Savings: A well-sealed home can cut heating costs by 10–20%.
🧯 Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With your heating system running constantly and more time spent indoors, January is the ideal time to test all safety devices.
🛑 Checklist:
- Test all alarms
- Replace batteries
- Make sure you have a CO detector on each level of your home
- Replace units that are over 10 years old
💧 Prevent Frozen Pipes
Cold snaps can lead to frozen pipes—and serious water damage. Taking precautions now can save you thousands later.
🚰 Tips to prevent freezing:
- Keep your thermostat at 60°F or higher, even when away
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air in
- Insulate pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages
- Let faucets drip slightly on subzero nights
🧼 Deep Clean for Fresh Indoor Air
After holiday gatherings and weeks spent indoors, your home’s air may be full of dust, allergens, and leftover cooking odors.
🧽 What to clean:
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Wipe down vents and returns
- Wash bedding and curtains
- Consider having your ducts cleaned if it’s been several years
🌿 Ask us about whole-home air purifiers and humidifiers for long-term air quality improvement.
🧳Plan Ahead for HVAC Upgrades
Is your system showing signs of age? January is a great time to research upgrades so you’re not caught off guard later.
🧰 Consider replacing your furnace or AC if:
- It’s more than 15 years old
- Repair costs are rising
- Your energy bills are unusually high
- Your home has uneven temperatures or loud operation
🌟 Financing and rebates are often available—ask us what’s new in 2025!
🧠 Get Smart with a Thermostat Upgrade
Smart thermostats let you control your home’s comfort from anywhere—and help save energy without sacrificing warmth.
📲 Benefits include:
- Programmable schedules
- Remote adjustments via app
- Energy use reports and tips
- Automatic learning and zoning features
🔥 Pro Tip: We can install a compatible thermostat and walk you through the setup.
Start the Year in Total Comfort
Your home should be your sanctuary in every season—and with the right prep, it can be even more comfortable, efficient, and safe this winter. Whether you need a simple tune-up or a whole-system upgrade, Four Seasons Air Specialists is here to help.
✅ Serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities since 1974
✅ Trusted technicians and top-quality service
✅ Heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and smart home solutions
📞 Kick off the new year with cozy confidence—schedule your January service today at: 651.426.5254
