Three-quarters of the United States will see below-normal temperatures this winter according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
Last winter was a doozie and if the Farmers’ Almanac is correct, this winter will be just as bad, with temperatures dropping as low as -40 in the Midwest during the first week of February. You probably don’t want to worry about sub-zero temperatures yet, but preparing your home now can help you avoid heating catastrophes during the coldest weeks of the year!
Preparing for winter before the sub-zero temperatures hit will ensure that your furnace is in good working condition and that your home is protecting you from the elements. Although you can’t control the weather outside, take these steps to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the heating season.
- Schedule a Furnace Maintenance Visit Annual furnace maintenance allows heating experts to spot problems with your furnace before they impact your comfort and safety. Just a like a car, your furnace occasionally needs replacement parts, cleaning, and tune-ups in order to function properly.
An annual furnace repair and maintenance visit is the best way to ensure that your furnace is ready for the long heating season ahead. When you schedule a maintenance visit, the Ray N. Welter Heating Company will thoroughly clean and inspect your furnace. They will also let you know if any repairs should be made. Schedule your $99 furnace maintenance visit now before the temperatures drop and demand ramps up!
- Is it Time to Invest in a New Furnace? If you’re on the fence about buying a new furnace, now may be the right time to make that investment. It’s going to be another long, cold winter and continual use will put a lot of “mileage” on your furnace. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, you’re probably due for an upgrade. The good news is that today’s furnaces are quieter, longer lasting, and more energy efficient than older furnaces. A new unit can help you spend less on your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home.
The Ray N. Welter Heating Company’s furnace installation experts can help you decide if it’s more cost-effective to repair your furnace or invest in a new one. We’ll also conduct a full analysis of your home in order to identify a home heating system that best fits your needs. Buying a new furnace is a big investment, and having a professional opinion from someone who has actually seen your home can help you make an informed decision.
- Weatherproof your Air Conditioner Even though the summer is over you shouldn’t forget about your air conditioner! A great way to extend the life of your air conditioner and make sure that it’s ready for summertime is to cover it with a breathable air conditioner cover. This will protect it from snow and other elements. Don’t let price deter you – air conditioner covers can be found for less than $20 and can help preserve the life of your air conditioner.
- Weatherproof your Home Having a good heater won’t help you if your home is open to the elements! Drafts can waste a significant amount of heat. Lower your utilities bill and keep your home cozy by putting draft snakes under drafty doors, insulating your water pipes, and putting plastic wrap over windows.
- Change your Furnace Filter How often do you change your furnace filter? You should change it after every month of use. Start the heating season off right by installing a new furnace filter. It will help your furnace use less energy and do a better job of cleaning the air in your home. HEPA and electrostatic filters can even filter out flu and cold germs, helping you stay healthier this winter!
For more tips on winterizing your home and preparing for the heating season, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! As you prepare for winter, learn how to further avoid Minnesota heating costs and headaches.
100+ Years of Service By The Numbers
0
Homes A Year
0
Units Installed PerYear
0
Units Over OurLifetime
0
Service Techsand Installers
Currently
Customer Testimonials
Hear From Our Customers
These guys were my second call when my furnace stopped working properly. The first company I used sent a tech out who said the furnace needed to be replaced, and gave me a quote, but said he "jiggled a wire" and got it running again for the time being.
When it went out again the other day, I called Ray N. Welter. Their tech, Ralph, fixed the problem in half an hour. He told me the furnace is pretty old, but his fix should get me through the winter "and maybe a couple more," and then gave me a quote that was lower than the first company.
These guys are rad.
Dan J.
Minneapolis, MN
Furnace stopped working. When that happens after hours you learn a lot about companies. Today I called RW and got a person on the phone that knows about furnaces and he dispatched a service person Phil within 2 hours. I called them based on personal refer and reviews. They are excellent. Despite having a very old furnace it was the second time that this company said I did not need to replace. If I did replace it I want a Trane and RW would do to the work. For now I will call them for fall/spring tune ups and love that they don't have the club memberships etc. Just good solid customer service for all customers. A really ++ experience. Family run business with integrity.
Kathleen d.
Minneapolis, MN
If you need superior service this is your company!!! We were in Florida experiencing our first year as "snowbirds" when our furnace (in Bloomington) stopped working. Rick Welter personally took our call and not only sent a technician to our cold home, but checked on it for the next two days until our new heating unit could be properly installed. Phenomenal service!
In addition to the great service, their pricing was very competitive. I highly recommend this company for all of your heating or A/C needs!!!
Michael L.
Minneapolis, MN
Worked With
Our Partners
Our Blog
HVAC Info You Can Use
Learn how to maintain your HVAC system with the latest advice from our experts.
- May 3, 2025
Air conditioning is one of the best ways to stay cool on a hot summer day. That’s why staying current with routine maintenance and changing out your air filter every month are so important. Still, even the most dutiful homeowners’ air conditioners can run into problems sometimes. If your AC is making water sounds, it…
- April 28, 2025
Your home is supposed to be your oasis. But pollen, dander, dust, and other irritants in the air can quickly reduce the air quality of your residential paradise. While air filters can certainly help, most air filters are not fine enough to trap irritants like mold spores and dust that cause allergy flare ups and…
- April 10, 2025
When you’re managing a household, every cent counts. Control of your energy costs is a great way to manage your home budget while keeping your family cool. Still, it can be challenging to figure out what the impact of even one-degree change could have on your bottom line. That’s why we’ve done the math for…
- March 10, 2025
Spring has arrived, and so have warmer temperatures. As the weather warms up, you’ve already started to hang your coats back in closets, throw boots into baskets, and dump scarves back in storage. You no longer need layers to keep you warm—and your furnace no longer needs to keep the heat pumping throughout your…