Preparing Your Olympia Home’s Heating System for Winter: A Complete Checklist

As the rainy, chilly season rolls into Olympia, WA, one thing becomes clear—your heating system needs to be ready. Whether you rely on a gas furnace or a high-efficiency heat pump, taking time to prep now can prevent costly breakdowns and keep your home cozy all winter long.

At Copper & Cable Co., we know what Olympia winters bring: cold nights, damp air, and high energy bills if your system isn’t running at peak performance. That’s why we’ve created this complete winter HVAC prep checklist tailored to Olympia homeowners.

Why Winter HVAC Prep Matters in Olympia’s Climate

Unlike Eastern Washington’s deep freezes, Olympia winters are damp, moderate, and long—with average lows in the mid-30s and months of persistent rain. This creates a unique set of challenges:

• Older homes in neighborhoods like Lacey, Bush, and East Olympia are more likely to have drafts or outdated systems.

• Our wet environment can wear down outdoor heat pump units or clog filters faster.

• Cold snaps can overwhelm poorly maintained systems, leading to expensive emergency calls.

With proper prep, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills, consistent comfort, and fewer repair surprises all season long.

Winter Heating Prep Checklist for Olympia Homeowners

Whether you live in Tumwater or near Offutt Lake, here’s what you should do before winter kicks into high gear:

1. Replace or Clean HVAC Filters

Your HVAC filter is your first defense against dust, allergens, and airflow restrictions.

• Replace every 1–3 months, especially if you have pets or allergies.

• Dirty filters make your furnace or heat pump work harder and increase energy usage.

Tip: Use high-efficiency filters during winter to improve indoor air quality while windows are closed.

2. Schedule a Professional Heating Inspection

Your furnace or heat pump might seem fine now—but unseen wear and tear can cause mid-winter breakdowns.

A professional inspection includes:

• Checking electrical connections and safety features

• Inspecting the blower motor, belts, and heat exchanger

• Ensuring your system runs at peak efficiency

Copper & Cable Co. offers pre-winter HVAC inspections across Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and surrounding areas.

3. Test Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat to heat mode and verify it responds quickly. If it feels off:

• Replace the batteries (if applicable)

• Make sure it’s level and not near heat sources

• Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better comfort and energy savings

Smart thermostats are great for Olympia’s variable temps, letting you adjust settings remotely on extra chilly days.

4. Clean Vents and Registers

Dust, pet hair, and debris can block warm air from circulating.

• Vacuum all floor and wall vents

• Make sure no furniture is blocking airflow

• Open vents in rooms you use most often

Balanced airflow = better comfort and less strain on your system.

5. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Olympia’s damp air can sneak in through tiny cracks, forcing your system to work harder.

• Apply weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors

• Close fireplace flues when not in use

• Check for cold air drafts, especially in older homes

Reducing leaks can cut heating costs by up to 20%.

6. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you have a gas furnace, carbon monoxide safety is essential.

• Test all CO detectors and replace batteries

• Install one on each level of your home, near sleeping areas

• Replace units every 5–7 years

7. Clear Debris Around Outdoor Heat Pump Units

If you use a heat pump, make sure it has space to breathe—even in the rain.

• Remove leaves, branches, and dirt from the unit

• Keep a 2-foot clearance around the unit

• Make sure gutters aren’t dripping directly onto it

A blocked unit struggles to absorb outdoor heat efficiently during Olympia’s damp winters.

Bonus Tip: Is It Time to Replace Your System?

If your heating system is 15+ years old, struggles to keep up, or costs you a fortune in repairs and energy bills—it may be time for a replacement.

Signs it’s time to upgrade:

• Frequent breakdowns

• Rising energy costs with no weather changes

• Inconsistent heating, especially in large homes

At Copper & Cable Co., we offer affordable furnace and heat pump replacements with options for Olympia’s climate—and financing available.

Serving Olympia and Surrounding Communities

We proudly serve:

• Olympia

• Lacey

• Tumwater

• East Olympia

• Plumb

• Offutt Lake

• Bush and surrounding rural areas

We know the local codes, weather, and home styles—because we live and work here too.

Schedule Your Winter Heating Tune-Up with Copper & Cable Co.

Don't wait for freezing nights or long HVAC waitlists. Let our expert HVAC Contractor team inspect, service, or upgrade your heating system now—before winter hits full force.

📞 Call us today or book your winter tune-up online to get your Olympia home ready for a warm, worry-free season.