As the temperatures drop along the Ohio River, homeowners across Madison, IN, and surrounding areas like Columbus, Seymour, and Jeffersonville start thinking about comfort and heating costs. A little preparation now can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and safety this winter.
At Jackson Air, we’ve helped hundreds of Southern Indiana families get their homes ready for the cold. Here’s our local HVAC checklist to keep your system running efficiently all season long.
1. Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up
A pre-season tune-up is the simplest way to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Our certified technicians clean burners, check airflow, inspect safety components, and make sure your furnace is running at peak efficiency.
Pro tip: Many furnace failures happen during the first cold snap — schedule your tune-up before the rush hits.
2. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters
Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder. In the Midwest, filters often need to be replaced every 1–3 months, especially if you have pets or live near farmland.
Clean filters = lower bills + cleaner air.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Insulate
Madison’s older homes are beautiful, but many leak heat through cracks and unsealed doors. Simple fixes like weather-stripping, caulking, and attic insulation can reduce energy loss by up to 20%.
If you’re unsure where your home is losing air, ask about blower door testing — Jackson Air is EPA-certified to measure air leakage and pinpoint problem areas accurately.
4. Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Heating season increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Test your detectors, replace old batteries, and install new ones if needed — especially near bedrooms.
5. Reverse Ceiling Fans for Winter
Most ceiling fans have a small switch that reverses blade direction. Setting the fan to spin clockwise pushes warm air down from the ceiling, improving comfort without extra energy use.
6. Inspect Vents and Ductwork
Blocked or leaking ducts waste warm air. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking vents and consider having your ducts inspected if you notice uneven heating.
7. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
If you still have a manual thermostat, now’s the time to upgrade. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away, saving up to 10% on annual heating costs.
8. Keep Outdoor Units Clear
For homes with heat pumps, make sure outdoor units are clear of leaves, branches, and snow. Restricted airflow reduces efficiency and strains the system.
Stay Warm, Madison
A few simple steps today can prevent bigger issues tomorrow. If you need help preparing your home for winter, the team at Jackson Air is ready to help with heating tune-ups, blower door testing, and energy-efficient solutions across Southern Indiana.
📞 Call Jackson Air or schedule your seasonal service today — before the cold sets in!
