
Top 5 Heating Prep Tips Every Homeowner Should Do Before the First Cold Snap
October 10, 2025
Oh Crap! My Guest Bathroom Broke: A Thanksgiving Plumbing Survival Tale
November 26, 2025The nights are getting chilly in Albuquerque. That crisp high desert air that makes October mornings so beautiful also signals something important: it’s time to think about your heating system. Before you reach for that thermostat and crank up the heat for the first time this season, let’s talk about getting your home ready for the colder months ahead.
Whether your furnace has been sitting idle since last spring or you’re noticing some worrying sounds when you fire it up, fall is the perfect time to ensure your heating system is ready to keep your family comfortable all winter long. At Academy Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric, we’ve been keeping Albuquerque homes warm for decades, and we’re here to help you prepare for whatever weather the season brings.
Why Fall HVAC Maintenance Matters in Albuquerque
Think of fall maintenance like getting your car serviced before a road trip. You wouldn’t drive cross-country without checking your oil and tires, right? The same logic applies to your heating system. A well-maintained furnace can run so much more efficiently than one that’s been neglected, which means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.
During our fall tune-ups, our technicians perform comprehensive checkups that catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies. We’re talking about:
- Inspecting and replacing dirty air filters that restrict airflow and force your system to work harder
- Checking burners, heat exchangers, and flame sensors for safety and efficiency
- Testing thermostat calibration to ensure accurate temperature control
- Lubricating moving parts and checking belts for wear
- Examining ductwork for leaks that waste heated air
- Verifying carbon monoxide safety systems are functioning properly
These preventive steps don’t just save you money on utilities. They extend the lifespan of your equipment and dramatically reduce the chances of waking up to a frozen house on the coldest morning of the year. In Albuquerque’s high desert climate, where temperatures can swing 40 degrees in a single day, having a reliable heating system isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential.
Heater Repairs — Don’t Wait Until It’s Freezing!
Your heating system talks to you. The question is: are you listening? Strange noises, uneven heating, skyrocketing energy bills, or a furnace that cycles on and off constantly are all warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
Maybe you’ve noticed a rattling sound when the heat kicks on, or certain rooms in your home never seem to get as warm as others. Perhaps your energy bill has crept up without explanation. These aren’t just minor annoyances—they’re your heater’s way of saying it needs attention.
Here’s the reality: that small problem in October becomes an emergency repair in January. And nobody wants to be without heat when Albuquerque temperatures drop below freezing. That’s why Academy Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency heater repair service. Whether you have a gas furnace, electric heater, heat pump, or any other system, our experienced heating technicians can diagnose and fix the issue quickly.
We’ve been keeping Albuquerque homes warm since 1971, and we’ve seen just about every heating problem imaginable. From pilot light issues to blower motor failures, cracked heat exchangers to thermostat malfunctions—we have the expertise and parts inventory to get your system running safely and efficiently again.
Don’t wait for the first cold snap to discover your heater isn’t working. If something seems off, call us now. A simple repair today can prevent a costly emergency later.
Thinking About a New Heater? Here’s When It Makes Sense
Not every heating problem requires replacement, but sometimes upgrading to a new, energy-efficient system is the smarter financial decision. Here’s how to know when it’s time to replace rather than repair:
Age matters. If your furnace is 15-20 years old, it’s approaching the end of its expected lifespan. Older systems are less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. Even if repairs are possible, you’re likely spending more on energy every month than you would with a modern, high-efficiency unit.
Repair costs add up. A good rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new system, or if you’re calling for repairs multiple times per heating season, replacement makes more financial sense.
Energy efficiency pays off. Today’s high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps use significantly less energy than models from 10 or 15 years ago. That translates to lower monthly bills and a smaller environmental footprint. Many homeowners see the investment pay for itself in energy savings over time, especially with available rebates from utility companies and manufacturers.
Comfort upgrades. Modern heating systems offer better temperature control, quieter operation, and more even heat distribution throughout your home. If you’ve been living with hot and cold spots or noisy equipment, a new installation can dramatically improve your daily comfort.
At Academy Plumbing, we specialize in new heater installation in Albuquerque for all types of systems—gas furnaces, electric furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. We’ll provide a free estimate, help you understand your options, explain available rebates, and handle the entire installation process with licensed, professional service. No high-pressure sales tactics, just honest advice about what makes sense for your home and budget.
The Fall Changeover — Switch from Cooling to Heating Smoothly
Albuquerque’s unique climate means many of us use evaporative coolers (swamp coolers) in summer and forced-air heating in winter. If that’s your setup, the fall changeover is an important seasonal ritual that ensures both systems are properly shut down or started up.
For those with swamp coolers, fall maintenance includes:
- Disconnecting and draining water lines to prevent freezing and damage
- Draining water from the cooler pan and removing pads
- Covering the unit to protect it from winter weather
- Closing dampers to prevent cold air from entering your home through the ductwork
Meanwhile, your heating system needs its own preparation:
- Replacing or cleaning air filters for optimal airflow
- Checking ductwork connections and sealing leaks
- Testing the thermostat and replacing batteries if needed
- Ensuring vents and registers aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains
- Scheduling a professional tune-up to verify everything is working safely
If all of this sounds like a lot of work, here’s the good news: Academy’s full-service team handles both cooling and heating systems. We can take care of your entire fall changeover, ensuring a seamless transition from one season to the next. It’s one call, and you’re done—no need to coordinate multiple contractors or worry about whether everything was handled correctly.
Stay Cozy and Save with Local Experts You Can Trust
When it comes to your home’s comfort and safety, you want a company that treats your house like their own. At Academy Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric, that’s not just a tagline—it’s how we’ve built our reputation in Albuquerque since 1971.
We’re a locally owned, family-run business that understands this community because we’re part of it. Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and trained on the latest HVAC technology. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete system replacement, we have the expertise to get the job done right the first time.
What sets us apart? We offer comprehensive home services under one roof. Need plumbing work? We’ve got you covered. Electrical issues? We handle that too. When you work with Academy, you have a single trusted partner for all your home comfort needs.
We believe in education over sales pressure. Our goal is to help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and get the best value for your investment. That’s why we offer:
- Free estimates on new installations
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- 24/7 emergency service when you need it most
- Flexible financing options
- A commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction
Before winter sets in and the cold settles into the high desert, make sure your heater is ready to perform. Don’t wait for the first freeze to discover you have a problem.
Schedule your fall HVAC tune-up today. Call (505) 293-4949 or book online at academyplumbing.net.
Your comfort is our priority, and we’re here to help keep your Albuquerque home warm and cozy all season long.
Academy Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric, Inc.
3271 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 293-4949
academyplumbing.net
Meta Description:
Fall is here, Albuquerque! Learn how to keep your home warm and efficient with Academy Plumbing’s expert heating repair, maintenance, and installation tips.
Image Alt Text Suggestions:
- “Academy Plumbing HVAC technician performing fall furnace maintenance in Albuquerque home”
- “Modern high-efficiency furnace installation by Academy Plumbing in Albuquerque, NM”
- “Albuquerque Sandia Mountains with fall colors—time for heating system preparation”
Internal Link Opportunity:
Link “new heater installation” or “Heating Services” to your main heating services page
External Link Opportunity:
Link “high-efficiency furnaces” or “energy-efficient options” to





