What HVAC & Plumbing Maintenance Should You Do Before 2026?

Get Your Home Ready for the New Year

The end of the year is in sight, and in Upstate New York, that means that snow, ice, and single-digit temps aren’t far behind. Before you get caught up in the holidays (or buried in a lake-effect storm), now’s the time to tackle the HVAC and plumbing maintenance that keeps your home safe and efficient through winter.

From furnace tune-ups to winter plumbing prep, this year-end checklist covers everything you should check, fix, or schedule before 2026 rolls in.

Your Year-End HVAC Maintenance Checklist

When winter comes to places like Rochester, Avon, and Syracuse, your heating system becomes the most important appliance in your home. A little proactive maintenance now can help you avoid surprise breakdowns, high energy bills, or chilly nights spent waiting for emergency repairs.

Pre-Winter HVAC Tasks:

• Replace your air filters: Clogged filters make your system work harder and reduce airflow throughout your home.
• Schedule a furnace tune-up: Professional inspections catch small issues before they become expensive repairs and make sure your system is running safely.
• Clean vents and registers: Dust, pet hair, and debris can build up and block airflow, affecting comfort and efficiency.
• Check your thermostat settings: Make sure your heating schedule matches your winter routine, and verify that your system is responding correctly.
• Clear debris from outdoor units: If you have a heat pump or central AC with an outdoor condenser, clear away leaves, snow, and ice to protect performance.

Don’t Skip Winter Plumbing Prep

Frozen pipes are one of the most damaging (and preventable) plumbing emergencies homeowners face in the winter. Once water freezes and expands inside your pipes, the risk of cracking, bursting, and flooding goes way up.

Pre-Winter  Plumbing Tasks:

• Inspect exposed pipes for leaks: Check basements, utility closets, and crawl spaces for any signs of moisture or corrosion.
• Drain outdoor faucets and hoses: Disconnect hoses, shut off the valve inside, and open the outdoor faucet to prevent freezing.
• Flush your water heater: Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and can lead to early failure, especially when demand is high in the winter.
• Test your sump pump: Pour water into the sump pit to confirm it activates and drains properly before heavy snowmelt or rain.
• Check your garbage disposal: Make sure it’s running smoothly so it can handle holiday meals and reduce the risk of clogs.

Bonus Tips for Efficiency and Safety

Want to go the extra mile before the calendar flips? These small projects can help reduce your energy use and keep your home safe, especially if you use gas heat or a fireplace.

• Schedule an energy audit: A professional home energy evaluation can reveal drafty windows, poor insulation, or inefficient HVAC operation.
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors: Caulking or weatherstripping can help retain heat and lower energy bills.
• Test carbon monoxide detectors: Every home with a gas furnace or appliance needs a working CO detector. Replace batteries and test the unit monthly.
• Check smoke detectors and batteries: Fires are more common in winter due to increased heating and holiday cooking. Make sure every floor has a working smoke alarm.

Why Isaac is the Go-To Team in Upstate NY

In Rochester, Avon, and Syracuse, freezing temps and heavy snow are part of the yearly routine. Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning helps homeowners in these areas stay ahead of winter problems. With over 100 years of experience, our licensed, certified technicians provide expert HVAC and plumbing maintenance that keeps your systems running smoothly all season long.

Whether you need a quick furnace check, an energy audit, or plumbing repairs before the new year, we’ve got you covered with upfront pricing, same-day service, and a commitment to doing the job right.

Start 2026 with Confidence

Getting your HVAC and plumbing systems ready for winter isn’t complicated, but it does take a little planning. By checking a few items off your list now, you’ll reduce your risk of mid-winter emergencies and start the new year with a safer, more efficient home.

Contact us to schedule your year-end HVAC and plumbing maintenance with Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning and start 2026 with peace of mind.