Help Your Customers Prepare Their HVAC Systems for Winter

As colder weather approaches, it’s the ideal time for dealers to remind homeowners about the importance of seasonal HVAC maintenance. Taking a proactive approach not only helps customers avoid costly winter breakdowns, but also supports steady service and replacement demand for your business. Here’s a four-step HVAC checklist dealers can use to help their customers prepare for winter.

A family huddles around a portable heater after failing to prepare their HVAC system for winter.

Here’s a handy checklist to share with customers to ensure their HVAC systems are kept in top running order:

1. Recommend professional inspections early

Encourage customers to schedule a professional inspection in the fall. Many manufacturers recommend at least one HVAC check-up per year to maintain efficiency and prevent mid-season failures. Early appointments can help your team identify potential issues before they become emergency calls in peak season.

2. Emphasize the importance of clean filters

Clogged or dirty air filters make systems work harder, driving up energy use and shortening equipment lifespan. Remind homeowners to replace or clean filters monthly during the heating season to help systems run efficiently and avoid unnecessary service calls.

3. Promote smart and programmable thermostats

Heating and cooling account for more than half of a typical home’s energy use.1 Recommending smart or programmable thermostats allows homeowners to manage temperatures more effectively, save on energy costs, and modernize their HVAC system, creating additional sales opportunities for your business.2

4. Address maintenance and minor repairs proactively

Encourage customers to take care of smaller issues like pilot light outages, faulty thermostats, or leaky ducts before winter sets in. Routine maintenance improves system performance, reduces emergency calls, and strengthens long-term customer trust.

Why it matters for your business

Heating and cooling systems represent over 50% of residential energy use in the U.S.3 With energy costs continuing to rise, customers are increasingly focused on efficiency and reliability. By guiding them through preventive maintenance and upgrade options, dealers can position themselves as trusted experts while driving consistent revenue throughout the winter season.4

Partner with Aqua Finance for flexible customer financing solutions

Winter preparation often leads to unexpected repair or replacement needs, making financing a key part of the conversation. Aqua partners with HVAC dealers nationwide to offer flexible financing solutions that help customers complete necessary repairs or invest in high-efficiency upgrades without financial stress.

Learn how Aqua+ can help you support your customers and grow your business at: aquafinance.com/aquaplus

Aqua Finance, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender.

1U.S. Energy Information Administration, Use of energy explained

2Energy Star, Heat & Cool Efficiently

3Service Titan, HVAC Statistics: The Data You Need to Know for 2025

4Energy Professionals, Energy Market Report: September 2025

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