Skip Navigation

When fall settles in across Omaha, most homeowners start thinking about their heating system. After not running all summer, a furnace can collect dust and wear that shows up when it kicks back on. Weak airflow, uneven heat, or a sound that doesn’t seem right are signs the system could use some attention before cold weather sets in.

Scheduling furnace maintenance in Omaha early helps prevent those headaches. It’s a simple tune-up that makes a big difference once winter gets underway. When everything’s clean, adjusted, and running right, your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, which means fewer surprises and lower bills when the temperatures drop.

Fall maintenance is really about being ready. A quick visit from a technician helps make sure your home stays warm all winter without sudden breakdowns or safety concerns.

Why Fall Furnace Maintenance Matters

Most people don’t think about their furnace until they need it. But by that point, it’s already under strain. Having your system checked in the fall gives a technician time to catch small problems before they grow. It also means you won’t be stuck waiting for service when the first cold snap hits and everyone else is calling at once.

A fall tune-up gives you a head start on winter. It keeps the system clean, safe, and working the way it should. You’ll save money, avoid frustration, and stay comfortable through those long Nebraska nights.

Here are a few reasons why fall is the best time for furnace maintenance:

It’s a simple appointment that saves time and stress later on.

Key Steps in a Professional Tune-Up

A professional furnace tune-up in Omaha isn’t just a quick look under the cover. It’s a full cleaning and inspection from someone who knows how to spot problems before they start. At Getzschman Heating, technicians follow a detailed checklist so nothing gets missed.

During your appointment, a technician will:

These steps help your furnace run safely and smoothly. A clean, tuned system uses less energy, delivers steadier heat, and is far less likely to break down in the middle of winter.

Long-Term Savings of Regular Heating Maintenance

Heating maintenance in Omaha isn’t just about avoiding problems right now. It’s about keeping your system efficient and dependable for years. Regular service keeps energy costs steady and helps you get the full lifespan out of your equipment.

Lower Energy Bills

When a furnace is clean and adjusted, it doesn’t waste energy. Even small efficiency improvements can add up to noticeable savings by the end of the season.

Fewer Repairs

Many expensive repairs start as something small. A tune-up gives technicians the chance to find worn parts or loose connections early, before they cause trouble.

Longer System Life

A well-maintained furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job. That reduces wear on major components and helps the unit last longer before a replacement is needed.

Reliable Comfort

A tuned system produces steady, even heat across every room. You don’t have to deal with hot and cold spots or worry about the furnace struggling to keep up when it’s freezing outside.

Warranty Protection

Most manufacturers require yearly professional service. Keeping up with maintenance makes sure your warranty stays valid if a covered part ever fails.

Maintenance Benefits Checklist

Regular furnace maintenance provides clear benefits every homeowner can appreciate:

How to Schedule Your Furnace Check with Getzschman

Getzschman Heating has been helping Omaha families stay warm for generations. Our technicians perform thorough furnace tune-ups in Omaha and nearby areas like Papillion, Bellevue, and Council Bluffs. We work on all major brands and give straightforward advice based on what your system really needs.

If your furnace is showing signs of wear, we’ll walk you through the next steps, from simple repairs to replacement options when the time comes. Our goal is to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable all season.

To set up your next service, visit our furnace maintenance page or check our Omaha service area for details.

Book your fall furnace maintenance with Getzschman today to avoid mid-winter breakdowns.

Most people don’t think about their furnace until it stops doing its job. Then winter hits Omaha, and suddenly the cold air reminds you how much you rely on it. Every furnace wears down over time. The tricky part is spotting the signs before it leaves you without heat in the middle of January. It’s important to consider furnace replacement when these signs become apparent.

At Getzschman Heating, we’ve been through a lot of Omaha winters with our customers. We’ve seen systems last for decades, while others fail early due to poor maintenance or excessive use. The key is catching those warning signs before the furnace stops working altogether. That gives you time to plan a smooth furnace replacement instead of scrambling when the house goes cold.

How to Know When Your Furnace Is Nearing the End

A furnace usually lasts somewhere between 15 and 20 years, depending on care and use. Once you hit that range, you’ll start to notice little changes. Maybe it takes longer to heat the house. Maybe it runs louder than it used to. Sometimes the first sign is a higher gas bill that doesn’t match your thermostat setting.

Here are a few common clues your system might be reaching the end:

If you’re spending more each season just to keep the system running, it’s worth asking a tech to take a look. We check the blower, the heat exchanger, and gas components to see what’s really happening. Sometimes a repair makes sense. Other times, putting that money toward a new furnace will save you down the road.

Warning Signs of Inefficiency and Poor Performance

You can feel it when a furnace starts losing steam. Rooms don’t heat evenly. The air coming out of the vents feels cooler, or you have to bump the thermostat higher than usual. That’s your furnace working overtime just to keep up.

Older systems also affect air quality. Dust, dry air, and weak circulation all make the home feel less comfortable. And if you’re scheduling repairs every few months, it’s usually a sign the equipment’s wearing down faster than it can be fixed.

We see it every year around Omaha and Papillion, homeowners keep an old system running out of habit, but by the third or fourth repair, the costs add up. That’s money better spent on a reliable, efficient unit that’ll carry you through the next decade.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Plan Replacement

Winter is when your furnace tells the truth. The cold puts it to the test. If it’s struggling to keep up, you’ll notice right away. That makes this the perfect season to find out what kind of shape it’s really in.

An inspection during winter shows how the furnace performs under pressure. We measure airflow, check combustion, and test how efficiently it’s heating the home. If it’s running constantly or still leaving cold spots, it’s usually time to plan for a replacement.

Newer furnaces use less fuel, run quieter, and keep heat steadier from room to room. Things like variable-speed motors and modern thermostats make a big difference. With Omaha’s long winters, that efficiency pays off fast.

Professional Furnace Replacement Options in Omaha

When it’s time for a new furnace, choosing the right company matters just as much as the equipment. Getzschman Heating handles furnace replacement in Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, and Council Bluffs. We start with a full home evaluation so the new system actually fits your space.

A lot of problems we see come from oversized or undersized units. We calculate the proper size, check the ductwork, and make sure airflow matches your home’s layout. Then we install a system that’s built for Nebraska winters and explain how to get the most out of it.

If you’re worried about timing or cost, we also have financing options that make it easier to move forward. The goal isn’t to rush you. It’s to keep you comfortable and make sure your investment lasts.

Backed by decades of local experience, our technicians know what Omaha weather does to a heating system. We’ve helped thousands of families find reliable replacements before their old units gave out. If your furnace is giving you signs it’s ready to retire, we can help you find the right new one.

Schedule a furnace inspection or replacement quote with Getzschman before the winter rush.

If you have lived through more than one Omaha winter, you know how quickly fall turns cold. Before the first freeze hits Papillion or Council Bluffs, schedule a professional Omaha furnace tune up to keep your system running smoothly. A proper tune-up improves efficiency, prevents mid-season breakdowns, and keeps your home comfortable when temperatures drop.

At Getzschman Heating, our certified technicians have decades of experience preparing local homes for the cold. Below is a practical checklist that outlines what you can handle yourself and what’s best left to a professional furnace tune up before winter gets serious.

When cold air rolls in from the river, your furnace has to work hard just to keep up. A tune-up before winter helps it do that job safely and efficiently. Most of the time, it is small things like dirt on the burner, a weak ignitor, or low airflow that turn into big repair calls later. Getting ahead of those issues in the fall can save you a lot of trouble.

Here is what regular furnace maintenance does for your home:

We always tell customers that maintenance is the difference between your furnace lasting ten years or twenty. A clean, tuned system simply runs better.

There are a few things every homeowner can do to help their furnace run smoothly between professional visits. They are simple but make a big difference in performance.

This is the easiest and most important step. A dirty filter chokes your furnace and makes it run longer while wasting energy. Check it once a month during the heating season. If it looks gray or dusty, swap it out. Most homes in Omaha need a new filter every one to three months.

The furnace needs room to breathe. Move boxes, storage bins, and anything else that is sitting too close. Aim for about three feet of open space all the way around.

Switch from cooling to heating mode and bump the temperature a few degrees. The furnace should turn on within a minute or two. If it does not, try new batteries before calling for service.

Walk through the house and make sure every supply vent and return grille is open and free from obstructions. Rugs and curtains can block airflow and make rooms unevenly warm.

When you first turn the furnace on, it is normal to smell a little dust burning off. That should go away in a few minutes. If you hear banging, squealing, or smell gas, shut it down and call a professional.

These steps are quick, inexpensive, and help your system last longer. But even the best DIY care cannot replace a full inspection from a trained technician.

A professional tune-up goes much deeper than just flipping a switch. At Getzschman Heating, our technicians use specialized tools to check every part of your system. We make sure it is clean, efficient, and running safely before Omaha winter really settles in.

Here is what our furnace tune-up includes:

We also point out anything that is starting to wear down, like a weak ignitor or a worn belt, so you can decide what to fix now and what can wait. It is about helping you plan ahead, not selling repairs you do not need.

A tuned furnace does not just run smoother. It runs smarter. When everything is clean and adjusted, your system uses less energy to heat your home. That means shorter run times, lower bills, and less strain on parts.

You will also notice:

ENERGY STAR and major brands such as Carrier and Lennox recommend annual maintenance for these exact reasons. A system that is tuned and tested every year can use up to 15 percent less energy and stay in service years longer than one that is ignored.

We have been part of the Omaha community for generations, and we take pride in doing things the right way. When you call Getzschman Heating for a furnace tune-up, you are not getting a quick once-over. You are getting a local expert who checks your system top to bottom and makes sure it is ready for another Nebraska winter.

We have seen what freezing weather can do when a furnace has not been serviced. That is why we focus on prevention. Our goal is simple: keep your home comfortable, your family safe, and your furnace running strong all season long.

If you are already hearing odd noises, smelling something strange, or seeing uneven heat between rooms, do not wait for it to get worse. Our furnace repair team can get you back up and running fast.

The best time to schedule your furnace maintenance is before the cold really hits Omaha. Once temperatures drop, appointments fill up fast.

Schedule your furnace tune-up with Getzschman Heating today and ensure your system is ready for winter.

As Omaha's crisp autumn air signals the approach of winter, it's time to ensure your furnace is ready for the cold months ahead. This comprehensive guide from Getzschman’s HVAC experts will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your furnace winter-ready.

Proper furnace preparation is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained furnace uses less energy, saving you money on utility bills. 
  2. Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance can add years to your furnace's life.
  3. Improved Air Quality: A clean furnace means cleaner air in your home.
  4. Safety: Proper maintenance reduces the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and fire hazards.
  5. Consistent Comfort: A furnace in top condition provides more consistent heating throughout your home.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

While there's plenty you can do yourself, nothing beats a professional inspection. Here's what Getzschman's certified technicians do during a comprehensive furnace check-up:

Schedule your inspection early in the fall to beat the rush and ensure your system is ready when the first cold snap hits Omaha.

2. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter

A clean air filter is crucial for efficient furnace operation. Here's what you need to know:

DIY Steps:

  1. Locate your furnace filter (usually in the blower compartment or return air duct).
  2. Remove the old filter.
  3. Note the airflow direction marked on the filter frame.
  4. Insert the new filter, ensuring it's facing the correct direction.

3. Clean Your Vents and Ducts

Dust and debris can accumulate in your vents and ducts over the summer. Here's how to address this:

  1. Remove vent covers and vacuum inside the ducts as far as you can reach.
  2. Wipe down vent covers before replacing them.
  3. Consider professional duct cleaning if it's been several years since your last cleaning.

4. Test Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system. Ensure it's working correctly by:

  1. Replacing batteries if needed.
  2. Setting the temperature a few degrees higher than the current room temperature.
  3. Wait for the furnace to kick on and run through a complete cycle.

Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for improved efficiency and comfort. Getzschman can help you choose and install the best option for your Omaha home.

5. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace

Keep the area around your furnace clear by:

6. Listen for Unusual Noises

When you run your furnace for the first time in the season, pay attention to any unusual sounds:

7. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety should always be your top priority. Ensure your home is protected by:

  1. Testing all carbon monoxide detectors.
  2. Replacing batteries if needed.
  3. Installing detectors on every floor of your home if you haven't already.

8. Seal Air Leaks

Help your furnace work more efficiently by sealing air leaks in your home:

  1. Check for drafts around windows and doors.
  2. Apply weatherstripping or caulk where needed.
  3. Consider adding insulation to your attic to prevent heat loss.

9. Consider a Humidifier

Omaha winters can be dry. A whole-house humidifier can improve comfort levels, reduce static electricity, and help prevent dry skin and respiratory issues. Talk to a Getzschman expert about whether a humidifier is right for your home.

Common Furnace Problems and When to Call Getzschman

Even with proper preparation, issues can arise. Here are some common problems to watch for:

  1. Dirty filters: Causes reduced airflow and system inefficiency.
  2. Wear and tear on parts: Ball bearings, belts, and motors can wear out over time.
  3. Thermostat malfunctions: Can lead to inconsistent heating.
  4. Lack of maintenance: Skipping annual tune-ups can lead to unexpected breakdowns.
  5. Pilot or ignition control problems: Can prevent your furnace from heating.

Call Getzschman if:

Remember, at Getzschman, we're always here to help keep your Omaha home warm and comfortable.

Stay Warm with Getzschman

Preparing your furnace for winter is essential for efficiency, safety, and comfort. By following this guide and partnering with Getzschman Heating, you can ensure your Omaha home stays cozy all winter long.

Don't wait until the cold sets in. Take action now to prevent issues and ensure efficient operation throughout the winter months. Ready to schedule your professional furnace inspection or need help with winter preparations? Call us today or schedule service online.

Getzschman Heating and Cooling has been in business for over six decades. Today we are one of Nebraska’s premier heating and air conditioning repair and installation companies. When this business was started in 1960, so was a strong family commitment – a commitment to excellence. We take pride in our name and we realize that our reputation is at stake each and every day. We have made it our goal to deliver 100% customer satisfaction. To make that happen, we offer many advantages that our competition can’t or won’t.

Benefits of Getzschman Furnace and AC Installation

When you choose Getzschman Heating and Cooling to install your new air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, you get a lot of perks. We didn’t become Omaha’s favorite heating and cooling company by accident. We know what our customers want and we strive to over deliver. When you hire us to install your AC, furnace or heat pump, you’ll get these perks automatically:

When you select Getzschman Heating and Cooling to install your furnace, AC, or heat pump, you not only get quality products, you also gain a special status among all the customers we serve. You become a preferred member of our G-Force Membership V.I.P. client list. This special honor entitles you to additional benefits during the entire future of our business relationship. And as that relationship develops, we will constantly search for new and better ways to serve you personally.

When you need a new furnace, AC or heat pump, look no further than Getzschman Heating and Cooling for the best AC and furnace installation in Omaha. Call us at (402) 235-6727 for a free installation estimate.

Wondering if your furnace is running normally during cold weather? Here's what you need to know.

Normal Furnace Run Times

Wondering how long your furnace should stay off between cycles? During extreme cold, it's normal for your furnace to:

If your furnace runs differently than this, or if your home isn't staying warm enough, keep reading for solutions.

When Your Heater Can't Keep Up with Cold Weather

A properly sized furnace should maintain a 70-degree temperature difference between the outside and inside. This means that if it's zero degrees outside, your furnace should keep your home at 70 degrees. However, when temperatures drop below zero, even well-functioning systems may struggle.

Signs Your Furnace Is Working Normally

Signs You May Need Service

Solutions When Your Home Is Too Cold

Immediate Actions You Can Take

Your home's structure helps resist temperature changes. Use this to your advantage by slightly raising your temperature before extreme cold arrives. This "pre-heating" can help maintain comfort during the coldest hours.

What Not To Do

Avoid common mistakes that can make your situation worse:

Protecting Your Home

During extreme cold:

When to Call for Professional Help

Contact Getzschman Heating for furnace repair if:

Don't wait until your system fails completely. Our expert technicians are available 24/7 to:

Call (402) 235-6727 for prompt service on all makes and models.

Here at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, our goal is for every single one of our customers to have an efficiently working furnace and air conditioner. Unfortunately, as HVAC units age, wear and tear is bound to happen. However, if you get a furnace and AC tune-up each and every season, you can not only improve the longevity of the unit but also prevent any surprise breakdowns. That’s why we present you with the opportunity to join our G-Force Maintenance Club. Our Maintenance Club provides many benefits as well as discounts on repairs year around!

Become a member of our G-Force Team and Save Big

We cannot think of one reason not to join our G-Force Maintenance Club. You have 3 options to choose from -- Basic, Silver, and Gold memberships. Even our basic option allows you the opportunity to save big on tune-ups and discounts on any repairs.

G-Force Maintenance Club Benefits

Silver and Gold Members Save More Money

With our G-Force Club Membership, the higher you go, the more benefits you receive.

Silver Club Membership

Silver Club members get two free tune-ups every year and will also get a 10% discount on new furnaces or air conditioners. As if that isn’t enough, they will also get a 10% discount on air quality products and a 15% discount on all repairs. Silver club also guarantees appointments in 24 hours.

Gold Club Membership

Gold Club members all get 25% discounts on repairs and guaranteed same-day appointments.

The G-Force Club Membership really is worth it. Never worry about your heating and cooling system again. Become a G-Force Club member and relax! If you are interested in becoming a member, ask our representative for the pricing. Signing up is quick and easy, all you have to do is fill out a form. Give us a call if you have any questions at (402) 235-6727. Join our hundreds of G-Force Maintenance Club members today!

Our fine city of Fremont was recently named “Community of the Year” by Nebraska Diplomats. The city of Fremont was recognized at the Nebraska Diplomats Greater Omaha Regional Economic Development Celebration on Tuesday, February 14th, for their achievements in community growth and business partnerships. Governor Ricketts attended the luncheon and presented the award to Mayor Scott Getzschman.

Mayor Getzschman Is Very Proud

“It was extremely exciting to be singled out for the award,” said Getzschman. “We have a great staff, city council, and planning department that have contributed, but we can’t do this without the support and collaboration of partnerships like Greater Fremont Development Council and the Fremont Chamber. We are excited for the citizens of Fremont who can be proud of their community’s achievements and this recognition.”

Fremont Just Keeps Getting Better

“I’m really excited for the community as a whole,” said Garry Clark, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council. “The community has seen several projects take place in 2017 including efforts towards housing and infrastructure, and new companies that have landed here like the Costco|Lincoln Premium Poultry processing plant and most recently, Legacy Post & Beam. The future of Fremont is strong and vibrant. We are grateful for the governor and the Nebraska Diplomats’ recognition.”

The Nebraska Diplomats is a non-profit corporation that travels the globe representing Nebraska. They are the largest economic development organization in the state that helps to foster the growth of Nebraska.

At Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re proud to be a part of this wonderful community of people. Congrats to all the folks who live here for helping to make it great!

Unfortunately, like all mechanical things, furnaces only last so long before they need to be replaced. The lifespan for the average furnace is roughly 12-15 years. Sure, you can keep limping along, but at some point, repair costs, inconvenience, or high energy bills are going to make you pull the trigger and replace your furnace. The problem is, it’s hard to tell exactly when that time is. The team at Getzschman put together this simple list of questions you can answer to give you a better idea of whether or not you can limp on through this winter, or it makes more sense to buy a new furnace. Answer the six questions and see where you stand. If you check off more than three, it’s time:

Decide the Fate of Your Furnace

Related Read: Seal & Insulate Your Ducts Now for a More Comfortable Season

Did you reply yes to more than three questions? It’s time. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re without heat in the dead of winter. We recommend upgrading sooner rather than later both for comfort and for energy savings.

Learn more about your furnace replacement options  and if you need to replace your furnace now. Give us a call at (402) 235-6727 or contact us online and we’ll be happy to explain your options and give you a free estimate.

Every year, we get phone calls from homeowners here in the Omaha area asking about a variety of furnace sounds and if there is cause for concern. Well, luckily, here at Getzschman Heating and Cooling , we speak furnace. We’ve put together this list of noises your furnace can make and given you an explanation for each one as well as a concern level. Just like when you wake up from a long nap, you may make some strange sounds - grunts, groans, yawns and squeals - your furnace does the same thing. Here are some sounds to listen for:

Furnace Noises

We’ve broken them down into normal noises and noises to be concerned about:

Normal Furnace Sounds

Related Read: 3 Heating Myths Busted

Noises to Be Concerned About

If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace, or you notice your furnace is not keeping up with your thermostat setting, give us a call. We’ll send one of our technicians out to take a look. We’re available 24 hours a day for emergency service. Just give us a call at (402) 235-6727 or contact us online.

cross