When the fog rolls in and the temperature dips into the 30s, Humboldt homes depend on their furnaces.
At California Heating, we see the same cold-weather problems every January—clogged filters, frozen intake vents, and burners choked with moisture.
The good news? Most of these issues are easy to prevent with a few quick checks.
1. Check and Replace Filters Monthly
Moist coastal air fills filters faster than inland areas.
A dirty filter forces your system to work harder, wastes power, and can trip the high-limit switch.
Tip: hold your filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, replace it.
(Need help choosing the right size? Call us at 707-826-9008.)
2. Keep Outdoor Vents Clear
Leaves, fog moisture, and salt air combine to clog side-wall furnace vents.
If the vent is blocked, the furnace can’t breathe—and that can trigger a safety shutdown.
Action: after every storm, look behind shrubs or fences and clear debris from both intake and exhaust pipes.
3. Listen for New Noises
A steady hum is normal; banging, popping, or squealing isn’t.
In Eureka’s damp winters, rust can form on blower wheels and belts can slip.
If you hear unusual sounds, shut the system off and schedule a quick inspection.
4. Test Your Thermostat
Older thermostats often drift out of calibration.
Set yours to 70°F and see if the room actually warms to that level.
If there’s a big gap, it may be time for a smart thermostat—California Heating can install and program one that handles Humboldt’s changing weather automatically.
5. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Even with regular filter changes, furnaces collect dust and moisture that affect combustion.
Our technicians clean burners, check gas pressure, and measure carbon-monoxide levels to keep your family safe.
Book a mid-winter maintenance visit on our Contact Page
Bonus: Consider a Heat Pump Upgrade
Heat pumps are becoming the go-to heating choice along the North Coast.
They run quietly, handle mild winters easily, and qualify for California rebates.
If your furnace is over 15 years old, ask us for a comparison quote.
Serving All of Humboldt County
From foggy Arcata mornings to chilly nights in Fortuna, our crew knows how local weather affects HVAC systems.
We’re proud to serve Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville, Fortuna, and the surrounding areas with honest, performance-based service.
Call (707) 826-9008