Cold temperatures, steady moisture and damp coastal air combine to put unique strain on heating systems in Whatcom County each winter, especially in January when demand is highest.

Unlike colder but drier regions, Northwest winters bring constant humidity, near-freezing temperatures and heavy rain. The HVAC professionals at Feller Heating & Air Conditioning say those conditions can cause extra wear on furnaces, heat pumps and ductwork. Moisture buildup can lead to rust, clogs and frozen components, while long periods of operation often push aging systems to their limit.

“We highly recommend getting your system serviced once a year to help catch any potential issues early on, to avoid expensive repairs or situations that would lead to prematurely having to purchase a new system. Keeping proper airflow is hugely important for your system operation to keep moisture from building up in areas where it should not be. If you have an outdoor compressor unit (i.e. a heat pump, AC unit, mini-split, etc.) please keep it free from debris or anything that could potentially affect the airflow coming from the unit. And if you have a ducted system, please make sure the filter is clean and that you only have 1 filter in your system. More than 1 filter, or a dirty filter, will cause higher airflow restrictions and can lead to system errors or issues that affect it long-term,” Phillip Dye said.

Local experts — including teams at Feller Heating & Air Conditioning, a Bellingham-based HVAC contractor serving Whatcom County for more than 45 years — report that homeowners commonly see longer heating cycles, higher energy bills, uneven indoor temperatures or unusual noises as systems work harder to keep homes comfortable. Feller technicians also note that heat pumps can struggle in near-freezing conditions, triggering frequent defrost cycles that add wear and tear.

Homeowners can take several steps to protect their systems now:

• Change or check filters regularly to maintain airflow and reduce strain.
• Schedule routine maintenance before the coldest weather hits.
• Clear debris from outdoor units and ensure proper drainage.
• Check insulation and seal drafts around doors and windows to keep warm air inside and reduce system workload.

Preventive attention early in the winter can help heating systems operate more efficiently, extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of midwinter breakdowns when temperatures drop and service demand peaks.