AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — As cooler nights return to southeast Michigan, Sandison Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical encourages homeowners to make a few practical checks before relying on their heating systems every day.

1. Test the thermostat before the first truly cold night. Switch to heat, set the temperature slightly above the room reading, and confirm that the system responds normally. If it does not, schedule professional service instead of repeatedly cycling the equipment.

2. Check the air filter and supply/return airflow. Replace a dirty filter with one approved for the equipment, keep return grilles clear, and avoid blocking vents with furniture. Restricted airflow can affect comfort and equipment performance.

3. Check carbon monoxide alarms. Follow the alarm manufacturer’s testing and replacement instructions, and make sure alarms are installed where applicable under local requirements. If an alarm sounds or anyone suspects carbon monoxide exposure, leave the building immediately and contact emergency services or the gas utility from outside. Never ignore symptoms or silence an alarm without addressing the hazard.

4. Look for visible signs of trouble without opening equipment. Water near a furnace or boiler, unusual odors, frequent shutdowns, new noises, or soot around a fuel-burning appliance warrant prompt evaluation by a qualified technician. Do not disassemble combustion or electrical components yourself.

5. Review the full heating system, not just the furnace. Homes with boilers, humidifiers, condensate pumps, air handlers or other connected equipment may need a broader seasonal check. A technician can assess safety controls, drainage, venting and overall operation based on the specific system.

Sandison recommends addressing unusual heating-system behavior before it develops into a no-heat emergency. A seasonal checklist can help homeowners identify when a qualified technician should inspect a system.

Sandison serves residential and commercial customers throughout Oakland and Macomb counties with plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical services.

For service information, visit https://sandison.co/ or call (248) 453-1227 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Emergency requests may be accepted outside those hours, subject to technician and equipment availability.