MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) January is the month when many homeowners start to second-guess their heating system. The house feels cooler. The system runs longer. Fuel and electric bills climb. Sounds you barely noticed in December suddenly seem louder at night.

The question we hear most often this time of year is simple and understandable:
Is something wrong, or is this just how January feels?

In many cases, the answer is that the system is doing exactly what it was designed to do. In others, January is exposing a weakness that has been quietly building for months. Knowing the difference matters, because small problems in January tend to turn into big ones quickly.

Why January Pushes Heating Systems to Their Limits

Heating systems respond to temperature, not the calendar. In January, the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is at its greatest. Homes lose heat faster through walls, windows, doors, and attics, and heating systems have to work longer to replace it.

What makes January different from December is consistency. Cold snaps come and go early in the season. In January, the cold tends to linger. Systems that were already slightly worn may keep up in short bursts, then struggle when demand never lets up.

That does not automatically mean the system is failing. It does mean it is operating closer to its limits than at any other time of year.

What Is Normal Behavior in January

Many of the changes homeowners notice in January are expected.

Normal winter operation often includes:

  • Longer heating cycles
  • Systems running more frequently day and night
  • Higher fuel or electric usage
  • Heat pumps running almost continuously
  • Boilers and furnaces sounding more active

For heat pump systems, it is also normal to see the outdoor unit enter defrost mode, produce steam, or rely on supplemental heat during very cold weather.

These behaviors reflect demand, not malfunction.

When “Working Hard” Becomes a Problem

While longer runtime is normal, certain warning signs suggest the system is no longer coping well with the cold.

Pay attention if you notice:

  • The thermostat never reaches the set temperature
  • Some rooms stay cold while others overheat
  • The system turns on and off rapidly
  • New or worsening noises such as banging, screeching, or clicking
  • Frequent resets or shutdowns
  • Ice buildup on a heat pump that does not clear

These symptoms often point to airflow restrictions, ignition problems, fuel delivery issues, failing components, or controls that are no longer functioning properly.

In January, even minor issues escalate quickly. A dirty filter, a weakening igniter, or a struggling blower motor may go unnoticed in milder weather but fail outright during prolonged cold.

Why Systems That Worked in December Struggle in January

Homeowners often say, “It was fine last month.”

That is common, and it is not a sign that something was missed.

December tests heating systems intermittently. January tests them continuously. Components that are already worn may survive short cold stretches but fail when the system rarely gets a break. This is why January is historically the busiest month for heating service calls.

What You Can Do Right Now

There are a few practical steps homeowners can take to reduce stress on their heating system during the coldest part of the year.

Check and replace your air filter. Restricted airflow is one of the most common winter problems.

Make sure vents, baseboards, and radiators are not blocked by furniture or rugs.

Keep thermostat settings steady. Large temperature setbacks force the system to work harder to recover.

Open interior doors to improve air circulation and reduce cold spots.

For heat pump systems, keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and ice and maintain open airflow around it.

These steps will not change outdoor temperatures, but they do help your system operate more efficiently and reliably.

When to Call for Service

You do not need to call a technician every time your system runs longer in January. You should call if comfort drops, performance changes noticeably, or something feels off.

Call for service if:

  • Your home is losing heat faster than the system can replace it
  • You smell burning, electrical, or fuel odors
  • The system becomes unusually loud or erratic
  • Ice forms on a heat pump and does not clear
  • The system repeatedly shuts down or needs to be reset

Addressing issues early often prevents emergency calls on the coldest nights of the year.

A January Reality Check

January is not gentle on heating systems. Even well-maintained equipment works hard this time of year. The goal is not perfection. The goal is safe, reliable, consistent heat when you need it most.

If your system sounds different, behaves differently, or struggles in ways it did not earlier in the season, that is worth paying attention to. Knowing what is normal and what is not allows you to act early and avoid unnecessary stress.

At Keating Plumbing & Heating, we help homeowners understand their systems, manage winter conditions, and stay comfortable through the toughest part of the season.
Keating Plumbing & Heating — Your Local Heating Experts
KeatingPH.com • (603) 876-4447