You want to be sure your heating system is up to the task of the cold nights in store. Do you hear odd sounds from the furnace? Is a breakdown when the mercury falls a concern?
Chances are you are not the only one with such thoughts. We at Cool Cat Heating & Air put homeowners in Western North Carolina in good stead for the season. Call (828) 589-3580 and we will set up a time to come out.
With the crisp mornings and cooler evenings of an Asheville fall, your HVAC has to make the changeover from cooling to heating. A measure of preparation now is worth it to avoid trouble down the road. Here are some tips for your comfort over the coming months.
Why to put in the time on maintenance
For most of the summer your heating system has been idle. Then comes the first cold spell and you put it to work; dust or a worn part can quickly become a major problem if left unattended. One does not want a non-functioning furnace on the year’s first frosty night.
There is value in doing regular fall maintenance:
- To nip small issues in the bud before they are costly
- For efficiency that will show on your energy bill
- Better air quality in the home
- Longer life for your equipment
- Some peace of mind as winter approaches
A few things you can do
You need no special training or tools to see to certain tasks and keep your system in good shape.
- Put in a new or clean air filter (every month or two at least)
- Put some distance between your outdoor unit and any leaves or debris
- See that furniture is not in the way of your vents and registers
- Turn the thermostat to heat and make sure the system responds
- Be on the alert for anything amiss, be it a rattling or an odd odour
Some will put off these simple matters and have to pay for it. A clogged filter is enough to put a strain on the system and increase costs, so make it a point to change them.
When to call in a pro
There are matters a filter will not remedy. You should put in a call if you have:
- Rooms that are warm while others are not
- Squealing, grinding or banging
- A musty or burning smell with the heat on
- Bills that are higher for no reason
- Excessive cycling of the system
Then again, a tune-up from us is a good idea even if all is well; our technicians will find what you may not.
The scope of a professional tune-up
We do more than a cursory look. An inspection by a trained technician will include:
- A check of the heat exchanger for wear and cracks
- Cleaning and inspecting the important parts
- Running tests on safety features and performance
- Making sure the electrical connections and controls are sound
- Confirming the thermostat is reading right
It is a way to ensure reliability in the depth of winter and stave off an emergency.
Make your home ready for winter
Your furnace will have an easier job if the house is in order. Seal up any drafts at the windows and doors, and give the attic insulation a once over. On a sunny day let the curtains be open for the warmth, but close them come evening. A programmable thermostat is also a good investment to take care of temperatures on its own.
Cool Cat Heating & Air this fall
From Arden to Hendersonville, including Brevard, Black Mountain, Canton, Weaverville, Flat Rock and Fletcher, we are pleased to be of service to Western North Carolina. As a licensed and insured firm we provide free estimates so there are no surprises. Our hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Friday.
Put off until the first cold night and you may find your system wanting. Get in touch with Cool Cat Heating & Air at (828) 589-3580 to book your maintenance and have a season without worry.
