Have you given any thought to your furnace of late, or do you tend to put it out of mind until you have to? Your heating system should be in order for the cold nights on the horizon. There are some minor things to be done now that will prevent headaches and expense when winter is in full swing.
Pioneer Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has been putting Tennessee homeowners at ease since 1981. In over 40 years we have seen our share of unpredictable fall and winter weather and made sure families stayed warm. Should you require a hand with your system or have any questions, you can reach us at (615) 933-2288.
Then there is the matter of Tennessee in the fall. It is fickle; summer one day and you are in a sweater the next. The change of season means your HVAC is under duress as it is forced to adapt after being idle all summer. A bit of forethought helps.
The Case for Fall Maintenance
Winter’s coldest periods are when your heating system is put to the test. All too often a breakdown will occur then, which is hardly the time for it. With the weather still mild in the fall you have an opening to put right any problems before they become urgent.
For the most part, maintenance is not complicated. You can do some of it, but other matters are better in the hands of a licensed, insured technician. Being aware of where to draw the line is good for your home and your finances.
Things to Do Now
Make a point of going over this checklist before a hard freeze sets in:
- Put in a new air filter. A clogged one will drive up energy costs by making the system labor
- Put the thermostat to the test on heat to see if the system answers
- Remove any debris, leaves or sticks from around the outdoor unit
- Make sure furniture is not in the way of your vents and registers
- When you first turn on the heat, pay attention to any odd noises
- Set the ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation so they can circulate the warmth
It is not much of an investment of time, yet when the mercury falls your system will be all the better for it.
Leave Some Things to the Pros
There is no substitute for the proper tools and training in certain areas of maintenance; a DIY approach can cause more trouble than it is worth. An expert tune-up will cover:
- An examination of the flue and venting for obstructions
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for any cracks that might let carbon monoxide through
- Tightening of electrical connections
- Tests of the ignition and safety controls
- Lubrication of parts subject to wear
- Readings on system pressure and airflow
A competent technician will notice early warning signs that would otherwise go unseen, sparing you an unexpected failure and ensuring efficiency for the season.
Indoor Air Quality Should Not Be Overlooked
With the windows closed as it gets cooler, dust and allergens have a way of building up in the house. Use the fall to address indoor air quality, be it with a duct inspection, a humidifier or improved filtration. Your home will be a healthier place to be in the winter for it.
Power Outages: Have a Plan
High winds and ice storms are a fact of life in a Tennessee winter and they have a way of knocking out power. We are a Generac dealer and can put together a plan for when the grid fails. A backup generator is what you want to have in place to keep the lights and heat on for your family.
What Makes Pioneer the Choice for Tennessee Homeowners
From Knoxville and Chattanooga to Cookeville, and with a strong presence in Middle Tennessee and the Nashville region, we are at the service of homeowners throughout the state. Our work has been recognized with an A+ from the BBB and such accolades as PHCC National Contractor of the Year, HomeAdvisor Elite Service, Cityview Best of the Best and Knox Stars. We have well over 9,700 reviews to show for it.
We are on hand 24/7 in case the heat gives out on a cold night. Free estimates and financing are available from us as well. Join the Crockett Club for priority scheduling, a yearly inspection, $100 in anniversary credit and 10 per cent off.
There is no need to wait for the first freeze to consider your heating system. Call (615) 933-2288 and let the team at Pioneer Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical see that your home is prepared for the fall.