Raking leaves, decorating the house, and heading out for pumpkin-spiced delights rise to the top of your to-do list once autumn arrives. And while it may not make for a great Instagram post, there’s one more thing add to your schedule when cooler weather comes around: scheduling HVAC maintenance.
Fall months are beloved for their mild temperatures. It’s the ideal time to open the windows, enjoy the fresh air, and give your heating and cooling system a much-needed break. However, it won’t be long until it’s time to turn the furnace on for the foreseeable future.
This article explains why September and October are an ideal time for St. Louis area homeowners to schedule a routine maintenance appointment with the experts at Hoock’s Heating & Cooling.
Prevent Breakdowns in Winter
Fresh autumn air flowing through your home is hard to beat, but eventually, once nighttime lows dip into the 40s, it’ll be time to turn on the heat. Because you likely haven’t had to heat your home in several months, you may not be aware of potential problems lurking in your system.
The best time to find (and fix) an issue is before it causes major inconveniences to you and your family’s comfort. Our technicians can often identify minor repair needs before they become more expensive, saving you time, money, and stress.
Steer Clear of Winter Service Delays
Frigid winter temperatures stress furnaces, leading to increased service calls throughout the season. Scheduling routine maintenance during fall gives you the best chance at avoiding any delays when seeking a professional to review your system.
We always strive to provide every homeowner with prompt service, but our technicians are especially busy whenever the weather reaches extremes (hot or cold). By booking your appointment during the fall, you’ll avoid potential delays caused by emergency situations requiring immediate attention.
Improve Air Quality
As you transition from cooling to heating, you may notice a particular smell when you turn your furnace on for the first time. While sitting unused for several months, dirt, dust, and debris will likely accumulate in various components of your system and then get “burned” off when the heat comes on. While these smells are normal, they should also remind you to consider your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ).
Fall is the optimal time to focus on indoor air quality for two primary reasons. First, the upcoming winter season means more time spent inside. Second, seasonal allergens, like ragweed, can irritate sensitive respiratory systems. As part of your routine maintenance, our experts can replace old air filters and reduce the volume of contaminants floating around your home.
Energy Efficiency
You could save money by wearing two sweatshirts and a pair of long johns while lounging around the house, or you could optimize your system’s energy efficiency by investing in furnace maintenance.
Several of our service protocols factor into improving your heating system’s output without raising your bill. For example, clean filters and lubricated blower motors facilitate better airflow and reduce overall strain. Additionally, dirty coils or a clogged heat exchanger can reduce your system’s ability to transfer heat, meaning it has to work harder to maintain your desired home temperature. By hiring an expert to perform routine fall maintenance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that critical components are clean, functional, and ready to perform at peak capacity.
Safety First
It’s hard to imagine a winter without a furnace in your home. But for all the comfort it provides, it can become a serious health hazard if it releases dangerous gas into your home.
Furnace maintenance is essential in preventing carbon monoxide (CO) issues. While reviewing your system, your technician will inspect critical components like the heat exchanger for cracks or damage that could allow CO to leak into your home. In addition, we’ll check the ventilation system to ensure that combustion gases are properly expelled and test the furnace’s combustion process to ensure fuel is burning efficiently, minimizing CO production.
Contact Hoock’s to Schedule Your Fall Maintenance Appointment
Winter is coming… and scheduling your maintenance appointment this fall can help you avoid potential service delays when the temperatures drop below freezing. The experts at Hoock’s Heating & Cooling are here to give you confidence in your furnace no matter what the weather throws your way. To schedule your routine maintenance service, give us a call or contact us online to get in touch with a Hoock’s team member today.