It's getting chilly, folks. Let's try not to make this harder than it needs to be.
We appreciate this is a pretty gigantic adjustment for Texas homeowners. JORTS have been retired, jackets are popping up, and heating systems that haven't been touched since the dawn of time are now expected to perform on demand.
Pretty please, before you crank up the thermostat, we've got a few things we'd like to firmly but gently DRILL into your brain.
So, in the interest of public safety, household comfort, and avoiding domestic nonsense, we've prepared an unnecessarily detailed, mildly excessive, and arguably long-overdue Homeowner's Guide to Not Making Things Worse.
1. Give Your Heater a Test Run
Before you actually need heat, turn your thermostat to heat, set it a little above room temperature, and give the system time to start.
Check that warm air comes through the vents. Listen for unusual noises and pay attention to how the system runs. If something feels off, that's your cue to call us.
2. Don't Stress the Smell
That dusty, slightly burning smell when you first turn on your heater? Usually normal.
Dust settles on heating components during the months they're not being used. When those components heat up, the dust burns off, and the smell should clear relatively quickly.
HOWEVER…
If the smell persists or smells like burning plastic or electrical wiring, that's a totally different story. Turn the system off and call a pro.
If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, leave pronto. Give your friendly gas utility person a buzz from a safe space OUTSIDE THE HOUSE.
3. Change Those Air Filters
We really shouldn't have to keep saying this.
A clogged filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, and blah blah blah. We say this every week. You know it. We know it. Your filters know it. And yet...
Check them monthly and replace accordingly.
Pro tip here, folks: Some need changing every 30–90 days. Others last longer. All come with instructions.
OH also, make sure the arrow points in the direction of airflow (toward the equipment).
We believe in you.
4. Stop Blocking Your Vents
We understand that furniture needs to go somewhere.
But if your sofa’s blocking a vent, you're gonna want to fire your interior designer.
Supply vents blow warm air out. Return vents pull air back in. Block either, and your heating won't work as well.
5. Thermostat Roulette
Set a comfortable temperature. Give it time.
Turning your thermostat up to 85 when you actually want 70 isn't the shortcut you think it is. It just means the heating keeps running past the temperature you want.
And if you have a heat pump, a big temp increase can trigger auxiliary heat, which can cost a TON to run.
A super excellent way to spend more without needing to.
6. That Noise
Banging, grinding, squealing, rattling, clicking...
Those aren't happy HVAC noises.
Some operating noise is normal. Sounds that are new, persistent, or getting worse probably need a professional inspection.
A Final Word Before We All Go Back to Jorts
6 magnificent, outrageously useful, award-worthy tips from yours truly. A generous helping of unsolicited commentary. And now, hopefully, a working heater.
You're welcome, Texas.
For everything else, there's preventative maintenance. A professional tune-up lets us inspect your system and catch problems before they turn into super-duper expensive and deeply annoying repairs.
To book your heating maintenance, give us a shout.
Stay warm out there, folks!
