Some Fall HVAC Switchover Advice for the Homeowner in Houston
Your air conditioner has been put to work overtime even if the calendar says it is fall. One wonders whether to put an end to its labours and turn on the heat, or indeed if the system is up to the task of making that transition.
We are used to being asked such questions, so you will find what you need here. We at Village Plumbing, Air & Electric have been in the business of providing comfort to families in Houston since 1946. This guide is our way of helping you make your fall switchover without any fuss. If you have queries, give us a ring at (281) 957-6221.
Then there is the matter of how fall is done in Houston. It might be 90 degrees one day and the next you have a light jacket on. That sort of whiplash between heating and cooling requires a little forethought to save you from expense and headaches later on.
Prepping Makes Sense in the Fall
A homeowner in these parts will have put his air conditioning through its paces from spring until October. By the time the weather cools off the system has had its months of hard use; now is the time to get on top of it before you are in want of some heat. And it is wise not to be left with a furnace that conks out on the first night of real cold. An early check precludes any scrambling when the temperature decides to drop. For the most part it is easy preparation, though some of it is best left to a licensed technician.
Things to Do on Your Own
Before you switch over from cool to heat do some basic checking around the house:
- Replace the air filter. A clogged filter will make the system work harder and the air quality will suffer
- Clear the outdoor unit of any dirt, leaves or debris
- Vents in the house should be open and unobstructed
- Put the thermostat on heat and confirm warm air is coming from the vents
- Listen for anything amiss the first time you put the heat on
- Get new batteries for the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Do not neglect the latter. You want those detectors in good order for a safe changeover with a heating system.
What to Be On the Lookout For
The move from cooling to heating can reveal things the summer hid away. Take note if you come across any of the following:
- Rooms where the airflow is lacking or the warming uneven
- A bill for energy that is disproportionate to the comfort
- The system short-cycling
- Any banging, grinding or rattling
- A burning smell that lingers
If you leave them be minor issues will become major. A system in trouble today is the one that will quit on the coldest day of the year. Have a licensed technician look at it.
Indoor Air Quality
Dust and pollutants are prone to be trapped inside the average Houston home once the cooler weather has it shut up more than usual. We would make indoor air a priority in the fall.
At Village Plumbing, Air & Electric we specialise in it. With the purifiers, scrubbers and filtration systems we put in place the air in your home is cleaner for the season and all who live there.
Why We Are the Choice in Houston
A family and woman owned operation since 1946, we are proud of the “Cleanest Techs in Town” moniker. Our team is fully insured and licensed (TX Contractor LIC# TACLB00136078E and RMPL122, Electrical Contractor LIC# 39310).
A call to us will bring:
- Same-day service and 24/7 for emergencies
- Pricing with no surprises
- Dispatch will text when your tech is on the way
- Warranties and our 100% satisfaction guarantee
- A 4.8 on Google by way of the 10,000 plus reviews we have
- Continued care as a Village Partner Plan member
We cover the greater Houston metro and beyond, from Bellaire and Sugar Land to Cypress, Pearland, Friendswood, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Tomball, Kingwood, West University and Texas City.
Get Your Home in Order for the Season
There is no point waiting for a cold snap to show you the heat is wanting. Contact the team at Village Plumbing, Air & Electric for a checkup or if you have noticed any warning signs, day or night. (281) 957-6221.