Why Late Fall Is the Time to Look at Your System
In Jackson, a system can go from cooling to heating in the span of a week. One afternoon the air conditioner is still running, and the next cold morning the heat is asked to start up for the first time in months. A system that sat idle all summer, or that ran hard through a long cooling season, is more likely to show its problems the first time you ask it to change modes. Finding those problems on a mild day is far easier than finding them on the coldest night of the year.
What to Check Around the House
You do not need tools for most of this. A short walk through the house and around the outside of it will tell you a lot.
Air Filters and Vents
A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes the system work harder and can leave rooms feeling uneven. Check the filter and replace it if it looks clogged. Then walk room to room and make sure supply vents and return grilles are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains.
The Outdoor Unit
Leaves, grass clippings and debris tend to collect around the outdoor unit in the fall. Clear away anything that has piled up against it, and keep plants and stored items from crowding it so air can move freely.
The Thermostat
Switch the thermostat to heat and set it a few degrees above the room temperature. You should hear the system start and begin to warm the air within a few minutes. If nothing happens, or the system starts and stops repeatedly, it is worth a call.
Signs That Call for a Professional
Some things are not a do it yourself fix. Contact us if you notice any of the following when you first run the heat:
- The system does not turn on or does not produce warm air
- Strange noises such as banging, squealing or grinding
- Rooms that stay noticeably colder than the rest of the house
- Unusual smells when the heat first comes on
- A system that cycles on and off more often than it used to
A faint dusty smell for a short time is common when a heating system runs for the first time in a season. A strong or lingering smell is different and should be looked at.
Why Not Wait for the First Freeze
The first cold snap is when many households find out their heat is not working, and everyone calls at the same time. Checking your system now gives you time to schedule a visit around your week instead of scrambling in the middle of a cold night. It also means you can decide calmly whether a repair makes sense.
Heating and Cooling Help in Jackson and Nearby
Our team handles heating and cooling for homes in Jackson and the communities around it. You can read more about what we do on our HVAC services page, and we also work in Madison, Brandon, Clinton and Pearl. We are a family owned company, and the owner is on all the jobs.
Tell Us What Your System Is Doing
If your heat is slow to start, noisy or not keeping up, tell us what you are seeing and where you are located. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9:00am to 6:00pm, and you can reach us from the form below or by calling (769) 237-2308. We will let you know how we can help.
