After a protracted Florida summer your air conditioner has been put to the test. You may be asking if your heating system is up to the task once the mercury goes down, or what you can do in the way of small measures to avoid an expensive repair come this season.
We can answer those questions and more. For the better part of four decades, since 1982, Ridge Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has been of service to Panama City and all of Northwest Florida. A phone call will put you in touch with us at (850) 929-8858.
One does not see a hard freeze in October here in Bay County as one might elsewhere in the country, but going from nonstop cooling to some heating is a new strain on the equipment. The wiser course is to give it a look over before the nights get cold.
Why Maintenance is Important in the Fall
The spring to now has seen your HVAC in near constant operation. All that heavy use and exposure to salt air and humidity have their effect. Then there is the matter of efficiency and longevity; fall presents a brief lull in demand before the onset of heating season to make sure of it.
For the most part, keeping up with your system is no great ordeal. There are things a NATE-certified technician should be left to do, but much of it is simple enough.
Things a Homeowner Can Do
Start with these easy tasks before making a call:
- Put in a new filter (or clean the reusable one)
- Put some distance between your outdoor unit and any debris, leaves or grass clippings
- Make sure vents and registers are unobstructed
- Run the thermostat on heat for a few minutes to put it through its paces
- See if the system makes any odd noises when it comes on
- Give the outdoor unit an eye for rust or other damage incurred over the summer
Such checks will show you any trouble spots early on, sparing you the cost later.
The First Time You Turn on the Heat
It is not uncommon for a Panama City homeowner to find something amiss on the first cool night of the season. Switching to heat and getting a whiff of burning dust is to be expected and will pass. Yet if the airflow is poor, or the system refuses to warm up, or there is an odor that will not go away, then a professional is in order.
There is no sense in waiting for the coldest night to put your heat to the test and possibly be without it. A short test run now allows you to put right any issues in your own time.
Other Systems in the Home
With the cooler weather comes a greater reliance on your plumbing and electrical, so it is prudent to give some thought to them as well. A few items to attend to with the change of season:
- Any slow drains or leaks under the sink should be dealt with prior to having holiday visitors
- Give the outdoor hose bibs and faucets a try
- Freshen the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspect exterior outlets for the wear and tear of summer storms
- Note any flickering lights or breakers that trip, an indication of a problem
Ridge covers the lot, from HVAC to plumbing and electrical, so you need not go about calling several companies.
Efficiency for the Long Haul
Should your energy bills be on the rise or the system is of a certain age, consider your options. We work with American Standard, Amana and WaterFurnace. We are also one of the few in the Panama City area to offer full geothermal installation and repair. With geothermal you are using the ground’s temperature to condition your home and reduce costs in the process. We would be glad to put together a free estimate and discuss if it is right for your property.
Let Us Help
Rather than chase after problems this fall, get ahead of them. Our team at Ridge is licensed, insured and on hand 24/7, seven days a week, in Panama City and Northwest Florida. For a tune-up or an evaluation of the whole system, call (850) 929-8858 today and face the coming months with confidence.
