It happens every fall in Putnam County. One week you’re still running the AC, and the next you wake up to a chilly house and reach for the thermostat. That first cold snap is often when a furnace that sat quiet all summer reveals a small problem.
The good news is that a few easy checks now can save you a cold night (and a rushed service call) later. Here’s a quick checklist for homeowners in Teays Valley, Hurricane, Scott Depot, Winfield, and the surrounding area.
Your Pre-Cold-Snap Furnace Checklist
1. Swap the air filter
A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder to push warm air through your home. We generally recommend changing it monthly, or more often if you have pets, allergies, or a lot of dust.
2. Test the thermostat before you need it
On a mild afternoon, switch your thermostat to “Heat” and set it a few degrees above room temperature. You should hear the system start up and feel warm air at the vents shortly after. If nothing happens, check the thermostat batteries and make sure the furnace’s power switch and breaker are on.
3. Clear the vents and returns
Walk through each room and look for supply vents and return grilles hidden under rugs, furniture, curtains, or storage boxes. Open any vents that were closed over the summer. If a room still stays cold with everything open, that can point to a duct problem worth having looked at.
4. Check your carbon monoxide detectors
If your home has a gas furnace, working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are a must. Press the test button, replace old batteries, and make sure you have detectors near sleeping areas. If a CO alarm ever goes off, get everyone outside to fresh air right away and call 911.
5. Listen (and sniff) on the first run
A faint dusty smell the first time the heat kicks on is common and usually fades quickly. Other things are worth paying attention to:
- A burning plastic or electrical smell
- A rotten-egg smell, which can mean a gas leak (leave the house and call your gas company from outside)
- Banging, squealing, grinding, or rattling
- A furnace that turns on and off over and over
Unusual noises can point to a failing motor or loose components, so don’t ignore them.
When to Call a Pro
Some things are best left to a trained technician. Give us a call if:
- Your furnace won’t start, or it keeps shutting off
- It’s blowing cool air when it should be heating
- Odd noises or smells don’t go away
- Some rooms stay cold or your energy bills keep climbing
- Your CO detector has gone off (once everyone is safely outside)
- Your system is more than 15 years old and needs frequent repairs
Please don’t attempt repairs on gas lines, burners, or the furnace’s electrical parts yourself.
Why a Fall Tune-Up Helps
We recommend having your HVAC system serviced twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. A fall tune-up is your chance to catch small problems before they turn into a no-heat call on the coldest night of the year.
Many homes in Hurricane and Teays Valley were built during the subdivision growth of the 1990s and 2000s, and plenty of them still have their original furnaces, now 20 years old or more. If that sounds like your house, a tune-up is also a good time to get an honest repair-or-replace answer.
Get Ready Before the Cold Gets Here
BMS Heating and Cooling is a family-owned, local company that has served Greater Teays Valley since 2004. We service gas and electric furnaces and heat pumps from every major brand, and we install Ruud systems backed by a manufacturer warranty. If your furnace quits after hours, our 24/7 emergency HVAC service has you covered.
Call BMS Heating and Cooling at (304) 757-4822 or book online to schedule your furnace tune-up. Thinking it might be time for a new system? Call today for a free HVAC replacement estimate over the phone.