Winter hits southwest Missouri hard; a broken furnace means cold nights and costly emergency repairs. Taking the proper steps now will keep you and your family warm and save you money when temperatures drop. Here's how to keep your HVAC system running smoothly for the winter season ahead.
Don't Wait To Schedule an HVAC Service
Don't underestimate the power of early scheduling. HVAC companies are inundated with calls once temperatures plummet. For southwest Missouri homeowners, emergency service calls can cost two to three times more than regular maintenance visits, and you might wait days for an available technician during peak winter periods. By booking your furnace service early in the fall, you can avoid these inflated costs and long wait times, ensuring your system is ready when needed and saving you money in the long run.
What Your Pre-Winter Checkup Should Cover
Your licensed HVAC technician will perform several checks to prevent winter breakdowns:
- Testing your furnace's ignition system and burners to catch problems before they lead to complete system failure
- Inspecting electrical connections and components that commonly fail during heavy winter use
- Checking carbon monoxide detectors to protect your family from this invisible threat
- Finding and fixing air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork that drive up your heating bills
- Replacing air filters to help your system run efficiently and maintain good air quality
- Lubricate moving parts can prevent wear and tear, while reducing energy consumption
- Testing your thermostat to verify that it's reading temperatures accurately
- Checking your heat exchanger for cracks that could leak dangerous gases
- Verifying proper airflow throughout your home's ductwork
- Completing a full system inspection to prevent winter emergencies
Fix Problems Right Away
When your technician identifies issues during the inspection, addressing them promptly can save you thousands of dollars and prevent winter emergencies. That loose wire or worn part might cost just $100 to fix in October, but wait until January, and you could face a $1,000 repair bill—plus several freezing days waiting for an available technician.
By acting swiftly, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure your system is ready for the winter ahead. Delaying repairs also hits your wallet through increased utility bills.
Those minor air leaks your technician finds can drive up your heating costs over the winter season. Even something as simple as running your system with dirty filters cuts its efficiency by a quarter, forcing your furnace to work harder and burn more fuel.
Most concerning are those strange noises or performance issues you might be tempted to ignore. What starts as an unusual sound in the fall often leads to complete system failure during the coldest days of winter, when repair costs peak and service wait times stretch into days.
Prepare Your Whole System
While covering your A/C unit for winter is optional, have your technician check it during fall maintenance. They'll prepare it for harsh weather and:
- Clear debris from around both your indoor and outdoor units
- Check your ventilation system to guarantee good airflow
- Inspect your ductwork for leaks that waste heated air
- Test your home's humidity levels
- Verify that your programmable thermostat is set correctly for winter operation
Stay Warm This Winter
Are you looking for a reliable team to prepare your HVAC system for winter? Contact Clements Plumbing Heating and Air—we've kept Missouri homes comfortable through 50 winters and counting with expert technicians who know how to handle our region's specific winter challenges. Don't wait until it's too late, schedule your fall maintenance today and stay warm this winter!
