With the weather turning, is your air conditioner prepared to stand down? You may be asking yourself if that old furnace will oblige when you put it to the test. Then there are the energy bills that seem to have a mind of their own.
For an HVAC system in Greater Baton Rouge fall can be an odd season. In the course of 24 hours you might be running the AC and then be on to the heat by morning. The strain of such back-and-forth is no good for your equipment, so it is wise to nip any trouble in the bud before winter sets in. For over three decades Shield Heating and Cooling has been of service to the Baton Rouge area; we are at your disposal should you have any questions. A phone call to (225) 396-4590 is all it takes.
What follows are some of the advice we put in front of homeowners in East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and the parishes around them most often this time of year.
Why Your System Needs Fall Attention
Cooling equipment in Louisiana endures a lot through the summer. When fall comes around your AC has been in operation for months on end. It is only natural to turn your attention to it prior to the heating season.
The milder weather also lends itself to having some service done. There is no need to be reliant on the AC to get you through a July day or the heater in the middle of a cold spell. With that kind of breathing room, what would have been a big problem remains a minor one.
A Few Maintenance Steps for the Season
You can put in an afternoon and take care of some of the more useful tasks on your own:
- Put in a new air filter; a clogged one is bad for your system
- Get the leaves and other debris off the outdoor unit
- Make sure furniture is not in the way of your vents and registers
- Do an early test run of the heater so any surprises are of your own making
- Have a look at your thermostat, perhaps make the switch to a programmable or smart model
- When the heat is first turned on, see if you detect any unusual smells or noises
Of course, if the heater is putting out weak airflow, burning odours that do not dissipate or strange sounds, leave it to a pro.
The Value of a Professional Tune-Up
There are limits to what a homeowner can do. An inspection from us will cover the electrical, the heat exchanger, airflow and everything else to ensure your system is in safe working order for the winter.
Too many put off maintenance until their heater gives out on the coldest night and they are vying with the rest of the neighbourhood for an appointment. We can inspect your cooling and heating, be it a geothermal, a ductless mini-split, heat pump or furnace. As a family concern, owner Ronnie George and his two sons put the experience of generations into the work we do in every home.
Indoor Air Quality
When the temperature drops and the house is shut in, the quality of the air inside becomes of more consequence. Fall is as good a time as any to deal with comfort you have put aside over the summer. Among the options we have are:
- Filtration for dust and allergens
- Humidifiers for those dry periods in winter
- Dehumidifiers to cope with the dampness we are known for
- Thermostat upgrades to put you in control and trim the bill
- Air balancing for even heat in all rooms
To Replace or Not?
Should your heater be past its 15th year or require constant mending, or it cannot be bothered to make the house comfortable, now is the time to consider a replacement. Better to put in something dependable for the winter than to chance it. We put in Trane systems with warranties to match. And with financing and free estimates available you can arrange for a project within means. We hold Louisiana State Mechanical License #76485 and are fully insured.
Make a Call This Fall
Before you know it the fall will be over in Baton Rouge and the cold will be upon you. Let your heater let you down and you will be sorry. For a repair, a new system or a tune-up our team has same-day and weekend openings and is on hand 24/7. Contact Shield Heating and Cooling at (225) 396-4590 and put your home in order for the coming season.