As the beautiful fall season settles into Boone, NC, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home’s HVAC system for the cooler months ahead. With winter just around the corner, ensuring that your heating system is in top shape is crucial to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we know that taking proactive steps now can prevent unwanted surprises when temperatures drop. Here’s a guide on how to get your HVAC system ready for the cold weather, so you can stay cozy and stress-free all season long. 1. Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up The best way to prepare your HVAC system for winter is to have it inspected and serviced by a professional. A thorough heating tune-up will identify any underlying issues and ensure that your system is operating efficiently. Our technicians at Edmisten Heating & Cooling will check components like the heat exchanger, burner, and blower motor, clean and lubricate moving parts, and test the thermostat to make sure everything is functioning correctly. An annual tune-up not only prevents unexpected breakdowns but also extends the life of your heating system. 2. Replace Your Air Filters Air filters play a vital role in maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency and indoor air quality. As you switch from cooling to heating, make sure to replace your HVAC air filters. Clogged or dirty filters force your system to work harder, leading to increased energy usage and a decline in air quality. We recommend changing your filters every 1-3 months, depending on your household's needs. Clean filters will help your system run smoothly and ensure you’re breathing cleaner air throughout the winter months. 3. Inspect and Clean Your Ductwork Your home’s ductwork can accumulate dust, debris, and even mold, which restricts airflow and decreases efficiency. Before turning on your furnace for the season, consider having your ductwork professionally inspected and cleaned. Clean ducts not only improve airflow but also help maintain better indoor air quality, which is essential for a healthy living environment. If you notice any unusual noises or weak airflow, it may be a sign of duct leaks or blockages that need to be addressed. 4. Test Your Thermostat An often-overlooked step in HVAC maintenance is checking your thermostat. If you’re still using a manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy management. Make sure your thermostat is set to your desired temperature and switch it from cooling to heating mode. Testing it ahead of time ensures that you won’t run into issues when the first cold snap arrives. 5. Seal Air Leaks and Check Insulation While this isn’t directly part of your HVAC system, sealing air leaks around windows and doors and ensuring your home has adequate insulation can significantly impact your heating efficiency. Heat loss through gaps and poor insulation can put unnecessary strain on your system, leading to higher energy bills and reduced comfort. Take the time to seal any gaps and add insulation where needed to help keep the warmth in and the cold out. 6. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit If you have a heat pump or any part of your HVAC system located outdoors, make sure the area around the unit is clear of debris such as leaves, branches, or grass clippings. This will prevent blockages and allow the unit to operate efficiently. Trim back any overgrown shrubs and ensure there is at least two feet of clearance around the entire unit. 7. Know When to Call a Professional If you notice unusual noises, weak airflow, or an increase in energy bills, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Contact Edmisten Heating & Cooling to have one of our licensed technicians diagnose the issue. Early detection and repair can save you from costly breakdowns and ensure that your heating system performs reliably when you need it most. 8. Consider Upgrading an Older System If your HVAC system is over 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Modern heating systems are significantly more energy-efficient and can provide better comfort, reliability, and savings on your energy bills. We can help you explore your options and choose the right heating solution tailored to your home’s needs and your budget. Check out our products to learn more about some of the energy efficient HVAC equipment we carry and install here at Edmisten Heating & Cooling. Stay Cozy All Season Long! Don’t let a poorly maintained HVAC system disrupt your comfort this winter. With a little preparation now, you can ensure your heating system runs efficiently and reliably all season long. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help Boone homeowners get ready for whatever winter throws our way. If you need a professional tune-up, duct cleaning, or system upgrade, give us a call at 828-264-0130 today. Let us handle your HVAC needs so you can focus on enjoying the changing seasons!

In today’s world of smart technology, your thermostat is no longer just a simple control for your HVAC system. With the advent of smart thermostats, managing your home’s climate has become more convenient, efficient, and even enjoyable. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we’re excited to share the benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat and how it can enhance your home comfort in Boone, NC. 1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency One of the biggest advantages of smart thermostats is their ability to improve energy efficiency. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, reducing energy consumption when you're not home. For example, they can lower the temperature while you're at work and then warm up your home just before you arrive. This automatic adjustment helps you save on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. 2. Remote Control and Access Smart thermostats offer the convenience of remote control through smartphone apps. Whether you're at work, on vacation, or simply lounging on the couch, you can adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere. This feature is perfect for those unexpected changes in plans or for making adjustments on the go, ensuring your home is always at your desired temperature when you return. 3. Customizable Schedules With a smart thermostat, you can create and customize heating and cooling schedules based on your lifestyle. Set different temperatures for different times of the day or days of the week to match your routine. For instance, you can have the system cooler during the day when you're at work and warmer in the evenings when you're home. This flexibility helps optimize comfort and energy savings. 4. Integration with Smart Home Systems Smart thermostats often integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, such as voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This integration allows you to control your thermostat using voice commands or through a central smart home hub. You can ask your voice assistant to adjust the temperature, set a specific schedule, or even get energy usage reports. 5. Energy Usage Reports Many smart thermostats provide detailed energy usage reports that help you understand how much energy you're consuming and identify opportunities for savings. These reports can show you trends, highlight inefficiencies, and offer tips on how to improve your home’s energy performance. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions to reduce energy costs and enhance your home’s efficiency. 6. Improved Comfort Smart thermostats can enhance your overall comfort by maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature. They use advanced algorithms and sensors to monitor temperature fluctuations and adjust the heating or cooling output as needed. This precision ensures that your home remains comfortable without the temperature swings often associated with traditional thermostats. 7. Easy Installation and User-Friendly Interface Installing a smart thermostat is typically a straightforward process that can often be done by a DIY enthusiast. Many models come with user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step installation guides. Once installed, the intuitive touchscreen displays and mobile apps make it easy to navigate settings and customize your preferences. 8. Alerts and Reminders Smart thermostats can send you alerts and reminders about important maintenance tasks, such as when to change the air filter or when it's time for a system check-up. These notifications help you keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat with Edmisten Heating & Cooling The benefits of smart thermostats are clear, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we can help you choose the right smart thermostat for your home and ensure it’s installed and configured for optimal performance. Contact us today at 828-264-0130 or visit our thermostat product page to learn more about smart thermostats.