Have you given any thought to whether your heating system can handle a Pennsylvania winter? When was it that anyone last had a good look at your furnace? One has to wonder if there is cause for concern over a breakdown come the year’s coldest night.

They are questions worth asking, and the fall season is when to put them to rest. For 23 years we have been putting Bucks County homeowners at ease with Hughes Heating & Air Conditioning. Should you wish to have an expert give your system once over before the weather turns, you can reach us on (215) 445-4574.

It is a time of transition in the fall; the air conditioner has put in its hours over the summer and the furnace is next up. Too often a homeowner will let this pass and not give his or her heating any mind until there is trouble. With some forethought you can avoid the expense and aggravation of an emergency in the cold.

We have put together what we see as the most important maintenance for our local homes.

Air Filters

There is no easier thing to do yet it has an impact. If your filter is clogged the system has to labor more, not to mention the toll on your equipment and energy bill. Make a point of looking at it monthly in the heating season and put in a new one if it is soiled. You will be better off for it indoors where the windows are shut for the winter.

An Early Test of Your Heating

You do not want to discover your furnace will not start on the first freeze. On a nippy day put the heat through a cycle and put your ear to it for odd sounds or smells, or see if the room is heating unevenly. It is preferable to find out in October something is amiss rather than in January. An early fix is as a rule less costly.

Outdoor Units

Leaves will make their way to your outdoor equipment in the autumn. Put in a few minutes to remove the leaves and twigs and put back any plants that have encroached during the summer. The parts are better protected and the system is more efficient with proper airflow.

Thermostat

See that your thermostat is doing its job and registering the right temperature. A programmable or smart model should have its schedule set for the cooler months. There is no need to forgo comfort to trim your costs by turning the heat down a couple of degrees when the house is unoccupied or you are asleep.

Vents and Registers

Make a circuit of the house to ensure nothing from a rug to a piece of furniture is in the way of a vent. Obstructed airflow is what makes for a cold room and puts extra run time on the system.

A Professional Tune-Up

While you can manage some of this on your own, leave the inspection to a technician. We will spot what you cannot and make sure your equipment performs as intended. In the course of a visit you can expect:

• We will inspect the system and its principal components
• Test that it is operating safely with the right kind of airflow
• Remove dust and debris from the various parts
• Look for wear on controls and connections
• Flag any part that is in need of repair
• Offer some counsel on efficiency in your home

As a Carrier Authorized and Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer, we have 40 years of collective experience under our belt and know these systems well.

Maintenance Plans

For those who would prefer not to keep track of all this, a plan removes the guesswork. Ours are custom made with priority service and discounts on any repairs called for. It is how many of our customers stay on top of things.

We are a family business and BBB-accredited, serving Lower and Central Bucks and Northeast Philadelphia from Bensalem and Newtown to Warminster and Southampton. Our doors are open Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:30pm but we are available for emergencies after hours. Free estimates are provided and we can arrange financing with GreenSky or Wells Fargo for approved credit.

Call (215) 445-4574 to put your heating in order and you will not be caught by surprise when the cold sets in.