Tax Credits Up To $2000 Available On Qualifying Heat Pumps

End Of Summer Home Tips From Complete Comfort

End Of Summer Home Tips From Complete Comfort

End Of Summer Home Tips From Complete ComfortAs summer winds down here in Southwest Virginia, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the change in seasons. At Complete Comfort in Chilhowie, VA, we’ve been helping families in Marion, Abingdon, Wytheville, and across the region stay comfortable year-round since 2011. With Labor Day a week away, the end of summer is a great reminder to tackle a few essential home maintenance tasks that will keep your home clean and comfortable. This means taking care of your HVAC system, along with a couple of other tasks you can accomplish. 

Whether you’re preparing for cooler fall temperatures or just wrapping up the busy summer season, these tips will help you save money, protect your home, and improve your comfort. If you want to speak to one of the experts here at Complete Comfort, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We can help you out with HVAC service, prepare your home with backup power, or simply answer any questions you may have! 

Schedule End-Of-Season HVAC Maintenance

If you haven’t had your air conditioning system serviced this year, the end of the summer is a perfect time. Your air conditioner has been working hard all summer long. This end-of-summer service check ensures everything is clean, efficient, and ready for next year. If you need to replace it or have a component replaced, it’s nice having it done before next summer when the prices have risen and it becomes more of a pressing issue. 

You should also be evaluating your energy bills over the summer. Compare them to the beginning of the year, last year at the same time, and to your neighbors’ bills. This could be a good indicator if your system has been losing energy efficiency over the summer, and is due for a service to increase energy efficiency. 

Change Your Air Filters

Changing Your Air Filter Is Easy But ImportantChanging your HVAC filter is one of the simplest—and most important—tasks you can perform on your own. After months of running your air conditioner, your filter fills up with dust, pollen, and any other airborne irritants that pass through. We recommend that you change the filter once every 1-3 months. At the end of the summer is a perfect time to do it. 

This clean filter will help you keep the air in your home clean and healthy. This is especially important for any occupants who have breathing issues, or who should simply be watching their health a little more closely. This pertains to the elderly, very young children, and anyone with breathing problems like asthma or emphysema. It’s also important for homes with pets that could create more hair and dander that float through the air. 

Seal Windows And Doors

The changing of the seasons is always a good time to make slight improvements. One of those is sealing windows and doors so you have less exposure to the air outside. Take a walk around your home and check for gaps around doors and windows. Sealing up those cracks and leaks is going to help improve your home’s comfort, and also lower energy bills. If the HVAC system isn’t working as hard to keep the space comfortable, it’s going to cost less to run. 

Prep Your Thermostat For Fall

If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, now’s the time to adjust your settings for cooler weather. Set your schedule now that the kids are back to school and you are back to a regular working schedule. Programming your thermostat to match your family’s fall schedule helps maximize comfort while keeping energy costs down. If you want to improve your home with a smart thermostat, give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online! We can get your home set up with a smart thermostat that can help lower your energy use, and also add easier ways to control the system, like apps on your phone or tablet. 

Consider Upgrading To A Heat Pump

Now that the summer is coming to a close, you can make a decision if you need a new HVAC system, or sticking with the one you’ve been using. If the air conditioner didn’t keep your home cool, it may be time to consider a new energy efficient heat pump. Modern heat pumps not only cool your home in the summer, but also provide efficient heating in the winter. 

Right now, through the end of 2025, there are tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act. Unfortunately, these tax credits are almost certainly going away on January 1st, 2026, as the One Big Beautiful Bill is going to eliminate this tax credit for home owners. This credit can go up to $2000 for a new heat pump, and up to $600 for a new AC or furnace. 

We can help you choose the RIGHT heat pump that fits your home, and qualifies for rebates or tax credits that will help you save on the cost of the installation. 

End Of Summer Checklist

Test Your Generator Before Storm Season

Here in Southwest Virginia, we know that fall and winter can bring strong storms and unexpected power outages. We all remember 2024 when we saw extended power issues with hurricane season hitting us hard. If you already have a Generac standby generator, now’s a great time to test it and make sure it’s ready to kick on when you need it. Our experts are trained and certified to service these generators, and ensure they are working properly and safely. 

If you don’t have a generator for your home, we can help you explore options that keep your home safe and powered through any weather!

Clean Up Outdoor Units, Gutter, And Patio Furniture

One of the more obvious areas of attention is cleaning your home’s exterior. This is usually a task people are used to. Trim back bushes or weeds that may have grown around your outdoor AC unit, and clear out leaves and debris from your gutters. If sticks and leaves are messing up the fans in your HVAC system’s condenser, it could cause issues with your home comfort, and lead to a costly repair. If your gutters are full and weighed down, 

Another thing to make sure is taken care of is your patio furniture. Make sure your patio furniture is secured and ready for the winter. That could mean putting it away for the season, or just securing it so it doesn’t get blown away by a storm! The last hing you want is to get to next summer and have to replace it all. 

You may also want to treat any cracks or breaks in your cement and pavement. These are a little more complicated than cleaning out the gutters, but the mild weather in the fall is the perfect time to finish outdoor projects and improvements for your home. 

Get Your Home Ready With Complete Comfort

Taking care of these small tasks at the end of summer will help you stay comfortable and save money. At Complete Comfort, we’re proud to be a family-owned HVAC and electrical company serving Chilhowie, Marion, Abingdon, and the surrounding areas for more than a decade.

If you’d like help with end-of-summer maintenance, HVAC service, or even exploring a new heat pump or generator, give us a call at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online. Our team is here to keep your home comfortable, no matter the season.

What Are The Most Common Furnace Problems?

What Are The Most Common Furnace Problems?

What Are The Most Common Furnace Problems?As it gets colder out, furnaces have to work harder to keep our homes warm, and can run into some problems in the process. Having your furnace break down on you during the winter cold is never fun, and it’s not always clear what’s wrong.

Luckily, we have dealt with all sorts of different furnace issues, and know how to fix them. In this article, I’m going to go over some of the most common furnace problems we see, and what you can do to solve them. 

If you are having issues with your heating system, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We have been helping out homes and businesses in the Abingdon, VA area with their comfort issues for years, and can help you as well! 

Furnace Blowing Cold Air 

If your furnace is blowing cold air, it’s clearly having some sort of problem. Now, there’s not always a clear reason that your system is blowing cold air. In fact, there could be a number of reasons that your system is having problems. 

You could be having trouble with: 

  • The pilot light
  • The flame sensor
  • Your ductwork 
  • The thermostat
  • A clogged air filter

These are just a few of the potential problems. There are even more than that. If your system has been running for 15-30 minutes, and it still isn’t warming up, turn it off and call a professional. If the system is still running, but isn’t heating your home, it’s still wasting energy. The last thing you want to do is waste money while getting no heat at all. 

Not Enough Airflow Around The Home

This problem is similar to the furnace blowing cold air, in the way of it having a lot of potential reasons for this problem. We see this a lot with rooms that are furthest away from the furnace, mostly bedrooms that are furthest from the basement. 

This could be caused by: 

  • Blower motor issues
  • Fan not working
  • A clogged air filter
  • Leaky or mis-designed ductwork
  • Blocked vents

Once again, it could be a number of different issues. We recommend checking your air filter to see if it’s clogged. Once this is replaced, if you are still having airflow issues, give a professional a call. They will inspect your furnace and your ductwork to find the reason the air isn’t distributing properly. 

Constant Cycling Off And On

If you hear your HVAC system turning off and on constantly, it could be the sign of a problem, and could lead to comfort issues. The constant off/on leads to fluctuations in temperature, and can be wasting energy as well. 

Sometimes this is a sign you have a problem with your thermostat, or a sign that your system is improperly sized. If you just installed your HVAC system and it is cycling like this, you may have simply chosen the wrong size. If you have had your HVAC system for a while, and this is the first time this has happened, it’s likely a sign that it’s a fixable issue. 

Once again, we recommend that you call a professional to assess your issue, and make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly and safely. 

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

If you use a furnace, there’s a very strong chance that it uses either gas or oil to burn and create heat. During this combustion process, gasses are created that can be harmful and dangerous. When your furnace is functioning properly, these are expelled from your home through a flue system. 

If there’s a problem with the system, or maybe a crack in your heat exchanger, it can cause gasses to leak. Carbon monoxide is one of these gasses, and it’s odorless, colorless, and also deathly poisonous. This is why every home that uses a furnace should have a carbon monoxide detector. If your heating system is leaking carbon monoxide, you may not know until it’s too late. 

Now this isn’t something that happens all the time, but it’s a major concern with any heating system. If your system has a leak, turn it off immediately and call an HVAC professional right away! 

Best Way To Avoid Furnace Problems

Now that you know a little more about the most common furnace problems, you should also know how to avoid them. Here are the best 2 ways you can take care of your furnace and avoid issues: 

Changing Your Air Filter

Changing Your Air Filter Is A Simple Step To Improved IAQChanging your HVAC system’s air filter is simple and important. As it gets filled up with particles, it can get clogged and prevent airflow, as we mentioned above. We recommend keeping a few filters on hand so you can change them once every 1-3 months. 

During a routine HVAC service, your technician should change your filters, but this only happens once a year typically. Keeping a few filters at home will allow you to change them on your own, without having to worry about a professional technician coming in to do it. 

If you don’t know how to change it, we recommend: 

  • Having your HVAC technician show you during a routine maintenance
  • Looking at your owner’s manual for your HVAC system
  • Looking up how to change a filter on Youtube

This is a fairly easy task, and one you can do on your own to improve airflow, and indoor air quality! 

Scheduling Regular HVAC Service 

The best and most effective way to avoid furnace problems is by scheduling routine furnace maintenance. We recommend you have your furnace serviced at least once a year, preferably before the heating season. 

During a routine furnace maintenance, your technician will do a lot more than simply changing the air filter. During a routine maintenance, the technician will: 

  • Clean all the components inside your furnace
  • Change your air filter
  • Inspect wiring, the pilot light, the flame sensor
  • Ensure all parts are working properly and aren’t in need of replacement
  • Ensure the system is operating safely

Instead of waiting for problems with your heating system, regular maintenance gets ahead of them and helps prevent them from ever occurring. Just like any machine needs service and care, or it will break down, your HVAC system is the same. 

Regular service for your heating system will also come with some other benefits, outside of the fewer breakdown: 

  • Better efficiency
  • Lower energy bills
  • Longer system lifespan
  • Fewer problems/breakdowns
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Maintains warranty

Scheduling regular maintenance for your furnace is so important, and the number one thing we can recommend to keep your heating system running well for years and years.

If you are having issues with your furnace and would like to speak to an expert, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, and we will have one of the team members here at Compass help you out! 

Furnace Maintenance Checklist: Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide

Furnace Maintenance Checklist: Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide

Furnace Maintenance Checklist: Ultimate Homeowner’s GuideFurnace maintenance is the key to keeping your furnace running efficiently, and making sure it lasts for years. Regular furnace maintenance also makes sure that your system is running safely. We recommend a furnace service at least once a year, preferably before the heating season.

I have been installing and servicing furnaces in homes around Chilhowie, VA for years now, and know a bit about the systems that are in these homes. This ultimate homeowner’s guide provides you with a comprehensive furnace maintenance checklist, and will show you a few DIY tasks to complete yourself. It will also show you why it’s important to schedule a professional service at least once a year.

Furnace Maintenance Checklist For DIY & Professional Tune-Ups

A comprehensive furnace service checklist guarantees you check off every box when it comes to furnace maintenance. Before diving into the specifics of different furnace types, let’s first understand the general maintenance steps you can manage on your own, and those best left to professionals.

Steps For A DIY Furnace Inspection Checklist: DIY Guide

For the most part, you are going to want a professional to service your HVAC system. There are still a few things you can be doing to make sure that your system is in good shape until the pros can come out and take a look at it.

Air Filter Replacement

Check and replace the air filter every 1-3 months. This will help the airflow in your home, from your HVAC system through to your vents. This also helps keep the air cleaner in your home.

Cleaning and Visual Inspection

Remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the furnace exterior. Grab a towel and wipe the soot off, and maybe sweep around your system. Don’t remove any panels if you don’t feel comfortable. Leave that to the professionals. Inspect the vents and air ducts for any obstructions. Examine the furnace for signs of rust, cracks, or wear.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Check

Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas that can be deadly if you breathe too much in. Check the detector’s battery and functionality regularly. Replace old detectors as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A carbon monoxide detector is going to let you know if there is a dangerous leak. If there is, shut your system off and call for help immediately.

Maintenance Checklists By HVAC Types

Gas Furnace Maintenance Checklist

  • Check for gas leaks. Your carbon monoxide detector should be able to alert you, but if you schedule a regular service, a technician will check all this out to leave you with some peace of mind.
  • They will also ensure the flame sensor and burners are clean.
  • Then they will inspect the flue pipe for any damages or corrosion.

Electric Heater Maintenance Checklist

  • Examine the heating elements for any damages.
  • Ensure electrical connections are secure.
  • Check the thermostat for accurate readings.

Unit Heater Maintenance Checklist

  • Inspect the fan and motor for dust and debris.
  • Check the unit’s exhaust vents.
  • Examine ignition and burner assembly.

Furnace Inspection Points For A Professional Tune-Up

A Filter Change Is An Essential Part Of Furnace ServiceYour furnace is a complicated system, and if you aren’t familiar with them, you really should let the professionals handle the service. Your furnace uses combustible fuel sources, and it can be dangerous if you perform service incorrectly and it leads to a leak.

Lots of manufacturer warranties also require you to have a professional HVAC service annually to keep it vaild.

Why Annual Professional Tune-Ups Are Critical

Safety

Furnace issues, if unnoticed, can lead to dangers like fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Professionals can spot and address these risks during an annual furnace service checklist.

Energy Efficiency

A well-maintained furnace is usually energy efficient, reducing monthly bills. Professionals ensure that all components are working at optimal efficiency. If you leave your furnace without service for long periods of time, it can lead to your system working harder than it should, wasting energy, and dying early.

Comfort

A smooth-running furnace means consistent warmth. Your furnace should be keeping your home comfortable, and if it’s not looked at every year, it could lose efficiency. As we mentioned, this impacts energy bills, but it also impacts how well your system actually works.

System Lifespan

Regular professional check-ups on your heater maintenance checklist can prolong the system’s lifespan, saving on replacement costs. Your furnace should last for 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If you leave it unserviced, you may find that it dies years in advance.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about furnace service, and what we tell our customers!

How often should a furnace be serviced?

It’s advisable to service your furnace every year. An annual maintenance checklist is essential to ensure its optimal performance and longevity.

How do I know if my furnace needs service?

Common signs include:

  • Inconsistent temperatures.
  • Strange noises or smells.
  • Increased heating bills.

Even if your furnace is operating well, it should be looked at once per year.

How much does it cost to check a furnace?

The cost of checking a furnace in Chilhowie, IL is between $100 and $300. It varies by location, type, and the specific service needed. On average, a professional furnace tune-up ranges from $ 100 to $300. These costs can vary, and will go up if you need repairs or additional work done to your system.

A detailed furnace maintenance checklist is the first step toward ensuring a safe, comfortable, and efficient home. Whether you’re tackling some DIY tasks with the electric heater maintenance checklist or opting for a professional tune-up, regular attention to your furnace is crucial. Stay warm, and stay safe!