The first time you turn on the heat after a long Los Angeles summer, you may notice a dusty smell or hear a noise you don’t remember from last winter. Sometimes it’s harmless, but other times it’s an early warning sign that something needs attention. Our team at JMS Air Conditioning and Heating helps homeowners catch heating problems before they turn into a cold night without heat. Here’s what to know about heating maintenance and how a few checks can make a real difference.
Test Your Thermostat Before the First Cold Night
Don’t wait until the first frigid chill of the year to realize your heat isn’t working the way it should. Switch your thermostat to heating mode and set it a few degrees above the room temperature. Give your heating system time to start and check whether warm air reaches your vents. If nothing happens, check the thermostat batteries if it uses them. Also make sure a breaker isn’t tripped, but if it keeps tripping, call us to take a look and make sure your home and heating system are safe.
Replace the Filter and Check Airflow
If you have both central heating and cooling, both systems may use the same filter. A clogged air filter in summer can still cause trouble when you switch to heat. Check your filter monthly and replace it when it’s dirty, following the equipment’s instructions. Also move any furniture covering the return grilles, and make sure the supply vents are open.
Although it’s tempting to close vents in unused rooms to save money, it can do the opposite and interfere with airflow. If one bedroom stays cold while the rest of the house warms up, mention it during your maintenance visit. The issue could be a blocked or leaking duct, not the heater itself.
What a Professional Heating Tune-Up Includes
There’s plenty you can check on your heating system yourself, but some parts need a trained eye. During a furnace tune-up, our techs check items including the ignition system, burners, electrical connections, airflow, and safety controls. For gas furnaces, we also check venting and the heat exchanger for issues that could affect safe operation. If you use a heat pump, the checks are a little different. We’ll check its heating operation, outdoor unit, electrical components, and airflow.
Pay Attention to Smells and Unusual Sounds
A brief dusty smell when you turn on the heat is usually normal, but persistent burning smells, loud banging, or repeated shutdowns aren’t. Turn the system off and call a technician if something seems wrong. If you have fuel-burning equipment, also check your carbon monoxide alarms. Test them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and check their expiration dates. If an alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call emergency services. If you smell gas, evacuate right away and call your gas utility or emergency services from outside.
Schedule Heating Maintenance in Los Angeles
Even during a mild California winter, it’s good to know the heating system will work when you need it. Our maintenance program includes seasonal system checks and filter changes, so you don’t have to remember everything yourself.
Contact our team at JMS Air Conditioning and Heating to schedule heating maintenance for your Los Angeles home.
