When the nights turn cool, is your heating system up to it? You may have heard an odd noise from the furnace or be in some doubt as to whether that old AC unit will see you through one more season.

These are questions we hear often, so you have come to the right place. We of Sargent’s Plumbing and Heating are a family operation and have been in the business on the Central Coast since 2009. Let us put your home in order for fall; pick up the phone at (805) 513-1252 and we can discuss what you need.

There is a certain rhythm to a Central Coast autumn. While it is still warm in Santa Maria and Paso Robles during the day, come evening in San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach or Nipomo the temperature will drop quickly. Your HVAC has to be equal to the task. Some forethought now will make for a winter without worries.

Why do maintenance in the fall?

It is the time between summer’s cooling and the rigors of winter, an ideal period to give your system once over before it is in daily use. Then there is the matter of convenience: if you put off maintenance until the cold arrives you will be in line with all the others who have a non-working furnace on the first morning of chill.

We would put forward a few reasons to get it done:

• To nip small problems in the bud rather than face a costly repair
• Better efficiency in your heating translates to lower energy bills
• Less likelihood of a breakdown on the coldest of nights
• Regular care and your equipment will have a longer life
• For your peace of mind when winter comes

A few things you can do

You do not have to call in a pro for everything. Homeowners can do their part to maintain the system.

For a start:

• See to your air filters, cleaning or putting in new ones every month or two at most
• Put any leaves or other debris out of the way of the outdoor unit
• Make sure vents and registers are unobstructed
• Put the thermostat on heat to test it
• When the system comes on, listen for anything amiss

Such habits ensure the air is free to flow. But should you sense something is not quite right, a professional eye is called for.

Warning signs from your heating system

Your system will let you know if it is in need of some help, you just have to be on the lookout for it.

Be on the alert for:

• One room warmer than another
• An inexplicable rise in your energy bill
• Banging, squealing or a rattle
• A furnace cycling too much
• Vents with little airflow
• Any strange odours when the heat is on

Do not put it off if you see these. Our team can have it diagnosed and running properly again this fall.

Heat pumps suit the Central Coast

Much of the country has a harsher climate than our region does, so a heat pump is well suited here. It is a single system for both heating and cooling and will see you comfortable all year. If your present unit is not what it used to be, consider a replacement this fall. From AC to heating, we do repairs and installations throughout the Central Coast. Commercial clients in Arroyo Grande, Atascadero and Orcutt are welcome to put their properties in order with us as well.

Plumbing

One should also think about the plumbing side of things in the fall, the water heater in particular. With cooler weather you will want to draw on hot water more. Be it a slow drain, sewer lines or a water heater that is not performing, we can put that right. We do emergency work too.

Make an appointment for fall service

From Guadalupe to Santa Margarita and all points in between, we are proud to be of service to the area’s homeowners and businesses. There is no charge for an estimate and the diagnostic fee is applied to your repair should you proceed with the work. We extend a 10 per cent discount to veterans and seniors and 5 per cent to those calling us for the first time.

We are here seven days a week for whatever maintenance or emergency may arise. Why wait for a cold snap to discover your system wants attention? Sargent’s Plumbing and Heating can be reached at (805) 513-1252. Let our family look after yours.