Vito Services Shares Essential Fall HVAC Maintenance Advice for DMV Homeowners
As fall approaches and colder temperatures are on the horizon in The DMV, Vito Services’ HVAC Manager Leon Thompson offers his TOP-3 recommendations for Vito customers to prepare their HVAC systems – including furnaces, boilers, mini splits and heat pumps –for the upcoming winter season:
- Schedule a Pre-Season HVAC Tune-Up
- Test and Inspect Thermostats and Heat Pump Settings
- Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Ventilation
Preventative HVAC Maintenance HVAC Tune-Up
Leon Thompson, who has been in the HVAC industry for close to 40 years and at Vito Services for the past 12 years, cannot emphasize enough the importance of scheduling a professional inspection and maintenance check before the cold sets in.
According to Thompson, HVAC efficiency comes down to two simple task: Check and Clean.
“If you want your heating unit to be efficient as possible and last as long as possible, test it before each season, and clean it before each season,” Thompson said. “If there are other underling issues, an HVAC professional should spot those during a typical maintenance. But you really want to do those maintenances once each before the hot season and once again before the cold season. Checking and cleaning your unit before the start of the cold season can make all the difference in the world.”
Thompson notes other important aspects of a heating maintenance, including:
- Cleaning or replacing air filters.
- Inspecting and cleaning burners, heat exchangers, and blower motors.
- Checking for any leaks in gas connections and ensure proper ignition and combustion in gas furnaces or boilers (Turn On & Off).
- Testing thermostats to ensure accuracy and efficient operation.
A pre-season tune-up not only improves system efficiency but also prevents unexpected breakdowns during peak winter demand.
Currently, Vito Services offers a Fall HVAC tune-up for every customer:
- $49 Check-Up: A Vito Services HVAC Technician Will Inspect Your Heating Unit.
- $120 Tune-Up: A Vito Services HVAC Technician Will Conduct a Full Maintenance Inspection.
- VIP Maintenance: A Vito Services HVAC Technician Will Conduct a Full 17-Point Inspection.
Check Thermostats and Heat Pump Settings
Thompson also would encourage all Vito Services customers to test their thermostats to ensure they are functioning properly and set for the cold season. For homes with heat pumps, he said it was essential to ensure the system is switched from cooling to heating mode and to check defrost cycles to ensure that auxiliary heating elements are operational. He recommends a programmable or smart thermostat for optimal energy use.
For Heat Pumps as well as Mini Splits, Thompson said it is very important to use Surge Protectors with these devices or they can damage easily.
“These new heating elements (heat pumps/mini split) can do a lot, but their boards can easily fry if they are overloaded and that is an expensive situation you will want to avoid,” noted Thompson. “A simple surge protector is always recommended on any HVAC unit, but definitely for any Mini Split or Heat Pump because it doesn’t take much to fry those control boards.”
- Vito Services VIP Special: $499 New Honeywell Smart Thermostat Installation
- Vito Services Surge Protector: $249 HVAC-Specific Surge Protector (Recommend for Mini Splits Heat Pumps)
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Check Ventilation
While we all want to be warm and cozy during the cold months, Thompson warns that with more frequent use of furnaces and boilers during winter that carbon monoxide (CO) risks increase. Thompson noted that all Vito customers should:
- Ensure all carbon monoxide detectors are functional and have fresh batteries.
- Inspect venting systems to ensure there are no blockages or leaks that could cause harmful fumes to enter the home.
- Clean air vents and ensure proper airflow to prevent strain on heating systems.
These proactive steps will help customers avoid costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the safety and comfort of their homes throughout the cold season.
If you do not have a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector, speak to your HVAC technician immediately about installing one as soon as possible.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector: $129 HVAC-Specific Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
Since 1934, Vito Services has been a mainstay of Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Over that course of time, we also have experienced many changing seasons in The DMV and know a thing or two about the heating elements used here; from boilers, to furnaces, heat pumps and mini splits, Vito HVAC technicians have seen, worked on, installed and fixed them all!
Leon Thompson wanted to share these fall heating tips with Vito customers to help ensure your homes heating systems remain in good working condition throughout the fall and into the winter! Leave it to Vito for all of your home HVAC heating needs!
