As temperatures begin to fall across Iowa, HVAC professionals are reminding homeowners to give their heating systems a thorough check before firing them up for the season. Bell Brothers, a regional HVAC service provider, reports a noticeable rise in service calls as the first chill sets in.
Seasonal service surge
“With this cold weather that just started hitting us, the call volume for repairs actually has come up today,” said John Helmers, Bell Brothers’ service manager. Helmers stresses that routine maintenance is one of the most effective ways to avoid expensive breakdowns and extend a furnace’s lifespan.
Common early‑season signs
Homeowners may notice a strong odor when they first turn on their furnaces. According to Helmers, this is usually harmless dust burning off the heat exchanger after a summer of inactivity. “It’s just the dust that’s burning off of the heat exchanger that’s been sitting there all summer long,” he explained. The smell should disappear within 15 to 20 minutes. “It should definitely not be hanging around after the second or third cycle,” Helmers added, advising anyone who still detects the scent to contact a qualified contractor.
Simple pre‑turn‑on checks
Before switching to heat, Helmers recommends checking the furnace filter and replacing the thermostat’s batteries if needed. He also cautions homeowners to verify thermostat settings, noting that some units may default to a cooling program when the season changes. “Sometimes the system goes into a program on the thermostat, and they haven’t had that running,” he said. “So then, all of a sudden, it’s on a factory program and it turns down to 68 degrees during the day, and people don’t realize.”
Why modern furnaces need extra care
Modern furnaces contain components that require regular cleaning and inspection. “They just don’t last 20 years like they used to,” Helmers observed. Neglecting maintenance can lead to water buildup, corrosion, and even heat‑exchanger failure. He urges homeowners to schedule seasonal furnace maintenance to keep the system operating safely and efficiently.
Getting professional help
Bell Brothers offers seasonal maintenance appointments and can address any lingering odors, performance issues, or component concerns. Taking these steps now can help families stay warm and avoid unexpected repair bills throughout the winter months.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
