Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
Filters clog, motors strain, and small safety parts that seemed fine in summer start to act up. A short fall check keeps the heat steady, lowers energy use, and helps you avoid late-night surprises when guests visit. Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air in Harrisburg, PA, makes this prep simple with clear steps and friendly service.
Before your system breaks down completely, it usually gives you a few clues. You might hear a clicking sound that won’t stop or a hum that gets louder, or you may catch a quick burnt smell when the heat kicks on. Some rooms may feel colder or hotter than others, even if the thermostat is set the same.
Your furnace might keep turning on and off quickly (short cycling), which can stem from issues like airflow restrictions, thermostat problems, or dirty components. A heat pump could blow cold air for a minute before warming up. If your energy bill is soaring but your routine hasn’t changed, that’s another sign something’s off. These issues often come from weak airflow, dirty sensors, worn-out igniters, or control problems. A fall check-up can catch these early by testing startup timing, flame quality, and—for heat pumps—refrigerant levels.
Your system needs airflow in and out to work properly. A clean air filter helps your blower run smoothly without overworking. Even if the filter looks okay, dust from a dry summer can clog it. Start the season with the right-sized filter that matches your system’s needs. Don’t block return vents either; if a couch or rug covers one, your system may pull air from the attic instead, adding dust and heat before it even reaches your rooms.
Gas furnaces need a clean flame, steady ignition, and a clear path for exhaust gases. If your flame sensor has buildup on it, the system may shut off right after lighting, wasting gas and wearing down parts. Cleaning the sensor usually fixes it. Gas pressure also matters; it should match the rating on your furnace label.
A quick manometer test can confirm that the pressure is set correctly for a steady, low-soot flame. Fall is also a good time to check your vent pipe. Birds, bugs, or summer clutter can block the opening. Make sure the flue rises at the right angle, joints are sealed, and brackets are tight. High-efficiency furnaces also make water as they pull heat from the exhaust. That water needs a clean trap and drain line. A technician can clean the drain line to ensure continued proper operation.
Heat pumps need a clean outdoor coil, the right refrigerant level, and a reversing valve that works smoothly. In early fall, short run times can hide problems like low charge or sticky valves. As it gets colder, frost on the coil should trigger a defrost cycle. If the sensor is off, frost sticks around, blocks airflow, and makes the system run too long.
Rinsing the coil removes dirt and debris so the fan can move air quietly. Inside, electric heat strips or a gas furnace kick in on cold mornings. Your system should prioritize the most efficient heat source. A technician can test the staging, check the reversing valve, and confirm the compressor’s crankcase heater is working so it starts smoothly when the cold hits.
A thermostat that’s even one degree off can cause extra cycles. A quick fall calibration can make sure the room feels like the temperature you set. Big overnight setbacks might seem smart, but they don’t always save much energy and can make mornings less comfortable. Moderate, steady schedules usually work best in the fall. If you use a smart thermostat, choose slow temperature ramps instead of fast jumps.
Also, make sure the thermostat isn’t near lamps or in direct sunlight; it needs to measure room temperature, not hot spots. For dual-fuel systems, your technician can adjust the balance point so your heat pump handles most of the work while staying energy efficient.
Loose screws and aging parts can cause problems when the heating season starts. After months of vibration during summer cooling, small parts like panel screws and terminal connections can come loose. Tightening these helps avoid power issues and strange faults. Dusty blower wheels can block airflow and make the motor work harder. That raises the electrical load, heats the motor, and shortens its life. Taking the blower wheel out and washing it restores airflow and cuts strain.
Motors with capacitors (common in older PSC motors) need those capacitors to be within spec. A weak one can make a motor stall, hum, or trip a safety switch. Many modern blower motors are ECM and don’t use capacitors, but when applicable, this check is key. Check inducer fans for noisy bearings and clear pressure ports, and test hot surface igniters for proper resistance to avoid cracks during long winter runs to prevent surprise no-heat calls later.
Ducts outside your living space lose heat fast. A short heating cycle might push warm air into a cold attic before it reaches your rooms. Seams, connections, and collars can loosen over time. A fall inspection can find and mark these leaks for sealing. Wrapping insulation should be even and dry; loose or compressed areas let heat escape.
Long runs of flexible duct need straight supports and smooth curves. Sharp bends or kinks slow airflow and leave far-off rooms chilly. Adjusting the airflow near the plenum can shift more heat to colder areas, such as bedrooms. Well-supported and sealed ducts help your system run more efficiently, warm your home faster, and reduce dust pulled from attics and crawlspaces.
If your home uses baseboards or radiant floors, a short checklist in the fall can make a big difference. Air trapped in the pipes blocks heat and makes pumps work harder. Bleeding radiators or using purge valves clears out those air pockets.
Expansion tanks should be at the right pressure to keep water levels stable as they heat up. Circulator pumps should run quietly; grinding means trouble. Thermostatic radiator valves should turn easily and stay on track with room temperatures. With these small checks, your system will run smoothly even when different zones heat up at different times.
A fall inspection can lower your energy bills by improving airflow and making sure everything lights or runs properly. It helps reduce noise by cleaning fans and coils. It improves safety by checking sensors, vents, and carbon monoxide alarms. It also helps your system last longer by keeping motors and controls running under normal load. All of this means fewer breakdowns and a more comfortable home all season long.
A simple fall visit helps you dodge surprise breakdowns, lower winter bills, and keep rooms comfortable when nights turn cold. It also sets you up for smart upgrades, including duct sealing and thermostat calibration, that add comfort without a full replacement.
If you would like a friendly check that fits your calendar, book fall heating maintenance with Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air today!
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!