As winter approaches in St. Louis, homeowners know that cold temperatures and unpredictable weather are just around the corner.
Preparing your HVAC system for these seasonal changes can allow for comfort throughout the winter months, no matter how chilly it gets. Scheduling a winter HVAC maintenance service with a trusted technician can help prevent breakdowns during the coldest days and improve your system’s performance.
Here’s a checklist of what a professional technician will cover in a winter check-up for your St. Louis home.
My neighbor referred these guys to me when had water heater problem. Previous company told me I needed to replace it. Tom’s technician fixed it for less than $200. This was over 2 years ago and have been using their service ever since. They are very trustworthy.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mary, for sharing your experience and for trusting us with your water heater issue; we're glad our technician could help and that you've continued to rely on our services!
Nick Hoffman was amazing! He came out same day when our heat suddenly went out. He took the time to describe the problem and expertly fixed and tested it! Will definitely be recommending them. Thanks.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Matt! We're so glad to hear about your positive experience with Nick and that he was able to help you promptly. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Job well done. The technician was competent and polite and knowledgeable. We'll have him back in the spring, honest company.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Laurel, for your kind words about our technician's competence and knowledge; we look forward to serving you again in the spring!
Realized my furnace stopped working late last night and forecast called for very cold arctic air blast. Called my regular HVAC company that advertises 24 hour service to find that after 7 PM, there is only an answering service. Same with two more “24 hour service” companies. Then I called Thomas Hoffmann HVAC Company and Nick quickly answered, listened to my issue, gave me a quote and was on his way. Nick arrived soon, completely checked out my furnace, found the problem and did the repair. Because the problem was fairly minor, he even gave me an unexpected and very appreciated discount. Nick was professional, competent, and very engaging. Best emergency, after-hours experience I’ve ever had. Nick saved the day and gave me the peace of mind I needed.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Richard, for sharing your experience; we're glad Nick could provide you with prompt and professional service during such a challenging time. Your kind words mean a lot to us!
Nick was great he was prompt and very patient in explaining the problems with our system and the steps we would take to solve them.I highly recommend using Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Benjamin, for your wonderful feedback about Nick's promptness and patience; we appreciate your recommendation of Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Nick was friendly, professional and knowledgeable, he did an awesome job!!
Response from the owner: Thank you for recognizing Nick's friendliness, professionalism, and knowledge - we're glad you had an awesome experience!
Great customer service! Very knowledgeable
Response from the owner: Thank you, Rob! We're glad you had a great experience and appreciate your kind words about our knowledgeable team.
Furnace would not blow heat on Friday night and after leaving a few messages to several companies, Mr Hoffman called me back quickly and did a service call. Diagnosed the issue and was able to fix the problem. Will need a new unit soon, but nice not be without heat during the holidays! Quote and Invoice receipt done on the spot and detailed! Will use again for sure.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Heath, for your kind words! We're glad Mr. Hoffmann could get your furnace working in time for the holidays and provide a detailed quote and invoice. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to helping you again in the future!
Fast, friendly and very cooperative.
Response from the owner: Thank you, John, for your kind words; we're glad you had a great experience with our team!
Excellent! Highly recommended
Response from the owner: Udis, we truly appreciate your recommendation!
Thomas he was prompt and was great getting us up and running. He was awesome
Response from the owner: Thank you, Tom, for your kind words about OUR Tom; we're glad to hear he helped you get up and running smoothly!😊
I was referred via home advisors. And I was so worried about the cost and the distance but Nick came and found my problem and fixed my problem and if I could I would shout-out to the world this is a honest and good company to hire. As a landlord over the road of 5 homes. I can call this company and trust that they will do the job and be honest. And I will not have to pay extra fees or be given a 3 week appointment Just because it's rental property. This is my go to company and I strongly recommend this company.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Annie, for your wonderful feedback! We're so glad to hear that Nick was able to address your concerns and provide you with the honest service you deserve. Your trust means the world to us, and we appreciate your strong recommendation!
Called Thomas Hoffmann HVAC and received service very quickly. Regular winter maintenance was provided. They always do a great job.Really appreciate their service and would recommend to anyone in kirkwood!
Response from the owner: Thank you for choosing Thomas Hoffmann HVAC! We're glad we could promptly address and resolve your HVAC issue. Appreciate your recommendation!
Punctual / friendly / great service !!Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mike! We're so glad you had such a positive experience with our technicians—your recommendation means a lot to us!
Having Nick come to our aid was a great experience and he offered followup assistance with the fancy technology part of the appliance if we need it. We will call him again if the need arises. Merry Christmas.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Marilyn! We're glad to hear that Nick was able to assist you and provide follow-up support. We appreciate your trust in us and wish you a Merry Christmas!
These guys are pros.Techs are friendly, listen and explain what they are doing.Office staff is responsive.Fast service....
Response from the owner: Thank you, Clark, for your kind words! We're glad to hear our techs and office staff made your experience a great one. Your feedback means a lot to us!
Nick was a true expert in explaining our options for a new thermostat.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Robert, for your kind words about Nick's expertise; we're glad he could help you with your thermostat options!
My AC unit was located on the ground in a very undesirable area; in the direct path of my neighbor’s downspout. Sent pics to Thomas, got a reasonable estimate to raise the unit off the ground and bolt it to my foundation. The work was completed cleanly and efficiently at a very reasonable price! Extremely satisfied with their work!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Diane, for your wonderful 5-star rating; we appreciate your support!
Notified me of expected arrival time and then again when he was on his way and was exactly on time! Nick was very personable and trustworthy.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Maureen. We're glad to hear that Nick kept you informed and made your experience enjoyable!
Thomas Hoffmann AC & Heating was wonderful to work with. They arrived on time, diagnosed the issue and got the work done fast. I would recommend Thomas Hoffmann AC & Heating to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Adam, for your kind words and recommendation; we're glad to hear you had a great experience with our team!
Tom and his team helped us select a great 2nd unit for our first floor. Installation went smoothly and it looks great. Cheers!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Immy! We're glad Tom and the team could assist you in finding the perfect unit and that the installation went smoothly. Enjoy your new space!
Arrived early in the time window quoted. Zach is a thorough tech and discovered an issue I had suspected. Able to quickly get the part and fix the issue. Great company to work with. The communication before the appointment is outstanding. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Dale, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad Zach could assist you effectively, and we appreciate your kind words about our communication and service.
Excellent Service. Thank you Zackery
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, Buzz! It was a pleasure assisting you.
I'm a new customer and had my first appointment for furnace check.My tech was Zack and what a professional. He explained how he checked system and answered all my questions. This was a very good experience
Response from the owner: Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that Zack provided you with a professional and informative experience during your furnace check. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Thomas Hoffman was so helpful. They even helped me set up my nest thermostat.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Krista, for your kind words; we're glad Nick could assist you with your nest thermostat!
Service was on time and did a quality service of my two systems.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Paul, for your kind words about our timely and quality service; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you were satisfied with your systems!
Excellent customer service. Reasonably priced. My go-to for any HVAC needs.
Response from the owner: Thank you, John, for your kind words; we appreciate your trust in our team for all your HVAC needs!
Zachary is a very efficient worker and explained the work he did well.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Joseph, for your kind words about Zachary's efficiency and clear explanations; we truly appreciate your feedback!
I called on December 25th at midnight and started leaving a message and Thomas Hoffman the owner called me back almost immediately. He said he would come out the next morning between 8:00 and 10:00 am snd he was promptly on time. He fixed my problem and while he was there I decided to get an estimate for a new furnace and air conditioning unit. The price was very reasonable and the installers one of them being his son were both very professional very courteous, polite, arrived on time and finished the same day. I enjoy knowing that I now have the support of Thomas Hoffman heating and air conditioning along with the peace of mind that comes with owning a Trane. Nothing stops a Trane.Albert Koesterer
Response from the owner: Albert thanks so much for your kind reviews and your business. We truly appreciate it!!!
Great service! He set the thermostat to reach a certain temp and then go to a lower temp. Then in the AM go to a higher temp.He is patient and quite knowledgable.Dick Drummond - Kirkwood
Response from the owner: Richard, thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear you had a great experience with our services.
Zachary was here on the dot at 8:00am. Thank for making me the first stop as promised. Very friendly too.
Response from the owner: Thank you for recognizing our professionalism and friendliness!
Nick from Thomas Hoffman came for our spring check up. Nick is the best. He takes such good care of us. He has been taking really good care of us for several years.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words about Nick! We appreciate your loyalty and trust in our services.
Excellent service
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, Ella! We appreciate your feedback.
I have complete trust in Thomas Hoffman AC . I have had multipletechnicians who are always polite and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your trust in our team, Henry! We appreciate your kind words about our technicians.
Just had our annual service on our furnace. The technician was very professional, friendly, thorough and spent time explaining what all he did and what his recommendations were going forward. Couldn't be happier. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THOMAS HOFFMAN AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING.
Response from the owner: Terry, we're so grateful for your kind words and for recommending us! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our technician during your annual furnace service. Thank you for choosing Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Zachary was very professional and friendly and we would be happy to have him return to work on our furnace again in the future!
Response from the owner: Stephanie, we're so happy to hear that Zachary provided you with professional and friendly service! We look forward to working with you again in the future!
I called on a Monday morning as air conditioning was blowing warm air. They were able to come to my house very early afternoon and fixed the problem. Would highly recommend and will use them again.
Response from the owner: Becky thank you so much for your great review. We appreciate your business and your kind words.
This company is so responsive to me that I love them. They respond immediately and I trust them. It always cost me, but that is the nature of the beast. I haven’t been steered wrong yet. They are genuinely nice to work with and honest. I use their maintenance program as well. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, we truly appreciate your trust in us and are glad to hear about your positive experience with our services.
They were outstanding and got us cool very quickly.
Response from the owner: Bill, we're so glad we could help you out quickly! Thank you!
Great job done quickly and I loved how they were on time. Thank you for providing great customer service.
Response from the owner: Myrtle, we're so glad you're happy with our service. Thank you for your kind words!
Furnace Inspection and Cleaning
A thorough furnace inspection is at the core of winter HVAC maintenance. A technician will inspect various components to ensure they function properly. This may include:
- Burner and Heat Exchanger Inspection: A technician will inspect the burner for signs of dirt or debris that could impede performance. They’ll also examine the heat exchanger, checking for any cracks or corrosion that could lead to issues such as carbon monoxide leaks.
- Gas or Oil Connections: Secure connections are essential for gas or oil furnaces’ performance and safety. Technicians inspect these connections for potential leaks or weaknesses that could cause hazards or reduce system efficiency.
- Cleaning and Adjusting the Furnace: Dirt and dust can accumulate in your furnace over time, impacting its efficiency. Cleaning and making minor adjustments to settings can help optimize performance and energy usage.
Checking and Replacing Filters
While filters are often associated with summer cooling, they’re just as necessary during the winter. Dirty filters can hinder airflow, making your furnace work harder and increasing energy consumption. During a winter tune-up, a technician will examine the filters and replace them if needed to improve airflow and reduce strain on the system. Regularly scheduled filter replacement also supports better indoor air quality by capturing dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
Thermostat Evaluation
A functioning thermostat is essential for maintaining the desired temperature in your home. During a winter HVAC check-up, a technician will examine the thermostat to verify that it’s accurately reading the temperature and that all settings are correctly adjusted. This may involve:
- Calibration Check: An improperly calibrated thermostat can lead to temperature inconsistencies in your home. Calibration adjustments may be made to support accurate temperature settings.
- Programming Assistance: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, your technician can help adjust settings to optimize energy efficiency during winter. This can include setting lower temperatures at night or when your home is unoccupied.
Inspecting Electrical Connections and Components
Winter can strain your HVAC system, making it important to confirm that all electrical connections and components are secure and in good condition. Loose or corroded connections can reduce system efficiency and pose safety hazards. A technician will tighten connections, test voltage, and inspect key electrical components like capacitors and relays.
Testing Safety Features
Winter HVAC maintenance is also about maintaining a safe environment for St. Louis residents. Most heating systems have safety features designed to shut down the system if specific parameters are exceeded. During a winter check-up, a technician will test these safety features including:
- Limit Switch Testing: The limit switch helps prevent your furnace from overheating. By testing this switch, technicians can assess whether it’s functioning as intended to support safe operation.
- Carbon Monoxide Testing: A carbon monoxide test is crucial if your heating system is gas or oil-powered. A technician will examine the system for any signs of leaks, which could release harmful gases into your home.
Verifying Proper Airflow
Proper airflow is vital to efficient heating, as it allows warm air to be evenly distributed throughout your home. During winter maintenance, a technician will check for blockages or obstructions limiting airflow. They may inspect:
- Ducts and Vents: Ducts and vents can accumulate dust, pet hair, and other debris over time. During a winter inspection, your technician may recommend duct cleaning if they detect significant build-up that could obstruct airflow.
- Blower Components: A blower in good condition helps push air through the ducts effectively. Inspecting and adjusting blower components, your technician can help maintain optimal airflow and improve system performance.
Inspecting the Pilot Light or Ignition System
Gas-powered heating systems rely on a pilot light or an electronic ignition system to start heating. A technician will inspect these components to ensure they’re functioning reliably. If the pilot light or ignition system is not working correctly, it can lead to inconsistent heating and higher energy bills.
Providing Recommendations for Additional Services
Finally, a winter HVAC check-up may reveal specific issues or areas of concern that could benefit from additional attention. For example, older systems may perform less efficiently over time, and replacement parts may be recommended to enhance performance. Additionally, if your home experiences drafts or uneven temperatures, a technician may suggest adjustments or upgrades to improve overall heating effectiveness.
Scheduling Your Winter HVAC Maintenance
Staying proactive with winter HVAC maintenance can offer St. Louis homeowners peace of mind, knowing that their heating system is prepared for the season’s demands. Regular maintenance helps to keep your system running smoothly and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns during the coldest months.
Contact Us Today
If you’re ready to schedule a winter check-up or want to learn more about how seasonal maintenance can benefit your home, the Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating team is here to help. Our technicians are experienced in the unique needs of St. Louis residents, and we’re committed to helping you stay comfortable all winter.
