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 a/c was not working correctly and I knew it needed to be serviced. The person came and cleaned what needed to be cleaned and he did what he could for the output. He was very professional and nice. We will definitely call them for our future needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive feedback! We're glad to hear that you were pleased with our prompt and friendly service. We look forward to assisting you again in the future!
Nick arrived to repair our ac earlier than expected. He quickly diagnosed and made the necessary repairs. The cost was reasonable. We will definitely contact Thomas Hoffmann for hvac services in the future..
Response from the owner:Thank you, Michael! We're glad to hear Nick provided prompt and efficient service, and we appreciate your trust in Thomas Hoffmann for your future HVAC needs.
We have used Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating for AC issues for the last two years. We have been so happy with the service we have received both times. This year, we just needed a little maintenance as our unit wasn’t working to its full potential. I called first thing in the morning and was able to get a same day appointment! Nick was so personable and knowledgeable, and he got us back up and running and no time. Thank you again for saving us from the summer heat!! We are so grateful for the amazing customer service you guys provide!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Teri, for your kind words and for trusting us with your AC needs over the past two years; we're glad Nick could help get your unit back to its best, and we truly appreciate your gratitude for our service!
I highly recommend Thomas Hoffmann for anything involving HVAC. The person replacing my furnace, Britton Buehrig, was Professional and took pride in his work. The job was very cleanly done.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ray, for your kind words and recommendation! We're glad to hear that you were provided with professional service and a clean installation. Your satisfaction means a lot to us.
I txt Thomas Hoffman air-conditioning and heating Sunday early evening about 6:30 and just left A detailed message of what was going on with my AC I received an automated reply, saying they would contact me soon. I heard from them the next Morning at 11 AM to confirm what was going on with my unit and said they would have a Tech out today still but would be the last call between 6 and 8pm. I expected to get an appointment 2 to 3 days later. We’re in the middle of about an 8 to 10 day Heat wave of Mid to upper 90s. So imagine my surprise when I received a call from Zachary at 3:20 telling me he was in Saint Charles and was on his way to my house to look at the unit. When I explained what was wrong on the phone, he was pretty confident. He knew what it was once he got here, pulled off the cover and sure enough it was the capacitor. Pull the old one off and install the new one turned it back on and boom I have cold air blowing. I would highly recommend Thomas Hoffman, AC and heating and if you can request a certain Tech Zachary is your guy he is great super Frndly got the job done quickly and even interacted with my dogs Who are super friendly
Response from the owner:Thank you, Vicki, for sharing your experience with us! We're glad to hear that Zachary was able to resolve your AC issue quickly and that he made a positive impression on both you and your dogs. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to assisting you again!
We can’t say how happy we are with the quick and efficient service! We came home Friday evening after work on a 95 degree day (with a week of 90 degree weather ahead) and our A/C was totally out. We called this small business owner around 6pm and he was here by 7:25. He replaced our wires, had cool air running, gave us some helpful tips for the future, and was already out the door by 7:50. He was very polite, friendly, straightforward, and saved our evening/weekend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Morgan, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad our team could provide quick and efficient service to keep you comfortable during the heat. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Giovanni was so great. Explained things so I understood. He is kind. I appreciated him cleaning up and being so nice. Thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Peggy! We're so glad to hear Giovanni made your experience enjoyable and that his kindness stood out to you. Your appreciation means a lot to us!
Tom & Nick have taken care of all our HVAC needs for multiple properties for over a decade. Great team.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Kurt, for your kind words; we're grateful for your continued trust in our business for your HVAC needs over the years!
We recently moved into an older home and had an issue with the AC not working. We called and were offered a same-day appointment. Nick was fantastic—very knowledgeable and professional. He quickly diagnosed the issue with the air handler and got it fixed, and also installed a new thermostat for us. He was honest and straightforward with his recommendations and never pushed unnecessary products. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Adriana, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad to hear Nick was able to help you with your AC issue and provide excellent service. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Zach worked fast and answered all my questions with ease.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Stephanie! We're glad to hear that Zach provided you with quick and helpful answers.
Thomas Hoffman replaced my water heater. They were effective, efficient and pleasant people with whom to work.
Response from the owner:Thank you, David, for your kind words about Thomas and the team; we appreciate your feedback and are glad you had a positive experience with your water heater replacement.
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!
Responsive! Came over, even after hours to help resolve a critical issue that was caused by a lightning strike causing a gas leak. Would highly recommend!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're glad our team was able to assist you promptly, especially during such a critical situation. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Having Tom 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!
They got the job done, we're very quick and very kind!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your feedback and are glad we could assist you efficiently.
Great service. Responsive. Well trained technicians. Honest friendly and thorough. I highly recommend Tom Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your recommendation and are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team.
As always, the Hoffmann technician was polite, professional, and efficient. Pricing is reasonable and even more importantly, they are dependable. I will continue to use Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mark, for your kind words about our technician and for your continued trust in Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating; we truly appreciate your support!
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!
Excellent service. A/C went out on a weekend. Called them on Saturday morning, they were out within about 2 hours. The fix was easy enough, and he even had the part in the truck! I recommend this company for all of your HVAC needs
Response from the owner:Thank you, Elaine! We're glad to hear you received prompt service and that the fix was smooth. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
The service technicians are very courteous and communicate well with the customer. They let you know what, if any, problems are found, the options, and the cost of the repair(s). Quick and efficient.
Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our service technicians' courteous and effective communication, we appreciate your feedback!
These guys were great. Quick to return my call. Up front pricing. Great work on the installation. And the installers were nice and friendly. Highly recommend Thomas Hoffmann.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Steve! We truly appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear you had such a positive experience with our team and Thomas Hoffmann. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Hoffmann came out the same day I called them because our AC was out. The technician, Ryan, was able to get the system running again, was polite and responded to my questions. We’re off to a good start!
Response from the owner:Thank you, John! We're glad to hear Ryan was able to help and that you’re off to a good start with your AC. We appreciate your feedback!
Thomas came over promptly I spoke with him about my concerns with my unit. Immediately got to work trouble shooting and resolved my issues. A+
Response from the owner:Thank you, James, for your kind words and for recognizing Thomas's promptness and dedication in resolving your concerns; we appreciate your feedback!
We have called Thomas Hoffmann many times and they are very prompt and very professional.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Vicki, for your kind words about Thomas Hoffmann's promptness and professionalism; we truly appreciate your feedback!
Super friendly, helpful, and quick to make the fix.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jack! We're glad to hear you found our service friendly and efficient; your feedback means a lot to us!
Not a customer, but witnessed one of their technicians have an episode of road rage in Clayton. I would be concerned about letting them into my house/business.
We really trust Thomas Hoffman AC and Heating. Nick Hoffman has serviced our units several times now and he is professional, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. He comes on time, so we don’t have to schedule a long waiting period. We would highly recommend this company.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Greg, for your kind words and for trusting us with your AC and heating needs; we’re glad to hear that Nick has provided you with such great service.
We’ve been looking for a locally owned small HVAC dealer for a few years. And we found it with Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating. We love their service technicians. They come on time, they know what they are doing, they don’t upsell you on every appointment and they like working for Thomas Hoffmann. A happy employee makes for a happy customer.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mary, for sharing your wonderful experience with us; we're glad to hear you appreciate our technicians and their commitment to great service!
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.
quick to arrive and fast service
Response from the owner:Thank you, Connie, for your kind words about our quick arrival and fast service; we appreciate your feedback!
Very good, pleased with service.
Response from the owner:Thank you! We're glad to hear you were pleased with our service and appreciate your kind words.
Excellent service from Nick!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Margaret! We appreciate your kind words and will make sure to pass along your praise to Nick for his excellent service.
I am very pleased with the service provided.
, especially the quick response to my request . The technician came in themorning and had my cooling system repaired within an hour. Thank you !
Response from the owner:We're delighted we could promptly assist you on a Sunday morning and fix your cooling system efficiently. Thank you!
Here on time, worked fast. Always pleasant and great answering questions. Zach always does a great job.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Debra, for your kind words; we're glad to hear Zach made a positive impression and that you had a great experience with our team!
great job
Response from the owner:Thank you, Joe! We appreciate your kind words and the support from everyone involved.
Extremely quick response for appointment and did quick fix for our furnace and heat is working great !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We're glad to hear our team was able to respond quickly and get your furnace working great. We appreciate your feedback!
They were timely, polite, professional and they saved us from too much sweating. In a field full of pompous and arrogant technicians, these guys take the time to explain what is wrong and how they are correcting it. Other folks just assume you are incompetent but these folks take the time to educate. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your feedback and are glad we could provide you with a positive experience.
Great service and arrived on time when promised.
Response from the owner:Thank you Wray, for your kind words! We're glad to hear you had a great experience and that everything was on time.
I would like to have a receipt for my payment which I did not receive. On a positive note he was very punctual very early actually he did his job and was very professional and I'm hoping and praying this took care of the issue thank you and I would not hesitate at this time to use your services
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mark, for your feedback and for highlighting the punctuality and professionalism of our team; we appreciate your support and will ensure you receive your receipt promptly.

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.