When you are in the market for a new HVAC system, the options can be overwhelming. There are so many different brands, models, features, and sizes for you to choose from. It could take hours to research different furnaces. 

However, you can also rely on the professionals at B&L Ott near Reading, PA for help to make the process much more simple. We can help you find the best solutions for your Berks County home and family. One furnace you may be interested in is the Trane S9V2 featuring a 2-stage, variable speed furnace. Read on to learn why this Trane model is a system to consider. 

Basic Features

• 34” x 17.5” x 28.75” (width differs for larger models)
• 96% efficiency rating
• Vortica II™ variable-speed blower motor
• Comfort-R™ enhanced dehumidification mode
• Convertible to horizontal left

Time for an Upgrade

Whether you want to upgrade your current system or replace an aging one, the Trane S9V2 can be a great fit for you. With some of the latest HVAC technology and features, the Trane S9V2 can benefit your home in a variety of ways. It is durable, reliable, quiet, efficient in both heating and cooling, and can work in almost any Berks County home. 

The big upgrade is the variable speed fan. It can help you even out the temperature in your home during both the heating and the cooling season. The fan can create more airflow to push the conditioned air to the upper levels and the outer corners of your home to give you an upgrade in comfort. 

Two-stage Heating

The Trane S9V2 has two-stage heating to help you resolve issues with uneven heating. It turns on initially at 2/3rds the capacity and runs longer cycles to blow out warm air over a longer period of time. This means it circulates the air more thoroughly and provides you with an evenly heated home as well as improved comfort. It can even out temperature differences of 10 degrees, down to about 3-4 degrees. 

Fuel Source and Installation

The Trane S9V2 is set up to run on gas. However, if needed B&L Ott can help you convert it to run on liquid propane with a specific kit that is manufactured by Trane. 

It is also worth noting that it vents via PVC. Therefore, a spot will need to be found to run the vent outside during installation. 

Maintenance

Your furnace should receive maintenance 1-2 times per year with B&L Ott. Doing so allows you to catch small issues before they turn into major issues. Even a new system should receive regular maintenance as it can help you get the most out of your Trane S9V2 furnace. 

Natural gas and liquid propane burn cleaner than most fuels. This helps avoid issues caused by dirt, but once again, it is still important to ensure your system receives regular maintenance from B&L Ott. Doing so allows you to uphold your warranty and protect your investment. 

Reliability

There are many two-speed, variable-speed furnaces on the market. Almost every manufacturer makes them. Yet, no one can match the quality and reliability of a Trane. On top of that, Trane has a lifetime warranty on heat exchangers to back that up. The Trane S9V2 was designed by both engineers and technicians that actually work in the HVAC field. This has enhanced both product serviceability and longevity. 

Contact B&L Ott to Have One Installed 

Do you think the Trane S9V2 sounds like a good solution for your Berks County home? Contact the professionals at B&L Ott to learn more or to schedule an installation. You can do so on our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. With a Trane S9V2 installed by B&L Ott, you are sure to have a dependable furnace that keeps your family warm all winter long. 

When it comes to your Berks County home, your HVAC system likely consumes one of the largest portions of your budget. With this in mind, you want to look for ways to save as much as possible. However, you also want your family to be as comfortable as possible. In the winter, this generally means turning up the heat. 

So, what is the best way to balance savings and comfort? Below you will find some recommendations for winter HVAC settings as well as other helpful tips from B&L Ott near Reading, PA. However, you can make adjustments if you would like and do what works best for you and your family. 

Temperature 

When Your Family is Home and Awake

When it comes to temperature, it is a good idea to shoot for 68℉ while your family is at home and awake. This temperature is generally high enough to keep your family comfortable, but low enough to help you conserve energy. However, if your family is cold and you are willing to spend a bit more, you can turn it up a few degrees. On the other hand, if you can stand it being a bit colder and want to save more, you may want to turn the temperature back a bit. 

If you do adjust the temperature, just be sure not to turn it up or down too much or too often as this can waste energy. Even just a few degrees can make a significant difference in both comfort and energy usage. 

When Your Family is Away or Asleep

During the night or while no one is home, it is a good idea to turn your thermostat back a few degrees. If you leave your thermostat at your preferred temperature while no one is home, you waste energy. You pay to warm air that no one is home to enjoy. On the other hand, if you turn your thermostat back a little bit, you can save some energy and lower your utility bills a bit. 

Once again, it is important to note that you shouldn’t turn your thermostat back too much or too often. If you turn it back too much, your home may lose too much heat while you are away. Then you will end up spending extra energy to get your Berks County home back to your preferred temperature anyway. Turning it back a few degrees for about 8 hours a day is a good starting place. 

Programmable Thermostats 

Another convenient option you may want to consider is having B&L Ott install a programmable thermostat for you. A programmable thermostat allows you to create a schedule for your HVAC system to follow regularly. You can have it automatically turn back when your family leaves for the day and have it return to your preferred temperature right before you arrive home. You will rarely have to touch your thermostat again. Contact B&L Ott to learn more or to schedule an installation.  

Home Zoning

If your family has different temperature preferences, another option you may be interested in is a home zoning system. A home zoning system divides your home into sections via dampers in your air ducts. This gives you more control over where the air in your home goes. Therefore, if someone prefers warmer temperatures, you can direct the air to their room rather than heating the entire house to that temperature. 

Humidity 

Humidity can also play a significant role in your comfort. If the air is too humid, you will feel sticky and sweaty. One the other hand, low humidity can dry out your skin. This can make you feel itchy, and leave you more susceptible to colds. 

The humidity that is right for your home can depend on a lot of variable such as where you live, how well your home is insulated, ventilation, and more. However, a good relative humidity for most homes in Berks County is somewhere between 40% – 50%. If you need help controlling the humidity in your home, talk to the professionals at B&L Ott. If need be, we can help you install a whole-house humidifier.  

Contact B&L Ott with Any Questions

If you have any questions, would like to learn more, or want to schedule a service from B&L Ott, you can contact us here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. We will help keep you and your Berks County family comfortable this winter in and all year round.

Your HVAC system accounts for a large chunk of your energy bills. If there is an issue with your furnace, it can cause your utility bills to climb even higher. On the other hand, if you keep your system well-maintained and take extra measures to make your home more efficient, you can save energy and your money. B&L Ott can help you accomplish this task. Check out the tips below to improve your HVAC efficiency and contact B&L Ott near Reading, PA if you need more help. 

Use a Programmable Thermostat

One of the best ways to save energy is to have B&L Ott install a programmable or a smart thermostat for you and then to use it. When you have a programmable thermostat, you barely have to touch your thermostat. All you have to do is set a schedule once and then the thermostat will continue to follow that routine until you change it. 

If you want to save energy, you can program your thermostat to turn back during the day while no one is home and have it return to a comfortable temperature right before you return. Just turning your furnace down a few degrees during the day can make a significant impact. It is worth noting that you should not turn your thermostat down too far. If you lose too much warm air, your furnace will have to work harder to replace the lost heat and use the extra energy anyway. 

Check Your Filter and Air Flow

A clogged filter or dusty air ducts can block the air and prevent it from entering your Berks County home. When this happens, your furnace compensates by staying turned on earlier and using more energy. This decreases your HVAC system’s efficiency and costs you more. Be sure to change your filter regularly and have B&L Ott clean your air ducts every 8-10 years to help avoid these issues. 

You will also want to make sure your air vents are not blocked by furniture and that your ceiling fan is rotating the right way. During winter they should slowly rotate clockwise to help evenly distribute the air in your home. 

Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated

There are many places in your home that warm air can leak out of during winter. Some of the main places include the doors, windows, attic, and basement. If you want to save energy and keep your home running efficiently, be sure to invest in good windows and doors that are properly sealed. You will also want to properly insulate your attic and basement if they are not connected to your HVAC system. Curtains or blinds can also help you keep the warm air in. 

Let the Sun Warm Your Home During the Day

While winter is usually cold and you want to keep your doors and curtains closed, there is a warmer day every now and then. If the sun shines in and it feels warm, try opening your curtains or main door (if you have a screen door) and let the sun naturally warm your home. It’s free and more energy-efficient. 

Schedule Maintenance with B&L Ott

Over time, wear-and-tear can take a toll on your furnace. Eventually, parts can become damaged or break completely. When this happens, it will decrease your efficiency and it can take a toll on your other parts as well. However, if you schedule maintenance with B&L Ott twice per year, you can keep your HVAC system clean and good shape. This way it runs efficiently and saves you more money over time.  

Upgrade Your Old System

How old is your current HVAC system? Is it in good shape or has it been needing more repairs lately? If your system is at or near 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer systems are more efficient and can help you save more over time. If you need help figuring out if you should replace your current system and what new system to replace it with, B&L Ott can help. Contact us to learn more about our System Replacement Planning services. 

Contact B&L Ott for More Help

If you have any questions or need more help making your Berks County home more energy-efficient, contact B&L Ott. You can do so on our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. We look forward to helping you keep your family comfortable and your home running smoothly.

It can be fairly easy to neglect maintenance on your furnace. Life gets busy and your HVAC system is likely hidden away in your home. Therefore, unless there is a major issue, you likely don’t think about it much. Yet, it is very important to ensure your HVAC system receives proper maintenance. Otherwise, you will eventually run into one or more of the issues below. 

Fear not, however, as B&L Ott in Berks County is here to help. We can help you keep your system in tip-top shape with our Preventative Maintenance service and we can help you repair your system when necessary. 

Poor Indoor Air Quality

If your furnace doesn’t get a filter change and a proper cleaning from B&L Ott on a regular basis, it will begin to get very dusty. This can lead to poor air quality. When a filter gets clogged, it loses the ability to trap dust particles and other pollutants. Then this dust cycles through your system and out into your Reading area home. 

If your home is very dusty, you may notice your family sneezing often and having trouble breathing, especially those with respiratory issues. If you want to keep your family healthy and breathing easily, contact B&L Ott 1-2 times per year for preventative maintenance. 

Lack of Comfort

When your system gets too dusty, the debris will block the airflow into your home. This means that the air will likely not be able to reach all areas of your Berks County home. In this case, you may notice warm and cool spots throughout your home. Therefore, it is important to change your filter regularly and ensure your system gets cleaned by the professionals at B&L Ott. You may also want to consider our duct cleaning service if your air ducts have not been cleaned within the past 10 years. 

Less Efficiency and More Spending

As mentioned above, excess dust within your HVAC system can block the air from traveling through your ducts. To compensate, your furnace will run longer to try and reach your desired temperature. This makes your HVAC system less efficient and causes your utility bills to rise as your system uses more fuel. While maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, regularly calling B&L Ott for preventative maintenance will save you more in the long run. 

Breakdowns

If your furnace is working overtime and your system is dirty, it can cause more frequent breakdowns. The dust, as well as the increased wear-and-tear, will damage the sensitive parts of your HVAC system. Eventually, your system will break down and you will need to call B&L Ott for an emergency repair. B&L Ott will help you get your system back up and running as soon as possible, but it is best to avoid breakdowns in the first place by scheduling regular maintenance. It is also worth noting that frequent breakdowns can decrease the life expectancy of your furnace. 

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

When you schedule preventative maintenance from B&L Ott near Reading, PA, we will inspect your system for damage and repair the damage if necessary. This helps protect your family from threats like carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Depending on levels and the length of exposure, carbon monoxide can prove fatal for you and your family. Help keep your family safe by buying a carbon monoxide detector and by ensuring your furnace receives regular maintenance. 

Need Help from B&L Ott? Contact Us Now! 

If you need any kind of help with your HVAC system, B&L Ott would be happy to help. You can schedule our service through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. Alternatively, you can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. By ensuring your HVAC system is well maintained, you can help keep your family safe and healthy.

You may not think about your air ducts often, but they can significantly affect your HVAC system and Berks County home in a variety of ways. While most homeowners tend to focus on their furnace and air conditioner, it is also important to maintain your air ducts. Below you will find three ways the status of your air ducts can affect your home and HVAC system. Then you will also find three B&L Ott services that can help you keep your air ducts in good condition. 

Air Quality

When the air is clean, it smells fresh, it is easier to breathe, and your family generally seems healthier. On the other hand, dirty air smells funny, is harder to breathe, and can cause breathing issues. You may notice your family sneezing, coughing, and wheezing when the air is dirty. This is because pollutants irritate their respiratory system. With this in mind, it is important to keep your air clean. This includes your air ducts as they are the transport system for the air in your home. 

Efficiency

When it comes to your HVAC system, efficiency is one of the main goals. The more efficient your system is, the less energy you use. This also means lower energy bills. Keeping your unit running efficiently can also help extend its life expectancy. 

With all of this in mind, you should pay attention to how your air ducts affect your entire HVAC system’s efficiency. If your air ducts are dirty, the debris can block the airflow into your home and cause your furnace or air conditioner to run longer. Also, if your ducts are damaged, they can leak and cause similar issues. 

Home Comfort

As mentioned above, if there is debris in your air ducts, it will block the airflow into your home. Along with efficiency, this can also affect the comfort of your Berks County home. If the conditioned air your HVAC system produces gets stuck in your air ducts, your home will not be heated thoroughly. In this case, you may notice warm and cool spots throughout your home. It is important to make sure your air ducts are clear and that your vents are not blocked. Doing so will help keep your home comfortable. 

How B&L Ott Can Help

Here are three ways B&L Ott can help you keep your home clean, comfortable, and running efficiently. 

Preventative Maintenance

Scheduling preventative maintenance with B&L Ott helps keep your HVAC system clean and gives you a chance to catch small issues before they turn into costly problems. If we notice any problem with your air conditioner, furnace, or air ducts while inspecting your system, we will inform you and repair it with your permission. We recommend scheduling maintenance two times per year to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.  

Duct Cleaning

To promote proper airflow, your air ducts should be professionally cleaned every 8-10 years. Be sure to use a professional HVAC contractor as only they have the proper tools to get the job done properly. For instance, B&L Ott uses the Air Scrubber Plus®. It can clean up to 99.9% of the harmful contaminants in your Berks County home. Once you have B&L Ott clean your air ducts you will likely notice cleaner air and improved efficiency. 

Repairs

Finally, if your air ducts are leaking or have been damaged, B&L Ott can help repair or replace them for you. This way, your HVAC system can run efficiently and you won’t have to waste energy when warming or cooling your home. If you would like to schedule any of B&L Ott’s services, you can do so here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call us at 610-816-6026. We will help you keep your Reading area home running efficiently. 

When it comes to heating and cooling your Berks County home, you have multiple options to choose from. One of those options is a heat pump. You may have heard about heat pumps, and are looking to learn more about them. If that is the case, B&L Ott near Reading, PA is here to help answer all of your questions! 

What Is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an HVAC system that can both warm and cool your Berks County home. There are three main types of heat pumps. This includes air source, water source, and geothermal. Heat pumps work by collecting heat and transferring it either into your home to warm it or out of your home to cool it. There is always heat present in the air, even if it feels very cold. Therefore, a heat pump can always work. However, it is worth noting that heat pumps are less effective or efficient in extreme temperatures. 

How Is It Different From a Furnace?

A furnace burns fuel to create heat and then distributes it throughout your home. Instead of burning fuel, a heat pump simply collects heat that already exists in the air and transfers it where you need it to go. Also, unlike a furnace, a heat pump can cool your home in the summer. 

How Do I Know If I Have One?

Both a heat pump and a furnace look similar. Therefore, it can be tricky to determine which type of system you have. If you want to determine what you have, try looking at the system to see if it says heat pump. You can also consult your owner’s manual. Another task you can try is turning the heat on at your thermostat, then checking your outdoor unit. If it is running, then you have a heat pump. If you still aren’t sure, call the professionals at B&L Ott for help. 

Are They Efficient?

Similar to furnaces, some heat pumps are more efficient than others. It all depends on what brand, type, and model you choose. Heat pumps are generally more efficient than furnaces, however, it also depends on what backup heating source you choose, if any. 

Do I Need a Back-Up Source of Heat?

You can install a heat pump without adding a back-up heating source. However, in Berks County, we often have harsh winters as well as brutal summers. Therefore, it is recommended that you do add an alternative heat source. If you need help determining if and what to choose, consult a B&L Ott professional. 

What Maintenance Does It Require?

Even though a heat pump does not burn fuel and get dirty as quickly as a furnace, it does require regular maintenance. Regular and proper maintenance is the key to keeping your heat pump running efficiently. Be sure to schedule maintenance with B&L Ott 1-2 times per year. You should also change the filter and clean the area around your unit on a monthly basis. It is also important to read the manual to learn what else you need to do to maintain your particular heat pump. 

Which One Should I Get?

Everyone’s home and family are different. With this in mind, different sizes, brands, and models work best for different situations. You will also want to take SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor) ratings into consideration. SEER measures efficiency during the cooling season and HSPF measures efficiency during the heating season. The best way to make sure you choose the right heat pump model for you is to consult B&L Ott in Reading, PA. 

If I Have A Furnace, Is It Difficult To Switch to a Heat Pump?

If you are considering switching from a furnace and air conditioner to a heat pump, the process is fairly easy in most cases. In general, heat pumps are the same size and can fit in the same area as your current furnace or air conditioner. They can also be connected to your existing air ducts. Just make sure everything is installed properly by choosing the right HVAC contractor. 

How Do I Get Started? 

If you would like to learn more or get started with selecting and installing a new heat pump, contact B&L Ott for a consultation. You can do so here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you keep your family comfortable all year round. 

Winter is right around the corner and in Berks County, this also means occasional snowstorms. With this in mind, you will want to make sure your furnace is ready to handle the weather and demand for extra heat. To help you do so, B&L Ott near Reading, PA has compiled this list of tips and tasks to help you ensure your furnace is ready for a snowstorm. 

Inspection and Maintenance

One of the best ways to ensure your furnace is in good shape is to call on the professionals at B&L Ott. We have the knowledge and experience to know what to look for and how to fix any issues we may find. When you call on a B&L Ott technician to care for your furnace, you can have peace of mind that your furnace is safe to use and ready to run. 

Install a Replacement If Needed

One aspect you may want to consider before winter comes is whether or not your system should be replaced. If your system is nearing the end of its life expectancy, been needing more repairs, or having trouble warming your home, it may be time for a replacement. If you need help making a decision, choosing a new furnace, or installing a new furnace, the professionals at B&L Ott would be happy to assist you. 

Clear the Air Vents

If you want to ensure maximum comfort all winter long, check your air vents and make sure they aren’t blocked. When your vents are blocked by either furniture or dust, it will trap the warm air. Then you may start to notice uneven heating throughout your Berks County home. Ensure proper airflow by dusting off your vents and making sure no furniture is in the way. 

You may also want to consider having your air ducts cleaned by B&L Ott if they have not been cleaned in the past 10 years. All of these tasks together will help ensure your family is comfortable all winter long. 

Clear the Area Around Your Unit

If debris gets into your system, it can cause mechanical issues. Even if there are items around your furnace, it can prevent it from ventilating properly. Then you can run into more expensive repairs. With this in mind, you should clear the area around your unit. This way you can help ensure safety and help ensure that your furnace runs properly. 

Test Your Thermostat

You will also want to check your thermostat. Your thermostat is the controls for your entire HVAC system. Therefore, if there is something wrong with it, it can affect your entire system. Test your thermostat by getting another thermometer and seeing how the temperature compares. If there is more than a few degrees difference, you may want to call B&L Ott to have it inspected further. 

Make Sure You Have Enough Fuel

If you have an oil furnace, you will also want to check the levels and make sure that you have enough fuel to last through winter. You will also want to make sure the filter, burner nozzle, and heat-exchanger is clean. 

Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated

Ensuring that your Reading area home is properly insulated can help you ensure that the warm air your furnace creates stays in your home. Be sure to insulate your attic, basement, doors, and windows. Other than keeping your family warm, doing so can also help you save money on your energy bills. 

Consider Having a Generator Installed

Finally, you will want to make sure you can still keep your family warm even if the power goes out. With this in mind, you may want to consider having B&L Ott install a Generac Generator for you. There are few things more annoying than not having the power to complete your daily routine. Having a generator installed can help ensure that you can continue to do so even if the power goes out. 

If you would like to schedule maintenance with B&L Ott, need a repair, or want to have a generator installed, you can contact us through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. Alternatively, you can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. By taking steps to make sure your furnace is ready to run, you can have peace of mind this winter.

When fall rolls around, it is time to start thinking about your furnace. If your furnace is in good shape, you may only need to schedule some preventative maintenance from B&L Ott to keep in that way. However, if your furnace has been struggling lately, you may want to consider a replacement. 

Sometimes, though, it can be difficult to determine if you should replace your furnace or not. If you need help making your decision, let the professionals at B&L Ott near Reading, PA help you. Check out these helpful tips below, then call us if you need more help. 

Signs You Should Consider a Replacement

The first thing you need to know is how to tell if your furnace isn’t going to last much longer. Below are three main aspects to pay attention to. 

Poor Performance

When it comes to your furnace, one of the main goals is to maximize efficiency. Good efficiency helps you save your hard-earned money and helps ensure comfort for your family. If your furnace has been performing poorly lately (and you have been keeping up with maintenance), it may be a good sign that you should highly consider replacing your system this year rather than waiting a year. 

Major Issues

Outside of just poor performance, there are also other major issues you may want to pay attention too. This includes rust, erosion, leaks, strange sounds, and strange smells. If you have only experienced one major issue, your furnace may only need a repair. However, if your system has been experiencing more problems, it may be nearing a total system breakdown. 

Age

Most furnaces generally last about 15-30 years. However, each one has its own life expectancy. It is a good idea to keep the life expectancy in mind when deciding if you want to replace your furnace or not. If your system is nearing the end of its life expectancy, the decision can be rather simple. 

Consequences of Waiting

In many cases, you may find that the better option is to replace your system this year. It will give you peace of mind and ensure that your new furnace will be ready to keep your family warm this winter in Berks County. 

Safety

If your furnace is old, one of your main concerns should be safety. Older furnaces are more prone to issues that pose a risk to your family. For instance, carbon monoxide is one of the biggest threats. If your furnace leaks carbon monoxide, it can pose a serious or even deadly risk for your family. Along with carbon monoxide, there is also the potential of gas leaks or fires. 

Breakdowns

Yet another consequence of waiting till next year is the potential for a breakdown. No one wants their furnace to break down during the coldest days of winter. If your system is old and has issues, the chances of this happening are greater. While B&L Ott near Reading, PA offers quick emergency repairs, a breakdown can still be stressful. Replacing your system now rather than later helps you avoid a headache later. 

Price

While a repair is often cheaper than buying a brand new system, getting a repair and then a new system next year will cost you more in the long run. Not only is the repair extra money, but your old furnace is not as efficient as newer models. The money you can save over time on energy bills with a new more efficient system is significant. Therefore, talking to B&L Ott about replacing your furnace this year will likely provide you with more benefits. 

Contact B&L Ott for a Consultation

If you are still unsure about what you want to do, contact the professionals at B&L Ott in Reading, PA. We have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the best solutions. If you would like to schedule a consultation, you can do so here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. Alternatively, you can also call us at 610-816-6026. We will help you ensure that your family is warm and comfortable all winter long. 

October is finally here and that means it is time to start getting your Berks County home ready for fall. By completing a variety of tasks you can help ensure that your household continues to run smoothly throughout fall and winter. To help you remember some of the tasks you have to complete, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania has created this list of errands you will likely want to take care of. 

Store Your Summer Furniture and Tools

If you have nice patio furniture, pool toys, gardening tools, etc., you don’t want them to get buried in leaves or ruined by snow. Therefore, you will want to take the time to either cover them up or store them away. This way they will still be in good condition so you can use them next year. If you have a pool, don’t forget to clean it and get it ready to be closed as well. 

Inspect Your Home for Issues

We had a lot of rain and multiple storms this year. With this in mind, various parts of your Berks County home may have experienced wear and tear. It is a good idea to take a walk around your home and look for any damage. This way you can get it fixed before it gets too cold to work outside. 

Some specific items you may want to check are your roof for broken shingles, your doors, and windows for drafts, the siding of your house, your basement, and your attic. Be sure that these areas are properly sealed and insulated so your family can be warm and comfortable this winter. 

Clean the Gutters and Tend to the Garden

Next, you will want to clean up your gutters and garden. The leaves will start falling soon and they can clog your gutters, trap the water, and attract mosquitos. Be sure to clean your gutters regularly throughout this fall season. 

You will also want to take care of your lawn and garden. Rake the leaves regularly, and fertilize your lawn to help protect your lawn from the frost and snow. It is also a good idea to trim trees and bushes to keep them looking nice. Be sure to clear the area around your outdoor HVAC unit as well. You don’t want any debris falling into it and damaging the parts. Doing so will help you avoid an unnecessary emergency call to B&L Ott. 

Stock Up on Fall and Winter Supplies

You will also want to make sure you have enough fuel and supplies to last throughout the winter. If you have a fireplace or pellet stove, stock up on wood or pellets. If you need to schedule fuel delivery, do so. Many people will have the same idea during this time of year, so start stocking up on supplies now before it gets too busy. 

Prepare for Power Outages

Power outages are fairly common during fall and especially winter in Berks County. With this in mind, you will want to make sure you are ready. If you don’t have a generator consider having B&L Ott install a new one for you. This way your family doesn’t have to go without heat, light, or other necessities if your power goes out this winter. B&L Ott can help match you with the best option for your home size and family needs. 

Schedule Maintenance with B&L Ott

Finally, don’t forget to have HVAC system maintenance by B&L Ott. Doing so can help prevent costly issues, ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency, and give you peace of mind that your system will work when you need it to. When you call B&L Ott for maintenance, we will inspect, clean, and make any necessary adjustments to your system. We will also make repairs with your permission. 

If you would like to schedule maintenance with B&L Ott, you can do so here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. We will help you ensure that your HVAC system is ready for fall and winter so your family can be warm and comfortable. 

It can be rather easy to forget about your HVAC system. As long as it is keeping your family comfortable, you may not pay much attention to it other than touching the thermostat every once in a while. While you may get by paying minimum attention to your HVAC system, you are missing out on the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance and attention. B&L Ott in Reading, PA is here to help remind you of these benefits and help you keep your HVAC system running in tip-top shape. 

Improved Comfort

The main reason you got your HVAC system is for comfort. You want to be comfortable no matter how hot, cold, or humid it is in Berks County. When your system is well taken care of and receives professional maintenance from B&L Ott, it will work efficiently so your home is evenly heated or cooled. On the other hand, if you neglect maintenance, your system will begin to lose efficiency and you may notice problems such as poor airflow or damage.

You should contact B&L Ott at least two times per year for maintenance. Most customers choose to do so once before heating season and once before cooling season. 

Keep Your Family Healthy

Your HVAC system is also in charge of controlling humidity in your Berks County home. If moisture levels are too high or low, it can start to affect your family and your belongings. For instance, low humidity can cause dry skin and leave you more susceptible to colds or the flu. High humidity, on the other hand, will prevent your sweat from evaporating and leave you sticky and clammy. 

Poor humidity levels can also affect certain materials in your homes such as wood, leather, musical instruments, paintings, and more. The humidity in your home should generally be somewhere between 40-50%. It is important to keep an eye on your humidity levels so your family and home can be healthy. 

Fewer Repairs

When you leave your HVAC system go without maintenance, over time wear-and-tear and other outside sources will take its toll on your HVAC system. If left alone long enough, your system may even experience a total system shutdown. When you schedule regular maintenance from B&L Ott, however, you can get small issues repaired before they turn into costly problems. Doing so can save you stress down the road and give you peace of mind that your system will work when you need it most. 

Increase Lifespan 

When your system is working efficiently and only needs minimal repairs, it will have a better chance of reaching its life expectancy. Many HVAC systems that receive regular maintenance from B&L near Reading, PA often last longer than their estimated life expectancy. This means you get more for your money and have time to carefully plan for an eventual replacement. 

Save Money

When your HVAC system is running efficiently and only needs minimal repairs, you will save more money in the long run. The more efficiently your system runs, the lower your utility bills will be. Every bit you save adds up. Then you can spend your hard-earned money on more important matters, or on other devices that can help your HVAC run even more efficiently. Talk to a B&L Ott technician about installing a programmable thermostat or a home zoning system. 

Contact B&L Ott

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a B&L Ott service, you can do so on our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call us at 610-816-6026. With regular attention from you and professional service from B&L Ott in Berks County, your HVAC is sure to run efficiently so you can reap the benefits. You can help keep your family comfortable and healthy all year long.