As the mountain air turns crisp and winter officially moves into the High Country, homes in and around Sparta begin relying heavily on their heating systems. But cold weather brings its unique challenges: cast-iron radiators, heat pumps facing low overnight temps, hidden drafts, and the increased cost of lost heat. At Billings Heating & Cooling, we’ve put together what smart homeowners should check now to keep their homes comfortable, safe, and efficient — without waiting for the first morning when “it’s freezing in here.” 1. Beware the Overnight Drop In the Sparta area, clear nights mean grey-to-blue skies and rapid temperature drops. Your heating system may run fine during the day, but it’s often the overnight low that shows its weaknesses: unfinished attic spaces, leaky ductwork, or even smaller issues like thermostat placement can become dramatically more noticeable. Tip: After the sun goes down, use a thermometer in the coldest room in your home. If it drops significantly below your set point, your system may be short-cycling, or heat loss may be happening elsewhere. 2. Heat Pump? Don’t Assume “Winter Means Furnace” Many homes now use heat pumps in the High Country for year-round comfort. But when temps fall into the 20s or even teens, the system’s efficiency and capacity change. Frost can build on the outdoor unit, and if defrost cycles aren’t running properly, you may end up colder inside. Checklist item: Ensure your outdoor unit is clear of snow/ice, still has 2-3 ft of clearance, and consider scheduling a service call to verify the defrost cycle and refrigerant charge. One cold morning door that opens late can make a big difference. 3. Hot Air is Great — But Don’t Ignore Humidity As heating runs more often, indoor humidity tends to drop — and dry air can bring its own problems: cracked hardwood floors, static shocks, and even sinus irritation. But high humidity in a cooler home also means your system is working harder than it needs to. Smart homeowners do this: Add a hygrometer in a central room. Aim for 35-45% humidity during heating season. If it’s under 30%, consider a small humidifier; if it’s over 50%, look for hidden moisture sources (crawl spaces or foundation leaks) or ask about system balancing. 4. Optimize for “On” but Also for “Off” In winter, a heating system often runs longer, but there are still times when it should not run — such as when you’re out of the house, the sun is shining on a cold day, or the upstairs zone is overheating while the main floor is fine. Tip: Consider switching your thermostat fan to “Auto” instead of “On” to reduce unnecessary air circulation, or enable a programmable/ smart schedule where the set point drops modestly when you’re away. This can save money and reduce strain on the system — especially when cold weather bumps up runtime. 5. Safety First: Drafty Spots May Mask Hidden Issues That cold breeze at the baseboard, the persistent chill by a certain door or window, the hesitation when the system kicks on — these can all be signs of bigger issues: unbalanced ducts, a blocked return, or reduced efficiency in older systems. Best move: After your heating system has warmed the home, walk around with a thermal gun (or your phone camera in “heat” mode) and look for cold spots in the ceiling, attic access, or basement/foundation areas. If one room is frequently colder, have Billings Heating & Cooling check the airflow, damper settings, and insulation. Why Billings Heating & Cooling Is Your Cold-Weather Partner Based in Sparta and familiar with Alleghany County’s unique winter patterns — cold, often clear nights followed by deep valley dips. Full-service heating team — from furnaces and heat pumps to routine maintenance and emergency responsiveness (yes, we offer 24/7 service). Trusted equipment brands and expert diagnostics so you won’t be caught off-guard when temps drop. Veteran-friendly business giving discounts and always ready to support the local community. Don’t wait until your system fails on the first real cold morning. A few small checks now — thermostat settings, outdoor unit condition, airflow balance, and humidity level — can prevent discomfort, surprise energy bills, and emergency service calls later. If you’d like a professional tune-up, call Billings Heating & Cooling at 336-372-4790 and schedule your winter-ready inspection today. Stay warm and stay ahead — we’re here to keep your comfort consistent through every frost.

As the leaves change and cooler air rolls into the Blue Ridge Mountains, homeowners in Sparta, NC start shifting their attention from air conditioning to heating. But fall isn’t just a time to switch the thermostat — it’s the ideal season to give your HVAC system some attention. With mild temperatures and less demand on your heating and cooling equipment, autumn is the best time for maintenance, upgrades, and energy-saving adjustments that set you up for comfort all winter long. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait for the first cold snap to think about your HVAC system. 🌡️ 1. Ideal Weather for Maintenance & Repairs Fall’s moderate temperatures make it easier to schedule and complete HVAC work without rushing. Technicians can thoroughly inspect and service both your heating and cooling components while the system is under less strain. Routine fall maintenance typically includes: Cleaning and inspecting coils, blower components, and electrical connections Checking and tightening ductwork for leaks Verifying thermostat function and calibration Lubricating moving parts to prevent wear Ensuring your furnace or heat pump is ready for cold weather A small tune-up now can prevent mid-winter breakdowns, when repair demand is higher and scheduling can be tougher. 💨 2. Transition Season = Efficiency Opportunity During fall, your HVAC system may switch between heating, cooling, and fan modes as temperatures fluctuate from day to night. This constant switching can waste energy if your system isn’t operating efficiently. Some simple adjustments that make a big difference: Install or reprogram your smart thermostat to match fall’s temperature patterns Use “auto” fan mode strategically to circulate air during mild days Seal any duct leaks that can cause heated or cooled air to escape Replace dirty air filters to improve airflow and reduce system strain Optimizing your system during this “off-peak” season means you’ll enter winter with less energy waste and lower monthly bills. 🛠️ 3. Perfect Timing for System Upgrades If you’ve been considering replacing your HVAC system or adding accessories like smart thermostats, air purifiers, or zoning controls, fall is the ideal time to do it. Why? You’re not in an emergency situation, like a mid-January furnace failure. Installers have more scheduling flexibility, so you can plan around your calendar. You can take advantage of off-season promotions or rebates on high-efficiency systems. Upgrading in the fall ensures your home is fully prepared for whatever winter throws your way. 🌬️ 4. Improve Indoor Comfort Before Winter Sets In In the Sparta area, winters can bring cold snaps and strong mountain winds. Taking care of your HVAC system in the fall gives you a chance to address comfort issues — like uneven heating, slow warm-up times, or airflow problems — before they become winter headaches. For example: If certain rooms are always colder, your ductwork may need balancing or sealing. If your system takes too long to heat, a fall inspection might reveal worn parts or airflow restrictions. If your thermostat isn’t accurately reading temperatures, recalibration or an upgrade can solve that quickly. Addressing these issues early leads to a cozier, more efficient winter. 📅 5. Scheduling Is Easier & Service Is Faster Spring and fall are traditionally the least busy times for HVAC service companies. That means: You can get your preferred appointment times Technicians can spend more time on your system without the mid-season rush You can complete non-urgent upgrades without delays Billings Heating & Cooling’s fall maintenance appointments fill up quickly — but it’s still much easier to schedule now than in the peak of January. 🧰 What’s Included in a Billings Fall HVAC Tune-Up A professional fall tune-up from Billings Heating & Cooling typically includes: Full heating system inspection Filter replacement or cleaning Ductwork check for leaks or insulation gaps Thermostat testing and recalibration Efficiency recommendations specific to your home This proactive service keeps your system running smoothly and can help extend the lifespan of your equipment. 🏠 Set Your Home Up for a Warm, Worry-Free Winter Fall isn’t just pumpkin spice season — it’s HVAC season, too. By taking advantage of the mild weather and lower service demand, you can maximize energy efficiency, improve comfort, and prevent winter breakdowns. 👉 Contact Billings Heating & Cooling today to schedule your fall HVAC tune-up or system upgrade consultation. Let’s get your home ready for the colder months ahead. Check out our maintenance service page to learn more!