February 4, 2026

DIY Winter Fixes vs Calling a Professional HVAC Company

Keeping your home warm during the winter is vital, but if there’s an issue preventing you from increasing the heat, you may want to fix it yourself instead of calling a professional HVAC company. While some winter maintenance fixes are minor and can be handled easily, there are other tasks that require a professional touch.

At Tindall & Ranson, we’re here to help you learn more about quick DIY winter fixes vs. when you need to call the professionals.

DIY HVAC Tasks

Changing the Air Filters

Changing your air filters is one of the easiest and most common tasks to do when it comes to your HVAC system. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, put strain on your system, and cause your energy bills to increase. It’s important to check your filters monthly during the winter.

Check Your Thermostat

It’s possible that you’re dealing with issues due to incorrect thermostat settings. Before picking up the phone, check to make sure that your thermostat is set to heat, programmed correctly, and has sufficient battery power.

Find & Seal Drafts

Drafts can be problematic, particularly during windy days with frigid temperatures. You can easily find these around doors and windows and use weather stripping or caulking to help close the gaps and help your home retain heat.

Protecting Your Pipes

If you have exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, like basements, garages, and crawl spaces, you may want to insulate them to help prevent them from freezing.

When it’s Time to Call a Professional HVAC Company

Heat Isn’t Being Produced

If your furnace isn’t producing heat and instead is blowing cold air, or cycling constantly, it could mean an underlying issue that requires a professional diagnosis.

Uneven Heating In Your Home

If there are cold rooms while others are toasty, it could be caused by issues with the ductwork, components that are failing, or even inefficiencies with the system. An HVAC technician can inspect the system, diagnose the issue, and provide a long-term solution.

Burst or Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are an emergency. If you try to thaw the pipes, they could potentially burst, resulting in severe water damage. A professional plumber is experienced and cautious with safely thawing pipes and can repair damage before the problem becomes more severe.

Weird Noises or Smells

If you hear unusual noises like grinding, banging, or squealing from your system, it could indicate a mechanical issue. If you smell gas or burning, it could be a serious issue that will need to be inspected by an HVAC technician immediately.

Let Tindall & Ranson Help You Stay Warm This Winter

If you encounter an issue that’s beyond the DIY and your experience level, let us know. Our team of skilled technicians are here to help detect and diagnose any issue, provide a solution, and help you keep your home warm and comfortable despite the winter weather outside.

Contact us if you’re dealing with an HVAC issue!