Tips & Advice
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Need a new air conditioner? No worries—Smoky Mountain Heating and Air is here to walk you through it. Here are three simple steps to get you started:
Understand What You Need
Every home is different. The right AC depends on your home’s size, layout, and insulation. A professional assessment ensures your system isn’t too small or too powerful—it’s just right.Know the Basics of Efficiency
Look for units with a good SEER rating (that’s how energy efficient it is). Higher SEER = lower monthly bills. ENERGY STAR® models are always a smart choice.Think Beyond the Price Tag
It’s not just about the upfront cost. More efficient systems may save you money over time—and some even qualify for rebates or incentives. Ask us what’s available in your area!
Don’t know all of the details for HVAC? No problem—we make the process easy from start to finish. Call Smoky Mountain Heating and Air for expert advice and friendly support. Our team can visit your home to go through these steps and more to find the right system to keep you comfortable.
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Spoiler alert: Yes!
Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust automatically to save energy.
Control your home’s temperature from anywhere with your phone—perfect for unexpected weather swings.
Many models provide energy reports so you can track usage and find ways to save.
Not sure which smart thermostat works best with your system? We’ll help you pick and install the perfect one.
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Don’t wait until it’s freezing to notice something’s wrong.
Unusual noises (banging, rattling, or buzzing)? That’s not normal.
A spike in your heating bill without a change in usage could mean your system is working overtime.
Cold spots in your home or a thermostat that can’t keep up are both red flags.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, give Smoky Mountain Heating and Air a call before the chill sets in.
Troubleshooting
These are some basic items to check before having to place a call for service. If you can’t address the problem yourself call 828-274-7277 to get a service technician out to help you.
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Before you bundle up and panic, try these simple steps to troubleshoot the problem:
Check the Thermostat
Make sure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is set higher than the current room temp.
Replace the batteries if your thermostat has them.
Check your Fuel or Propane Level (if applicable)
If you have an oil furnace, check the level in the tank. You should have at least 8 inches of oil in the tank. If the tank is low or empty, call Asheville Oil to schedule a fuel oil delivery before calling for service.
If you have a propane furnace, check the percentage gauge on the propane tank. It should typically be 20% or more. If it is below 20%, there may not be enough gas pressure and you need a propane delivery before calling for furnace service.
Inspect the Air Filter
A dirty filter can block airflow and cause the system to shut down or blow cool air.
Replace it if it looks clogged or dusty.
Look at the Circuit Breaker
Your heating system might have tripped the breaker.
Check your home’s electrical panel and reset it if needed.
If it trips again, it may be another issue causing it that a professional needs to look at.
Make Sure the Vents Are Open
Closed or blocked vents can make it seem like your heat isn’t working.
Walk through your home and ensure all vents are open and unobstructed.
Listen for Unusual Noises or Smells
Strange sounds or burning smells could indicate a more serious issue. If you notice these, it’s time to call the pros.
Still no heat? Don’t worry—Smoky Mountain Heating and Air is just a phone call away. We’ll get you warm and comfortable in no time!
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Feeling the heat but your AC isn’t doing its job? Try these quick troubleshooting steps before calling for service:
Double-Check the Thermostat
Make sure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is set lower than the current room temp.
If it's battery-powered, try replacing the batteries.
Inspect the Air Filter
A dirty or clogged filter can block airflow and make your AC work harder—or not at all.
Replace it if it looks dusty or hasn’t been changed in a while.
Check the Circuit Breaker
Your AC unit may have tripped the breaker.
Head to your electrical panel and see if it needs to be reset.
If it trips again, it may be another issue causing it that a professional needs to look at.
Look at the Outdoor Unit
Clear away any leaves, grass, or debris blocking the unit.
If the fan isn’t spinning or you hear strange noises, that’s a sign to call in the pros.
Feel the Air Coming from Vents
If the air is warm, your system might be low on refrigerant or have a more serious issue that needs professional attention.
Still not cooling? Don’t sweat it—Smoky Mountain Heating and Air is ready to help. Give us a call and we’ll have you back to cool and comfortable in no time.
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If you notice water pooling around your indoor unit or a soggy ceiling near your HVAC system, your drain pan may be overflowing. Try these steps before calling for help:
Turn Off Your System
First things first—shut off your HVAC system to prevent further water damage.
Check for a Clogged Drain Line
The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line. Look for a PVC pipe near the indoor unit—if it’s full of water, that’s likely your issue.
If you’re comfortable, use a wet/dry vacuum to gently clear the line from the outside drain outlet.
Inspect the Drain Pan
Look for cracks or rust in the pan itself. If the pan is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Carefully remove standing water with towels or a shop vac.
Check the Float Switch
Many systems have a safety switch that turns off the AC when the pan fills. If this switch is faulty, your system might keep running and make the overflow worse.
Change the Air Filter
Restricted airflow from a dirty filter can cause ice buildup on coils, which later melts and overflows the pan. Swap it out if it’s dirty.
Still seeing water? No worries—Smoky Mountain Heating and Air is just a call away. We’ll get your system draining properly and prevent water damage before it gets worse.