As the warmest summer days fade and the mountains begin to cool, many Boone homeowners assume that their HVAC system can quietly slip into a lower-gear mode. But in fact, this transitional period is one of the most important opportunities for boosting comfort, indoor air quality, system efficiency — and for extending your equipment’s life. In this post we’ll explore why the “shoulder season” (between summer and full winter) matters in the High Country, and how you can make smart tweaks with help from Edmisten Heating & Cooling to get more from your system. Why the Transition Season Is Critical in Boone In the High Country, temperature swings become more common: mild days, crisp mornings, cool evenings. Your HVAC system must adapt from high-cooling loads to heating loads — and everything in between. Because you’ll likely have fewer “extreme” events (full blast AC or full blast heat), the system may run less, but inefficiencies become more visible (cold spots, stale air, higher standby energy use). Homes often shift in ventilation patterns: windows may be open sometimes, closed other times; ceiling fans may be in use; insulation and drafts begin to matter more. These changes affect airflow, humidity, and indoor air quality. If you skip optimization now, you may pay for it later when full heating season hits — either in higher bills, discomfort, or earlier component failure. Three Smart Moves Homeowners Should Consider Now 1. Balance Your Airflow for Mixed-Weather Operation Even when you’re neither fully cooling nor fully heating, good airflow is crucial. If you begin noticing rooms that are warmer than others, vents being closed, or odd circulation patterns (especially in multi-level or attic/crawl-space homes common around Boone), now is the time: Inspect fl­oor-to-ceiling temperature differentials and see if upstairs is lagging. Make sure supply vents are open and return vents aren’t blocked. If you have zones or a multi-level home, a quick balancing check can reveal if your system is forcing extra runtime. This step helps avoid hidden inefficiencies before they worsen in full winter. 2. Use Humidity & Ventilation Wisely Your system isn’t just about temperature — especially in transitional months, indoor air quality and humidity begin to matter more. In Boone: Cooler outside air can tempt you to crack windows, but humidity and allergens may still be present. If you’re closing your home more (windows, doors) you may trap stale air, particulate matter, or even excess moisture in basements/crawlspaces. Consider upgrading the filter, clearing debris in return ducts, and verifying that your HVAC fresh-air or air-exchange components (if applicable) are functioning. A system optimized now will pre-empt many comfort complaints later (musty smells, cold damp spots, congestion/air-quality issues). 3. Rethink Thermostat Strategy & Standby Efficiency When days are mild but evenings are cool, your thermostat and how the system is scheduled become powerful tools. Some ideas: Switch the fan mode to “Auto” instead of “On” so that the system only circulates air when needed. Program your thermostat to account for daytime warmth and evening cool: allow the system to “back off” during warmer afternoons and ramp when temps drop, rather than keeping constant set-points. If you don’t yet use a smart thermostat, this is a great time to consider one — operational patterns are less extreme now, so the system can “learn” efficiently and you maximize value. The result: less wasted runtime, longer component lifespan, and more consistent comfort. Why Boone Homeowners Should Choose Edmisten Heating & Cooling Local expertise: Boone’s terrain, elevation and seasonal swings present unique HVAC challenges — the Edmisten team understands them. Comprehensive comfort approach: They don’t just “flip the switch” for heating or cooling; they consider airflow, indoor air quality, thermostat/humidity interplay, and the whole-home system. Proactive mindset: By optimizing now, you avoid urgent repairs later when costs jump and service availability thins. Trusted history: With decades in the High Country, Edmisten is a known local resource for homeowners who want reliable, efficient systems and better comfort all year long. Ready to Get More from Your HVAC System? Don’t wait until full-on winter to find out something’s off. Contact Edmisten Heating & Cooling today at 828-264-0130 or schedule a visit online . We’ll walk through your system’s current condition, make the right tweaks for the transitional season, and help your home deliver better comfort, cleaner air — and lower bills.

As cooler weather settles into the High Country, many homeowners in Boone, NC are preparing their heating systems for the season ahead. If you’re considering a replacement or upgrade, one of the most common questions is: Should I choose a furnace or a heat pump? Both options can keep your home warm, but they work differently and have unique advantages. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we want to help you make an informed choice based on your comfort needs, home type, and budget. Furnaces: Traditional & Powerful Heating A furnace generates heat by burning fuel (usually natural gas or propane) or using electricity, then blowing the warm air through ductwork. Pros : Strong, consistent heat output — great for colder Boone winters Works quickly to heat larger homes Reliable with proper maintenance Considerations: Requires ductwork Gas furnaces need proper ventilation and regular safety checks Can use more energy compared to heat pumps during milder weather Heat Pumps: Efficient Year-Round Comfort A heat pump doesn’t create heat — it transfers it. In winter, it pulls heat energy from the outdoor air and moves it indoors. In summer, it reverses to provide cooling. Pros : Provides both heating and cooling in one system Highly energy-efficient, especially in moderate climates Lower monthly utility bills compared to electric furnaces Considerations : May struggle to keep up during extremely cold snaps in Boone Often needs a supplemental heat source (like a furnace or electric backup) Outdoor unit requires regular maintenance to stay efficient Which Is Right for You? Choose a Furnace if… you want strong, reliable heating power and don’t mind pairing it with a separate cooling system in summer. Choose a Heat Pump if… you want an energy-efficient, all-in-one system and are comfortable with the possibility of supplemental heat on the coldest mountain nights. Both furnaces and heat pumps can keep your Boone, NC home warm and comfortable this fall and winter. The best choice depends on your home’s setup, your budget, and how much efficiency matters to you. To learn more about some of the heat pumps and furnaces we carry and install here at Edmisten Heating & Cooling, check out our product pages. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we install and service both furnaces and heat pumps, and we’ll help you decide which system makes the most sense for your home. Call us today to schedule a consultation and get your home ready for the cooler months ahead.