The Right Way to Make the Switch: A ProSkill Guide
Phoenix homeowners know the drill: One day you’re running the AC at full blast, the next morning you’re reaching for the thermostat to switch on the heat. Making this seasonal transition correctly can save you hundreds in energy costs and prevent expensive repairs.
Since 2008, ProSkill Services has helped thousands of Phoenix families navigate Arizona’s unique seasonal transitions. As a family-owned business founded by brothers Tyler and Travis Ringe, we understand that homeowners want straightforward advice, fair pricing, and service done right the first time.
Here’s the truth: Switching from AC to heat isn’t just about flipping a switch on your thermostat. Done incorrectly, you risk damaging your system, wasting energy, and facing unexpected breakdowns when you need heat most.
Quick Facts: Phoenix's Heating Season
- Average First Heat Day: Late October to early November
- Heating Days Per Year: 70-90 days total
- Temperature Swings: Up to 40°F difference between day and night
- Energy Impact: Improper switching wastes 15-20% more energy
- Common Failures: 65% of heating problems stem from improper seasonal transitions
Your 10-Step Switching Checklist: From AC to Heat Mode
Follow this proven process our 50+ certified technicians recommend for every Phoenix home:
Step 1: Don't Rush the Switch
Phoenix’s October weather is notorious for 85°F afternoons and 50°F mornings. Constantly switching between heating and cooling stresses your system and wastes energy.
ProSkill Pro Tip: Wait until nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 60°F for at least three nights before making the permanent switch. Use blankets and layers for those few chilly mornings—your system (and wallet) will thank you.
Money Saved: $50-75/month avoiding unnecessary cycling
Step 2: Replace Your Air Filter FIRST
Your filter has been working overtime all summer, catching dust, monsoon debris, and allergens. A clogged filter forces your furnace to work 25% harder, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
Filter Selection Guide for Phoenix Homes:
Standard Homes
MERV 8 filters
Replace every 60-90 days
Allergy/Asthma
MERV 11-13 filters
Replace every 30-60 days
Pets in Home
MERV 8-11 filters
Replace every 30 days
Step 3: Test Your Heating System Before You Need It
Don’t wait for the first cold night to discover problems. Here’s how to properly test your heating:
1. Set thermostat to “HEAT” mode
2. Increase temperature 5°F above current room temperature
3. Listen for the system to kick on within 30 seconds
4. Check all vents for warm air flow (may take 5-10 minutes)
5. Note any unusual smells, sounds, or issues
6. Run for 15 minutes, then return to normal settings
What’s Normal: Slight burning dust smell for first 10-20 minutes (dust burning off)
Call ProSkill If: Burning smell persists, no heat after 10 minutes, unusual noises, or system won’t start
8,000+ homeowners trust us for honest assessments
Step 4: Check and Clear All Vents
Summer in Phoenix means closed vents in unused rooms, furniture rearrangements, and accumulated dust. Blocked vents create pressure imbalances that damage your system and waste energy.
Your Vent Inspection Checklist:
✓ Remove all furniture blocking vents (maintain 12″ clearance)
✓ Open ALL vents – closing them doesn’t save money
✓ Vacuum inside each vent with brush attachment
✓ Check for damaged or loose vent covers
✓ Ensure return air vents are unobstructed
✓ Remove any items stored on or near floor vents
ProSkill technicians always wear protective booties and leave your home cleaner than we found it.
Step 5: Inspect Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat needs reprogramming for heating season. Summer cooling schedules waste energy and money when applied to heating.
Optimal Phoenix Winter Settings:
Recommended Heat Settings:
- Wake (6am): 68-70°F
- Leave (8am): 62-65°F
- Return (5pm): 68-70°F
- Sleep (10pm): 65-68°F
Monthly Savings: $40-60
Smart Features to Enable:
- Auto-changeover (if available)
- 5-minute delay between cycles
- Filter change reminders
- Maintenance alerts
System Protection: Prevents short-cycling
Step 6: Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit
Even though heat pumps reverse operation for heating, your outdoor unit still needs attention. Phoenix’s dusty environment and monsoon debris can severely impact efficiency.
Quick Outdoor Maintenance:
– Clear 2-foot radius around unit of all debris
– Remove any tumbleweeds, leaves, or trash
– Trim back oleanders and desert plants
– Straighten bent fins with a fin comb (or call us)
– Check for pest nests or damage
– Ensure unit sits level on pad
DIY Time: 30 minutes | ProSkill Service: $79 with inspection
Step 7: Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. While modern systems safely vent this outside, any malfunction can be deadly.
CO Detector Requirements:
– Install within 10 feet of each bedroom
– Mount 5 feet above floor level
– Test monthly using test button
– Replace batteries twice yearly
– Replace detectors every 5-7 years
Warning Signs of CO Issues:
Yellow or flickering pilot light | Excessive condensation on windows | Rust on vent pipes | Soot around furnace
ProSkill offers professional CO testing with every heating inspection – your family’s safety is priceless.
Step 8: Check Your Ductwork for Summer Damage
Phoenix attics reach 150°F+ in summer, causing duct connections to loosen and insulation to degrade. Leaky ducts waste 20-30% of your heated air.
Visual Duct Inspection Points:
Look for disconnected or sagging sections
Feel for air leaks at connections
Check for pest damage or droppings
Note any damaged insulation
Step 9: Consider Humidity Control
Phoenix winters average 25-35% humidity—below the comfortable 40-50% range. Dry air makes you feel colder, forcing you to raise the thermostat and spend more on heating.
Benefits of Proper Humidity:
– Feel warmer at lower temperatures (save 3-5% per degree)
– Reduce static electricity and protect electronics
– Prevent dry skin, nosebleeds, and respiratory irritation
– Protect wood floors and furniture from cracking
Solutions: Whole-home humidifiers ($600-1,200 installed) | Portable units ($50-200) | Natural methods (houseplants, water features)
Ask about our up-front pricing—no surprises, ever!
Step 10: Schedule Professional Maintenance
While DIY maintenance helps, professional service ensures safety and efficiency. Our certified technicians catch problems you can’t see, saving you from winter emergencies.
ProSkill's Comprehensive Heating Season Tune-Up
5-star service at a fair price—done right the first time:
What We Check
- Heat Exchanger Examination
- Burner Inspection & Cleaning
- Electrical Connections & Controls
- Blower Component Check
- System Test & Calibration
- Gas Pressure & Pilot Light Assessment
What You Get
- Up-front pricing before any work begins
- Protective booties and drop cloths
- Energy-saving recommendations
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Priority service for members
- Fair, honest pricing always
Complete Furnace System Service Special just $79 (Reg. $149)
Common Switching Mistakes That Cost Phoenix Homeowners
Avoid these expensive errors:
- Switching too frequently: Flipping between heat/cool daily damages components ($200-500 repairs)
- Ignoring strange smells: “Burning” smell after 30 minutes indicates serious problems ($300-2,000)
- Cranking heat to 80°F: Won’t heat faster, just wastes energy ($50-100/month extra)
- Closing vents in unused rooms: Creates pressure problems and duct leaks ($150-400 repairs)
- Skipping filter changes: Restricts airflow, overheats system ($500-1,500 damage)
- DIY gas line work: Extremely dangerous and illegal (potential disaster)
- Ignoring pilot light issues: Yellow flame = carbon monoxide risk (life-threatening)
- Delaying maintenance: Small issues become major repairs ($100 fix → $1,000 replacement)
Energy-Saving Tips for Phoenix's Heating Season
Heating costs may be lower than cooling in Phoenix, but why pay more than necessary? These proven strategies can cut your winter energy bills by 20-30%:
Use Free Solar Heat
Open south-facing curtains during day, close at night. Free heating worth $30-50/month.
Lower at Night
Drop temperature 7-10°F while sleeping. Save 10% on heating for every degree.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Clockwise on low speed pushes warm air down. Feel 3-4°F warmer without raising thermostat.
The ProSkill Maintenance Membership Advantage
Join thousands of Phoenix families who never worry about seasonal transitions, breakdowns, or surprise repair costs.
2 Tune-Ups/Year
Spring AC & fall heating maintenance included
15% Off Repairs
Save on all repairs and service calls
Priority Service
Jump to front of line during busy seasons
No Service Fees
Never pay diagnostic or trip charges
Membership pays for itself with just one repair. Join today for $19/month!
Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace: Phoenix Switching Differences
Phoenix homes use different heating systems, and each requires specific switching procedures:
Heat Pump Systems
How It Works: Reverses refrigerant flow to extract heat from outside air
Switching Process:
– Simply change thermostat from COOL to HEAT
– System automatically reverses operation
– No pilot light or combustion concerns
– Check defrost cycle operation
Best For: Mild Phoenix winters
Efficiency: 200-300% efficient
Average Cost: $40-60/month winter operation
Gas Furnace Systems
How It Works: Burns natural gas to create heat
Switching Process:
– Change thermostat to HEAT mode
– Check pilot light (older units)
– Verify gas valve is open
– Test CO detectors before use
Best For: Quick, powerful heating
Efficiency: 80-98% efficient
Average Cost: $30-50/month winter operation
When to Call ProSkill Immediately
Some heating issues can’t wait. Call us immediately at (602) 354-2761 if you experience:
- Gas smell anywhere in your home (evacuate first, call from outside)
- Carbon monoxide detector alarm
- Electrical burning smell from vents or unit
- Sparking or electrical arcing
- Water leaking from furnace
- Complete system failure with elderly or infants in home
Available 7 days a week • No service charges • Text updates with technician photo
Frequently Asked Questions
When should Phoenix homeowners switch from AC to heat?
Wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay below 60°F for at least 3 nights. In Phoenix, this typically occurs late October to early November. Switching too early or frequently between modes wastes energy and stresses your system.
Is that burning smell normal when first turning on heat?
A dusty burning smell for the first 10-20 minutes is normal—it’s dust burning off the heat exchanger. However, if the smell persists beyond 30 minutes, is very strong, or smells like burning plastic or electrical components, shut off your system and call ProSkill immediately.
Should I close vents in unused rooms to save money?
No! This is a common myth. Closing vents creates pressure imbalances that can damage your system, cause duct leaks, and actually increase energy costs. Your system is designed to heat your entire home. Use a programmable thermostat for savings instead.
How often should I change my filter during heating season?
In Phoenix’s dusty environment: Standard homes every 60-90 days, homes with pets every 30 days, and homes with allergies/asthma every 30-60 days with MERV 11-13 filters. Check monthly and replace when visibly dirty.
What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter?
For optimal comfort and efficiency: 68-70°F when home and awake, 62-65°F when away, and 65-68°F while sleeping. Every degree lower saves 3-5% on heating costs. Use blankets and warm clothing before raising the temperature.
Do heat pumps work differently than gas furnaces when switching?
Yes. Heat pumps simply reverse operation—no combustion or pilot lights involved. Gas furnaces require checking pilot lights, gas valves, and CO detectors. Both need clean filters and clear vents, but gas systems require additional safety checks.
How much can I save with proper seasonal switching?
Proper switching and maintenance saves Phoenix homeowners 15-30% on heating costs—typically $50-100 per month. This includes optimal thermostat settings, clean filters, sealed ducts, and avoiding common mistakes like frequent mode switching.
Why Phoenix Families Trust ProSkill Services
Family Values, Professional Service
When brothers Tyler and Travis Ringe founded ProSkill in 2008, they had one goal: deliver honest, quality service at fair prices. Today, with 50+ certified technicians and 8,000+ five-star reviews, we’re proud to be Phoenix’s trusted home service provider.
8,000+ Reviews
Five-star service every time
Fair Pricing
Upfront quotes, no surprises
Family-Owned
Your neighbors since 2008
Done Right
First time, every time
