A Day in the Life at Foust Heat & Air

Good morning from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada! It’s 5:30 AM, and my alarm is already buzzing. As a service technician at Foust Heat & Air, early mornings are just part of the job—especially during peak seasons when reliable climate control becomes a necessity for our community members across Columbia, Sonora, and Jamestown.

6:00 AM: Morning Preparation

My day starts with a quick check of the schedule. Today’s lineup includes:

• A heater installation in Sonora
• Two maintenance calls in Columbia
• A furnace diagnostic in Jamestown

After reviewing the work orders and loading my service vehicle with the necessary parts and tools, I’m ready to head out. The early morning drive through the foothills is peaceful, and I use this time to mentally prepare for the day ahead.

7:30 AM: First Call – Heater Installation

My first appointment is a complete heating system installation for a family in Sonora. Their old unit finally gave out during the last cold snap, and they’re eager to have reliable heat again. These installations typically take 4-6 hours depending on complexity, but the satisfaction of providing comfort to our customers makes every minute worthwhile.

The process involves removing the old unit, preparing the space, installing the new system, connecting ductwork, and testing everything thoroughly. Clear communication with the homeowners is essential—I always explain how to operate their new system efficiently and answer any questions they might have.

12:30 PM: Quick Lunch Break

Between calls, I grab a quick lunch in my truck. The office team calls to check in and let me know about a potential emergency call that might be added to my schedule later. Flexibility is key in this line of work!

1:15 PM: Maintenance Calls in Columbia

The afternoon takes me to Columbia for routine maintenance appointments. These preventative service calls are crucial for keeping systems running efficiently and preventing unexpected breakdowns. During each visit, I:

• Check and replace filters
• Clean components
• Test electrical connections
• Ensure proper refrigerant levels
• Verify thermostat accuracy

One of the homeowners has been a Foust Heat & Air customer for over a decade. Building these long-term relationships is one of the most rewarding aspects of working for a local HVAC contractor in our tight-knit community.

4:00 PM: Furnace Diagnostic in Jamestown

My final scheduled stop takes me to Jamestown where a customer is experiencing intermittent furnace shutdowns. Diagnostics can be like detective work—listening carefully to the customer’s description of the problem, examining the system methodically, and drawing on years of experience to identify the issue.

In this case, I discover a faulty limit switch that’s causing the system to shut down prematurely. Fortunately, I have the replacement part on hand, and within an hour, their furnace is running smoothly again.

5:30 PM: Wrapping Up the Day

Before heading back to the shop, I complete my service reports, document parts used, and prepare invoices for the day’s work. Thorough documentation helps our office team with billing and provides a service history that can be valuable for future appointments.

Back at headquarters, I restock my truck with supplies and touch base with the team about tomorrow’s schedule. We take pride in being the go-to furnace company for Jamestown and surrounding areas, which means always being prepared for whatever the next day brings.

The Foust Heat & Air Difference

Working at Foust Heat & Air isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about being part of a team that genuinely cares about our customers’ comfort and safety. Whether we’re installing a new heating system in Sonora or performing routine maintenance in Columbia, we approach each job with the same level of dedication and professionalism.

As I drive home at the end of another fulfilling day, I can’t help but feel grateful to be doing work that makes such a tangible difference in people’s lives—especially during those cold Sierra Nevada winters when a reliable heating system isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety.

Until tomorrow!