Your heating and cooling system works hardest during the coldest and hottest months. Regular maintenance helps it run efficiently, last longer and avoid emergency repairs when you need it most.
What you can do yourself
- Replace the air filter every one to three months, more often with pets or allergies.
- Clear leaves, grass and debris from around the outdoor unit. Keep about two feet of space around it.
- Make sure supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs.
- Test your thermostat and replace its batteries if it uses them.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if you have gas heat.
What a professional tune-up includes
An HVAC technician will usually:
- Inspect and clean burners or heat exchanger
- Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks
- Tighten electrical connections and test controls
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check the condensate drain for clogs
- Measure airflow and system performance
Many homeowners schedule a tune-up once a year for heating in the fall and once for cooling in the spring. Some companies offer maintenance plans that include both visits plus priority service.
Signs your system needs attention
- Uneven temperatures from room to room
- Strange noises such as banging, squealing or rattling
- Short cycling, where the system turns on and off frequently
- A sudden jump in energy bills
- A burning smell that does not go away after the first use of the season
Save energy this season
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to lower the temperature when you are asleep or away.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows.
- Have ducts inspected for leaks.
- Keep the filter clean so the system does not work harder than it needs to.
Repair or replace?
If your system is more than 15 years old, needs frequent repairs or uses an older refrigerant, it may be worth getting a quote for a new, more efficient system. Ask about rebates from your utility company and manufacturer promotions.
Keep reading: How to hire a contractor and the water heater replacement guide. Browse current home services deals.
