People don’t want to be bothered with their furnace and air conditioning.  They just want them to work!  But with a little routine maintenance, homeowners can have just that – heating and cooling systems that run efficiently and a free of major issues.

Forced-air heating systems only require a small amount of attention to run efficiently.  Changing your furnace filter every month or two during heating season is the first step to take.  It’s also a good idea to have the circulating fan oiled once a year.  It’s best to call a professional to check the heat exchanger and to adjust the burner every year.

Boiler systems also require annual maintenance such as a filter change and cleaning/adjusting the jets.  This work is often best left to the professionals.

Air-conditioning units also need attention every year, typically at the beginning and end of each cooling season.  Make sure you clean or replace the filters.  For optimum performance, have a professional vacuum out the unit and lubricate the motor.

It’s best to schedule service calls before the start of heating or cooling season. Make a note on your calendar every April to schedule routine maintenance for both your A/C and your furnace.  If you can schedule your contractor to come in between seasons, you’ll get better attention and have more flexibility with scheduling the appointment.