FAQs

Q: What types of preventative maintenance I can do myself?

A: There are a number of things that you can do yourself to ensure the optimal operation and efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Here are a few:

• The air filter in your furnace or fan coil should be inspected every 3 to 4 weeks. A dirty filter will cause your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump to work harder than necessary and will decrease the effectiveness and increase energy consumption.  
• If your indoor coil is accessible you should clean the top and underside using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a soft brush attachment. Make sure the coil is dry before cleaning for maximum effectiveness. If the coil is not completely accessible you may need to call a professional to perform the cleaning.  
• Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of dirt and debris. You should also check the base pan under the unit to ensure that grass clippings, leaves and other material has not collected to ensure the unit drains properly.  
• Make sure your outdoor unit is level. Units may become unlevel due to shifts in the ground beneath the unit resulting in incomplete draining.  
• Annual inspections of your heating unit are advised. If dirt, soot or rust are detected in the unit’s combustion or vent system call a professional to diagnose and repair any problems to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your unit.
• Humidifiers should be cleaned at the beginning of every heating season. You should consult your owners’ manual for complete instructions on cleaning in the interior and exterior components. The evaporator pad should be replaced annually. If the water in your area is high in mineral content you should consider employing a water softening unit or clean your humidifier more frequently