A winter maintenance checklist helps ensure your heating system is ready for high demand during the colder months. Without one, subtle signs your furnace isn’t working correctly can be missed. Dirt, leaks, and mechanical or electrical issues can lead to bigger problems. However, DIY and professional heating maintenance can avoid an emergency, furnace breakdown, or costly repair or replacement.

Below is a winter maintenance checklist that includes DIY tips and tasks a professional performs during an annual heater tune-up:

Home Heating Maintenance Checklist

It’s important to avoid disassembling or tinkering with your furnace. However, the following steps are safe for any homeowner to follow:

• Check the Filter: Generally, an HVAC filter should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, as a buildup of dust, dander, and other airborne particles can block airflow. A fresh filter can improve efficiency and reduce wear and tear on your furnace.
• Inspect the Pilot System: If your furnace has a pilot light, it can work only if the flame is lit. Turn off the power to the system and wait a few minutes so the gas has safely dissipated. Then, open the front cover and check the flame. If it’s out, press the reset switch and relight it by holding a match or lighter over the pilot light opening. 

Call a professional if the pilot light can’t be relit or the flame is yellow.

• Check the Flame Sensor: In a gas-powered furnace, the flame sensor registers when the gas valve is open, allowing the system to run. A malfunctioning sensor can affect temperature regulation, furnace safety, and energy costs. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, call a local heating contractor to clean or replace it.
• Test the Thermostat: To determine if your thermostat is working, set it to “Heat” mode and raise the temperature setting by 5℉ to 10℉. The furnace should quickly start up. If not, the thermostat may be malfunctioning or have faulty wiring and must be repaired. 
• Check for Gas Line Issues: The gas line should be inspected at least once a year. Start with the shut-off valve and check for any damage. A propane or rotten egg smell means you have a gas leak. Call for help immediately if there’s an odor or you hear a hissing sound.
• Inspect the Heating Unit for Leaks: A water leak from a furnace is a common problem, especially if you have a high-efficiency model. Leaks can originate from a clogged drain line, a damaged condensate drain pan, or a faulty humidifier. If it’s leaking, your furnace can be severely damaged. The problem can also lead to mold, so call a heating repair professional.
• Listen to Your Furnace: Call a repair company if the unit is making booming, squealing, clicking, and other strange sounds.

Non-Furnace Heating Maintenance Tips

Your winter maintenance checklist should go beyond your furnace. Here are various tasks that can help your heating system work more smoothly and efficiently:

• Check Air Vents: Clean any air vents clogged by dust or debris. Also, move any furniture, draperies, or boxes placed in front of a vent. Make sure all return and supply registers are open as well.
• Look for Duct Leaks: Inspect visible ductwork for signs of air leakage, such as holes, tears, and loose connections. Small holes can be sealed with mastic. Call a professional to handle more significant issues. 
• Seal Windows and Doors: Leaks from window and door frames can cause heat loss, strain your furnace, and increase energy costs. Light a candle near frames to find drafts. They can be sealed with caulking, plastic, or weatherstripping. You can also use heavier draperies or curtains to cover windows.
• Check/Improve Insulation: In The Bay Area, insulation should have an R-value of R38 if your attic is insulated or R49 if it’s uninsulated. Add insulation to any drafty areas and replace torn or missing insulating materials. You can cover pipes with tubular insulation to prevent freezing and bursting.
• Clean the Gutters: Check your roof gutters throughout the winter and remove any snow, ice, or debris. Melting snow can freeze in the gutters, blocking drainage and causing roof damage. This can lead to temperature control issues and water damage to your home and outdoor HVAC unit.

Schedule an Annual Tune-Up

A local HVAC contractor should inspect and service your heating system every fall. During an annual tune-up, they will follow a professional winter maintenance checklist that includes the following:

• Vacuum the Inside of the Unit: A technician has the knowledge and equipment to safely access internal components and clear dust and debris.
• Inspect Vent and Flue Pipes: Properly inspecting these and removing any obstructions prevents backdrafts and other hazards.
• Clean the Burners: Dirty burners must be removed and cleaned. Once reinstalled, clean burners contribute to more efficient heat transfer.
• Check for Gas Line Leaks: A gas leak can trigger a fire or explosion and expose you to toxic fumes. Inspecting gas lines ensures your furnace is safe to operate.
• Check/Adjust the Fan Switch: This ensures optimal air velocity, which impacts comfort and efficiency. The fan switch may need to be adjusted if you upgrade the air filter.
• Adjust the Pilot Light (If Necessary): The right setting avoids false sensor readings. Burners can also ignite more efficiently.
• Lubricate Bearings and Other Moving Parts: Lubricating internal components reduces friction and allows your furnace to operate more smoothly.
• Tighten Fan Belts and Pulleys: A heating technician checks fan belts and pulleys and tightens them if necessary, which prevents them from breaking and damaging other components.
• Inspect Wiring and Electrical Components: Loose connections are tightened, and damaged wiring is replaced to avoid furnace failure or a fire.
• Clean the Humidifier: If your heating system has a built-in humidifier, the contractor inspects and cleans it.
• Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The technician makes sure the alarms are working and replaces the batteries if necessary.

Schedule Heating Maintenance with Trio Heating, Air & Plumbing

We are a leading HVAC company in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our licensed technicians follow a comprehensive winter maintenance checklist to ensure your furnace is working properly. They take steps to improve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and increase equipment lifespan. TRIO is committed to delivering professional air conditioning and heating services and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Continue browsing to learn about what furnace cleaning costs. To schedule winter heating maintenance, book your appointment or call (415) 532-2984 today.

At TRIO, we’re committed to positively impacting our society every step of the way. Until now, we have relied on gas-powered vans for our technicians, but now TRIO is proud to be one of the leading HVAC companies with an entire fleet of Tesla vehicles, including the new Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model X vehicles!⚡💯

Investing in an all-electric vehicle service fleet will allow us to align with our mission of positively impacting the environment, along with our mission to plant a tree for every job we complete. 💪

Ignoring AC maintenance recommendations is a bad idea. Air conditioning specialists suggest having your system inspected, cleaned, adjusted and, if necessary, repaired annually to avoid problems. Your AC unit works hard to provide cool air, especially during the warmer months. It’s best to schedule routine air conditioning service before the heat sets in. If you don’t get AC maintenance before then, it increases the risk of the following issues:

Reduced Efficiency/Higher Energy Bills

Without regular care, reduced AC efficiency is a sure bet. The issues a technician would address can cause a unit to work harder, which uses more energy and raises utility bills. Professionals in the HVAC industry have estimated that efficiency can decrease up to 5% each year you skip AC maintenance. This means the unit will become increasingly more expensive to operate.

More AC Repairs

A lack of maintenance can lead to more frequent breakdowns, emergency calls, and repairs. These cost you money each time, not just to repair/replace worn components But also the cost of labor and other service fees. 

System cleanings, adjustments, and minor fixes help resolve issues rather than let them worsen over time. With a well-maintained unit, you can avoid most of the repairs you’d otherwise need. And, rather than spending money to fix your AC, you can save it for a home improvement or a vacation.

Shorter AC Lifespan

In addition to frequent repairs, skipping maintenance can lead to breakdowns that require replacing the unit much sooner. The more parts that wear out, the more inefficient the unit will become. Eventually, the entire system wears out prematurely. An AC with no maintenance may last 7 or 8 years. If well-maintained, it can last 10 to 15 years or longer, so you spend much less on AC equipment over time.

Decreased Cooling Performance

Long before an unmaintained air conditioner fails, it will continue running but become less effective at cooling your home. You might have to keep setting the thermostat lower to stay comfortable. Eventually, cold air may be hard to come by and the AC starts blowing warm air no matter the setting. Or, the temperature may fluctuate randomly and some rooms may be chilly while others are warm. These issues can occur for various reasons; AC maintenance usually prevents them.

Poor Indoor Air Quality 

Dirty air is another reason HVAC maintenance is necessary. Without routine service, your AC can get dirty quickly. Regular service includes cleaning various components so dust, dirt, and other pollutants don’t get into the air. Once they do, these can circulate throughout your home again and again. 

The contaminants in your airflow can include pollen, dust mites, chemicals from cleaning products, smoke, and volatile organic compounds from carpets, furniture, and other items. A lack of AC maintenance can also prevent the system from removing moisture, so increased humidity contributes to indoor air quality concerns, leading to anything from discomfort to allowing mold and germs to thrive.

Improved air quality is certainly a reason to follow your HVAC contractor’s recommendations. However, it must also be addressed between maintenance visits with the following:

• Replace air filters every 1 to 3 months
• Vacuum dust and pet dander regularly
• Open kitchen and bathroom vents
• Open windows to let a fresh breeze in
• Choose natural cleaning products

Clogged Air Filters

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause your AC to shut down. Changing or cleaning the filter, depending on the type, is one of the easiest AC maintenance tasks you can do. It is also among the most beneficial. 

A dirty filter not only increases strain on components, but the impacts of reduced airflow and performance can cause the coil to freeze, leading to melting water that can damage your AC and home. Other risks include mold, an overheated compressor, and broken coils.

Water Leaks

If the drain line becomes blocked, moisture the system has removed can back up and leak around your air conditioner. Water can damage your AC, furnishings, flooring, and the underlying framing. Fixing water damage is often expensive. It can also lead to extensive mold problems. Flushing the drain line and cleaning the drain pan doesn’t take long and can save you lots of time and money.

Refrigerant Leaks

If a hissing noise or chemical smell accompanies reduced AC performance, a refrigerant leak is likely. The leak will reduce refrigerant levels until the system can’t absorb heat and transfer it out of your home. It may also expose you to a toxic substance that can cause:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Breathing issues
• Loss of consciousness 
• Death 

Therefore, AC maintenance can save your life.

Dirty Air Ducts

Once dirt gets into air ducts, it can stick to surfaces, increasing friction and reducing airflow. Or, it can get blown around. Dust can collect on vents and blow into rooms, where it can be inhaled, settle on surfaces, or get sucked back into your HVAC system via return vents. 

Whistling noises are a sign of dirty air ducts. You’ll need a professional duct cleaning to address the problem. Otherwise, serious damage to the system can occur. Regular maintenance helps protect your ductwork and keep it clean.

Voided Warranty

Chances are, your AC manufacturer requires professional maintenance as part of its warranty terms. Skipping even one maintenance visit can void the warranty. You won’t realize the hassle this can cause until you have to pay out of pocket for a major AC repair. The cost of following AC maintenance recommendations is far less than dealing with this situation.

Schedule AC Maintenance with Trio Heating, Air & Plumbing

If you live in Santa Clara County or San Mateo County, you can trust Trio Heating, Air & Plumbing for high-quality annual AC maintenance. Our licensed professionals follow a detailed process to increase efficiency, equipment lifespan, and indoor air quality. Just a small investment each year ensures your comfort all season. From filter replacement to air duct cleaning, we can handle any maintenance task and ensure you get the most out of your cooling system. To schedule air conditioning maintenance, book service online or call (415) 223-5615 today. 

When it’s winter in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area, you probably don’t think about air conditioner maintenance. However, it’s a great time to schedule AC maintenance near you. We’ll explain why you should consider calling your local HVAC contractor for AC service and why they’d probably be happy to help.

If you listen to many HVAC professionals, you’ll hear a lot about the perks of scheduling spring AC maintenance. A spring tune-up ensures your air conditioning system is ready for peak demand during the summer. It also reduces the risk of cooling issues, breakdowns, and an emergency call to an HVAC company. But why wait until the spring? There’s no harm in getting annual maintenance over with in winter.

Here are some of the benefits of booking AC maintenance near The Greater San Francisco Bay Area now:

AC Contractors Have More Flexible Availability

The closer you wait until summer, the busier the company will be. Most people will schedule AC maintenance around the same time, so your options for an appointment date will be limited. If you request maintenance when there are fewer requests, the contractor may be able to send a technician at a more convenient time. This means they can work around your schedule, so there’s less stress involved in getting your AC tuned up.

It Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Scheduling AC maintenance in the winter means you can breathe easier earlier in the season. Even while not in use, the unit may accumulate dust and dirt. These will start circulating as soon as you turn the air conditioner on. 

Whether you’ve changed the air filter recently or not, a technician can find ways to improve indoor air quality and help your AC system run more smoothly. For example, they can talk about and give you time to consider duct cleaning. Or, they can install an air scrubber or whole-house purification system.

You Have Time to Plan AC Replacement

If you have an older AC unit, servicing it long before the cooling season lets a contractor weigh whether it’s worth keeping. Replacing an AC requires many considerations. Purchasing a new one in a rush when the old one fails can result in making poor decisions. To ensure you pick an AC that’s the right type, size, and efficiency for your home (and get it installed in time), you want to be proactive. The HVAC company can also help you weigh alternative options like a heat pump.

Maximize Your Savings on Energy Usage

Having your AC system cleaned, inspected, tuned up, and repaired (if necessary) now means it will run at peak efficiency starting the first day. Therefore, you can maximize your energy savings. Maintenance includes tightening loose parts and connections, lubricating moving parts, and clearing the space around the condenser. A technician can also provide duct cleaning and sealing and check for and address any electrical issues. 

On the other hand, waiting until halfway through summer for a tune-up can mean paying higher energy bills instead of saving money toward a vacation (or at least a good meal at a restaurant). 

Heat Pumps Require Biannual Maintenance

A heat pump provides heating and cooling, so it runs year-round. Therefore, the system requires maintenance in the spring and fall. But there’s no rule saying you can’t get it over with in winter. It can help lower your energy bills starting right away. 

And, if a technician finds any issues, they can fix them so your heat pump won’t break down anytime soon, nor will you be in for a surprise when you switch to cooling mode and realize the reversing valve isn’t working. A contractor can find a stuck or faulty valve and fix or replace it before you need cool air.

Should My AC Be Covered All Winter?

You don’t need to cover your AC for the winter. It’s better not to. The metal casing is not affected by snow or rain. Downsides to covering an AC, as some experts recommend, include moisture retention, mold, and rust. Small animals can also find it easier to nest inside the unit if it’s covered.

If you want to protect your AC with a cover, do so in the fall when leaves, twigs, and debris are more likely to fall on it and get inside. During maintenance, these will be cleared anyway, so there’s no reason to cover the unit for long. If you do, use an air conditioner cover and cover only the top.

Schedule AC Maintenance Near You with Trio Heating, Air & Plumbing

Homeowners in the The Greater San Francisco Bay Area area can depend on Trio Heating, Air & Plumbing for professional AC maintenance. Our team provides routine service to improve energy efficiency, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and ensure you are comfortable and benefit from good indoor air quality. We make sure your air conditioning system runs flawlessly when you need it the most. To schedule an AC maintenance appointment before the cooling season, book an appointment online or call (415) 234-4728.

The question, "Is HVAC maintenance necessary?" is a common one among homeowners. The simple answer is a resounding yes. Let's explore why it's crucial to maintain your heating and cooling systems and how neglecting this important task could lead to significant problems down the line. (more…)