HVAC and Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Michigan Homes
Most homeowners do not think about their heating and cooling system until it stops working. A simple routine catches small problems before they turn into breakdowns, high bills or damage.
Use this checklist to keep your furnace, air conditioner and ductwork in good shape through Michigan's long heating season and humid summers.
Check filters monthly in peak seasons, keep registers clear, schedule professional heating and cooling service twice a year (spring and fall) and have the ductwork inspected so out-of-sight problems do not go unnoticed.
Monthly Checklist
- Check the furnace filter. Replace it when it is dirty or on the schedule the filter maker recommends. A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes the system work harder.
- Look at registers and return grilles. Keep them open and unblocked by furniture, drapes or carpeting, and wipe dust off their faces.
- Listen and look. Note new noises, odors, short cycling, water around the furnace or uneven temperatures between rooms.
Spring Checklist
- Schedule a pre-summer inspection and tune-up of the air conditioner.
- Clear leaves, debris and plant growth from around the outdoor unit.
- Replace the filter after the heating season.
- Check that the condensate drain and pump are draining properly.
- Spring is also a good time for air duct cleaning, after a winter of closed windows and constant furnace use.
Fall Checklist
- Schedule a furnace inspection and tune-up before the first cold snap.
- Test the thermostat and set a heating schedule.
- Replace the filter before the heating season starts.
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working.
- Have the dryer vent cleaned. Lint buildup is a fire risk and makes the dryer run longer.
Why Maintenance Pays Off: A Real Example
During an air duct cleaning, Safety King technicians found a leaking condensation pump on a homeowner's furnace. The leak had gone on long enough to rust out parts of the furnace and short out wiring, which led to improper operation of the unit.
As Marcus Palazzolo, a NADCA-certified Air System Cleaning Specialist, explained, the difference between preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance can be large. Regular service would likely have caught the leak early and saved the homeowner time, money and a headache.
A furnace leak is something a homeowner can see. Ductwork problems are out of sight, so unless the ducts are opened and inspected, issues can go on for a long time. Safety King inspects the ductwork on every job.
Do Not Forget the Ductwork
Furnace and air conditioner service usually focuses on the equipment. The ducts that carry the air are often skipped. Over time they collect dust, pet hair, construction debris and other buildup, and joints can separate or leak.
A duct system inspection shows the condition inside the ducts. Depending on what is found, air duct cleaning or Aeroseal duct sealing can restore airflow and efficiency.
For Commercial Buildings
Commercial HVAC systems have three main jobs: deliver conditioned air, return air and bring in outside make-up air. Keeping those jobs in balance requires a written preventive maintenance schedule for cleaning system components and checking airflow balance in each zone. Safety King provides commercial air duct cleaning and coil cleaning for building owners and property managers.
Coils Are Part of Maintenance Too
Dirty evaporator and condenser coils make the system work harder to heat and cool. Read How Much Do Dirty Coils Cost You? and learn about AC coil cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my furnace filter?
How often should a furnace and air conditioner be serviced?
Is furnace maintenance worth it?
Should ductwork be part of HVAC maintenance?
Add Your Ductwork to Your Maintenance Plan
Safety King inspects and cleans duct systems for homes and businesses throughout Southeast Michigan. Call 1-800-AIR-DUCT or schedule service online.
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