HVAC and Fireplace Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

By Brandon Schramm, Service Manager at Comfort Solutions

As the seasons change, it’s important to ensure that your HVAC system and fireplace are in top shape. Regular maintenance not only keeps your home comfortable but also prevents costly repairs down the line.

Here are the best practices to follow to prepare your furnace, air conditioner, and fireplace for the colder months ahead.

No. 1: Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

Your furnace works hard in the winter, so it’s critical to make sure it’s running efficiently before the cold really sets in. At Comfort Solutions, we recommend a furnace tune-up through our Priority Plus Maintenance Plan.

This program includes two checkups a year—one for your furnace in the fall and another for your air conditioner in the spring.

• Why It Matters: A furnace that’s not regularly maintained can run inefficiently, driving up your energy bills. Worse, it might break down when you need it most. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected repairs and keeps your system running smoothly.
  
• What to Do: Contact a professional to inspect your furnace, check the gas valves, and ensure it’s ready for the colder months. Regular inspections keep your furnace working at peak efficiency.

No. 2: Don’t Forget About Your Air Conditioner

Even though your air conditioner won’t be used in the winter, now is the perfect time to ensure it’s ready for next summer. A spring tune-up will ensure that your system is in top condition for the warmer months.

• Why It Matters: Air conditioners, like furnaces, need regular maintenance to run efficiently. If left unchecked, small issues can turn into expensive problems when you fire it up in the spring.
  
• What to Do: Enroll in Comfort Solutions’ maintenance plan to ensure your AC gets checked and cleaned at the right time.

No. 3: Clean and Maintain Your Fireplace

Fireplaces are often overlooked when it comes to seasonal maintenance, but they need care too. Over time, dust, spiders, and even wasps can accumulate in the chimney and vents. If you haven’t cleaned your fireplace in a while, it could result in cloudy glass and a strange smell when you first light it for the season.

• Why It Matters: A dirty fireplace not only looks unsightly but also works inefficiently. Condensation from cold outdoor air can cause dust and dirt to build up on the glass, blocking the view of the flames and reducing its heating efficiency.
  
• What to Do: Schedule a professional cleaning and inspection. At Comfort Solutions, we’ll clean the glass, remove debris from the vents, and check the gas lines to ensure your fireplace is running efficiently and safely.

No. 4: Inspect Both HVAC and Fireplace Systems

Many people think they need separate specialists for their furnace and fireplace, but both systems have more in common than you might think. Furnaces and fireplaces both burn gas, have vents, and use gas valves. A well-trained HVAC technician can service both at the same time to save you money on trip charges.

• Why It Matters: Combining HVAC and fireplace maintenance saves you time and money. Our technicians are trained to spot issues in both systems during one visit, giving you peace of mind and a more efficient home.
  
• What to Do: When scheduling your furnace tune-up, ask the technician to check your fireplace too. At Comfort Solutions, we make it easy to handle both in one visit.

No. 5: Prevent Emergencies with Priority Maintenance

One of the biggest benefits of regular maintenance is preventing those emergency calls in the dead of winter. If your furnace breaks down in freezing temperatures, it’s not just inconvenient—it can also be dangerous.

• Why It Matters: Regular maintenance ensures your systems are working efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Enrolling proactively in a maintenance plan can keep you from being left in the cold.
  
• What to Do: If you’re not already enrolled in a maintenance plan, consider signing up. Not only do you get regular checkups, but you also get priority service during peak times.

Stay Comfortable and Save Money All Year Long

Regular HVAC and fireplace maintenance is key to keeping your home comfortable, safe, and efficient. From furnace tune-ups to fireplace cleanings, taking care of your systems before the cold sets in will save you from expensive repairs and ensure your home stays cozy all winter long.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—call Comfort Solutions today to schedule your furnace and fireplace tune-ups.