Your heating and cooling system is one of the most important parts of your home, keeping you comfortable through Indiana’s hot summers and freezing winters. However, as you probably already know (that’s why you’re here, right?), it needs regular maintenance to keep running efficiently and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
The good news? Some HVAC maintenance tasks are simple enough for homeowners to handle on their own, while others require the expertise of highly trained technicians. Staying on top of seasonal maintenance helps keep your system performing at peak performance, improves indoor air quality, and saves money on energy bills.
In the latest blog from Doc Dancer Plumbing, Heating, AC & Generators, we’ll walk you through what you can do yourself and when to call a professional to ensure your HVAC system’s performance all year long.
Spring HVAC Maintenance: Get Your Cooling System Ready for Warmer Weather
As temperatures rise, it’s time to prepare your cooling system for the hot months ahead.
What You Can Do Yourself
- Replace your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and increasing energy costs. Check it monthly and replace it at least every 1-3 months.
- Clear the outdoor unit. Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from around the AC unit to keep airflow unobstructed.
- Check thermostat settings. If you have a smart thermostat, adjust it for warmer weather to optimize comfort and reduce energy costs.
- Inspect air vents. Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking airflow from your vents, which can lead to hot spots and higher energy bills.
- Test your system early. Turn on your air conditioning system before summer hits to catch any unexpected issues.
What You Need an HVAC Maintenance Company For
Some maintenance tasks require specialized tools and expertise, making them best left to a professional HVAC technician. Refrigerant levels must be checked and recharged properly, as handling refrigerants is both dangerous and regulated. Dirty evaporator and condenser coils reduce efficiency, but cleaning them incorrectly can cause damage. A professional will also inspect electrical connections to prevent failures and fine-tune your thermostat for optimal performance and lower energy costs.
Summer HVAC Maintenance: Keep Your AC Running at Peak Performance
With your AC working full-time, the goal is to keep it efficient and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Simple Summer Maintenance for Homeowners
- Replace the air filter again. Your cooling system works overtime in summer, meaning filters clog faster and cause airflow problems.
- Check humidity levels. High indoor humidity means your AC might not be running as well energy efficiently as it should be.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear. Regularly remove grass clippings and leaves to maintain airflow.
- Listen for unusual noises. Rattling, buzzing, or banging sounds could indicate a problem and require AC repairs.
What Professionals Handle Best
Beyond these routine maintenance tasks, our technicians clean condensate drain lines to prevent clogs that could lead to water damage and mold. Our team inspects ductwork for leaks that make your HVAC system work harder and drive up cooling costs. We also calibrate your thermostat to ensure accurate temperature control, helping your system run efficiently and keeping your home comfortable.
Fall HVAC Maintenance: Time to Prep Your Furnace for Winter
When cooler weather arrives, it’s time to switch gears and focus on heating maintenance.
DIY Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners
- Replace the air filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and force your furnace to work harder.
- Adjust your thermostat settings. Program your smart thermostat for cooler nights and warmer mornings.
- Check vents and registers. Blocked vents mean uneven heating and higher energy bills.
When to Call an HVAC Contractor
A professional furnace tune-up in the fall is essential to keep your heating system running safely. Our technicians inspect, clean, and adjust all components to prevent breakdowns and ensure smooth operation when temperatures drop. Additionally, we inspect and clean the blower motor to maintain proper airflow and efficiency. Regular fall maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but also helps protect your system’s warranty, ensuring you’re covered if unexpected damage occurs.
Winter HVAC Maintenance: Keep the Heat Flowing
Your heating system works hardest in winter, and you’ll want it to run efficiently all season long.
Easy Winter Heating System Maintenance
- Monitor heating performance. If your system struggles to keep up, it may need a maintenance appointment.
- Check the thermostat battery. A dead battery could leave you without heat.
- Listen for odd sounds. Unusual noises can signal a problem with the furnace or blower motor and require a repair call.
What Our Technicians Handle in Winter
Winter heating maintenance goes beyond what most homeowners can do on their own. We inspect burners and the ignition system to ensure your furnace starts reliably and operates at peak efficiency. Our team checks and tests safety controls to confirm your heating system is running safely. We also assess airflow to make sure warm air is evenly distributed throughout your home, preventing cold spots and reducing strain on your system.
Doc Dancer Has the HVAC Maintenance Services You Need
Regular HVAC maintenance is key to fewer breakdowns, better efficiency, and a more comfortable home. Many homeowners schedule professional tune-ups in spring for air conditioners and fall for furnaces, while heat pumps and ductless mini splits should be serviced twice a year before peak heating and cooling seasons. If you miss the ideal window, don’t worry—routine maintenance can be done anytime to keep your system running at its best.
However, if you miss your ideal service window, don’t wait—HVAC maintenance can be done at any time of year to keep your system running smoothly.
Join Our Maintenance Plan and Save!
Our Safety & Efficiency Agreement (S.E.A.) makes HVAC maintenance easier and more affordable while giving you priority service when you need it most. Members receive first-in-line access for emergency repairs, discounted routine service, and 15% off parts and labor for HVAC repairs. Plus, there are no overtime charges, so you never pay extra for after-hours calls.
Signing up is simple—just call us, sign up online, or ask your technician about it at your next tune-up!
Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance Service Today
Doc Dancer Plumbing, Heating, AC & Generators has been a trusted name in Fort Wayne since 1946. We hire the best in the industry and invest in ongoing training to ensure our technicians provide top-tier HVAC maintenance that keeps your system running efficiently. While we handle the in-depth inspections, cleanings, and tune-ups, regular homeowner upkeep—like changing air filters—goes a long way in protecting your heating and cooling system. Schedule your HVAC maintenance with Doc Dancer today and let us help you get the most out of your equipment.