Heating and air conditioning are crucial systems in your home. The house would be virtually unlivable in 100-degree heat of -20-degree cold. Maintaining these systems will help prolong the life of the components and help prevent your electric bill from costing an arm and a leg.

Filter replacement and cleaning are the most common types of maintenance for your heating and air conditioning systems. You should check filters at least once a month. Replace them as often as necessary. In most areas of the country you won’t use your heater or air conditioning year-round. Use your common sense. If you haven’t used the air conditioner since you last replaced the filter, there’s no need to worry about it.

Most heaters, boilers, or furnaces and air conditioning units are too complex for the average homeowner to repair. Inspecting the components is the key. By finding an expected rattle or noticing air blowing in an unusual place, you’ll know it’s time to call a professional.