A Homeowner’s Guide to Worry-Free Comfort

A clean filter keeps airflow strong, reduces strain on your system, and improves indoor air quality, which is especially important if you have pets or allergies.

Just like a car, your HVAC works best with routine care. Seasonal service finds small issues before they turn into breakdowns. Schedule furnace maintenance in the fall and A/C maintenance in the spring.

Your HVAC system helps control dust, humidity, and allergens. Clean ducts and the right filtration keep your home healthier year-round.

Don’t block supply vents or air returns with furniture, curtains, or rugs. Obstructed airflow makes your system work harder, reduces efficiency, and can shorten equipment life.

If your system turns on and off constantly, it may be oversized, have a thermostat problem, or be struggling with airflow. Catching it early can prevent costly repairs.

Regular checkups extend the lifespan of your equipment, keep energy bills lower, help avoid emergency calls, and validate the manufacturer's warranty.

As mineral buildup settles, there’s less room for hot water, so you may run out faster, even if your system is working. It also strains your plumbing and shortens the life of plumbing fixtures.

Beyond your pipes, hard water can dry out your skin and hair, leaving them dull and irritated from excess minerals.

Low pressure could mean a hidden leak or blockage, while high pressure can stress pipes and lead to bursts or fixture damage.

They often signal a deeper blockage – their job is to move water away from your home.

If downspouts are clogged or damaged, water can pool near the foundation, leading to leaks, basement flooding, or costly structural damage.

Pro tip: Avoid chemical cleaners—they can damage pipes. If plunging doesn’t work, it’s time to call a pro.

Grease, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, pasta, rice, egg shells, meat and bones are all common clog culprits that can lead to damaged blades or blocked drains.

Rusty water, rumbling sounds, and fluctuating temperatures are early indicators. Annual maintenance per the manufacturer's recommendation helps extend the unit's life.

Your home’s plumbing system may also carry natural gas to appliances like stoves, water heaters, and dryers. Have gas lines professionally inspected every year to stay safe. An annual plumbing inspection can identify any issues.

Repair if....

• your furnace or A/C is under 10 years old. These units typically still have reliable service left.
• the unit only needs small fixes like a dirty filter, loose wiring, or minor repairs to restore performance. Repair estimates are less than the cost of a new unit and the fix is affordable.
• your unit's energy usage has stayed steady and comfort levels haven't changed. Your system is still running at a good efficiency level.
• your system heats and cools evenly, maintains your set temperature, and controls humidity well. There is a low risk of needing a replacement.

Replace if...

• your furnace is over 10 years or A/C is 10-15 years old—nearing or past their manufacturer's warranty.
• your system has major issues like a cracked heat exchanger, compressor failure, or leaking coils. These repairs are expensive and often temporary.
• the repair, relative to the equipment's age, is not cost-effective—investing in a new system will help save long term.
• energy usage has risen significantly despite regular tune-ups --the system is wasting energy.
• your home has uneven temperatures, the system runs constantly, or you struggle with humidity problems.

Repair if....

• your standard tank water heater is under 6 years old, and has had regular maintenance per manufacturer's recommendation
• your tankless water heater is under 15 years old, and has had regular maintenance per manufacturer's recommendation
• the repair, relative to the equipment's age, is not cost-effective—investing in a new system will help save long term.
• your water heater has minor issues like a leaky faucet, worn washer, clogged aerator, or single fixture replacement. These are quick, affordable fixes.

Replace if...

• your standard tank water heater is over 6 years old—efficiency drops and the risk of leaks or failure increases.
• your tankless water heater is over 15 years old—more likely to fail and less efficient.
• the repair, relative to the equipment's age, is not cost-effective—investing in a new system will help save long term.
• your water heater has major issues like a rusted water heater tank, cracked pipes, corroded fixtures, or multiple leaks. These repairs may be temporary.

Repair if....

• your sump pump is under 6 years old, however lifespan may vary based on usage.

Replace if...

• your sump pump is over 6 years old.

Repair if....

• your water is clear and free of metallic taste after flushing lines or replacing a filter.

Replace if...

• you have rust-colored water, sediment build-up, or persistent odor—often signs of aging pipes or failing equipment.