Midlands summers push air conditioners hard, and the occasional cold snap does the same to heat pumps. A little routine care helps your system run efficiently and catches small problems before they turn into a breakdown. Here's what our NATE-certified technicians recommend — and where to draw the line on do-it-yourself work.
1. Schedule a professional tune-up twice a year
Plan a spring visit for cooling and a fall visit for heating. A qualified technician checks controls and electrical connections, drainage, airflow, coils and refrigerant-system performance as they apply to your equipment, following the manufacturer's requirements. Not every system needs an identical checklist, and not every motor needs oil.
Ask what the visit includes and what you'll receive afterward. Coil, electrical, drain and refrigerant work should always be left to a professional — refrigerant work requires an EPA Section 608-certified technician.
2. Check your filter on the manufacturer's schedule
Use the size and type your system calls for, and replace or clean it according to the equipment and filter instructions. Pets, renovations and long run times in July and August can all shorten the interval, so look at it regularly rather than relying on a fixed rule. The highest-rated filter isn't automatically the best one — some systems can't move enough air through it.
Keep supply registers and return grilles open and unblocked by furniture or rugs.
3. Cut down the load on your system
Weatherstripping and caulk around accessible door and window gaps reduce air leaks. Shades block direct afternoon sun, and ceiling fans make occupied rooms feel cooler — just turn them off when you leave, since fans cool people, not rooms. Insulation, air sealing and duct repairs in hot attics are worth a professional look. Never block ventilation or combustion-air openings.
4. Use your thermostat wisely
Pick settings that keep your household comfortable and healthy. ENERGY STAR says certified smart thermostats save users about 8% on heating and cooling on average, though results vary. If you have a heat pump, ask your technician before using deep temperature setbacks — they can trigger expensive auxiliary heat on cold mornings.
5. Consider a maintenance plan
A plan puts your tune-ups on the calendar so you don't have to remember them. On Call's HVAC Maintenance plan includes a spring and fall visit, and our Whole Home plan adds a yearly plumbing inspection. Regular service also gives you a dated record if you ever need to make a warranty claim.
Remember that age alone doesn't mean a system needs replacing. If repairs keep adding up or comfort has slipped, ask for an honest diagnosis and prices for both repair and replacement.
Safety rules that never change
If you see ice, turn cooling off. Never chip it or use heat on it.
Stay away from water near electrical equipment.
Smoke, arcing or a strong burning smell? Get clear and call 911.
Don't repeatedly reset breakers, open panels, clean coils, straighten fins, tighten wires, pour chemicals down the drain line or bypass float switches.
If your home gets dangerously hot, move vulnerable family members and pets somewhere cool.
The short version
You handle the thermostat, the filter, the vents and the area around the outdoor unit. Everything inside the equipment is a job for a qualified technician.
Ready for a tune-up? On Call's NATE-certified technicians have served Columbia and the Midlands since 2011. Our residential diagnostic fee is $89, waived when you go ahead with the repair, and you'll get a firm price on site before any work begins. Your technician can also walk you through financing options in person. Call (803) 781-4357 or request service online. Learn more about our air conditioning and heating services.
