Washington, DC Air Conditioning and Heating Companies

Washington, DC HVAC Service

Heating and A/C system maintenance

Your heating and air conditioning system will function best when it’s consistently maintained, so staying on top of regular service visits is one of the best things you can do to keep it running efficiently. Plan for two maintenance visits per year: One in the late spring, before summer hits with full force, and another in the early fall as the high temperatures begin to relent.

While the exact list of tasks may vary based on the type of heater or air conditioner you have, here’s a basic outline of what you can expect your HVAC technician to do during a routine maintenance visit:

• Replace furnace filter
• Check for signs of damage or deterioration on the furnace fan
• Clean dirt and debris from the outside air conditioner compressor
• Check all electrical connections in the furnace and air conditioner to ensure they’re secure and working correctly
• Lubricate any moving mechanical parts
• Inspect the condensate drain for blockages
• Check thermostat settings
• Test the entire system to ensure it’s working correctly

Your technician will alert you to any problems he or she finds. Have these issues resolved as promptly as possible since problems with your HVAC system typically worsen with time.

Increasing Washington, DC HVAC system efficiency

Energy efficiency might sound like a buzzword, but it really is something worth your attention. When you use less energy, you decrease your personal carbon footprint, which means that you make less of an impact on the environment. You also pay less in monthly utility costs.

But beyond regular maintenance visits, how do you make your heating and air system more efficient? Try these simple tips:

• Be smart about thermostat settings. In the summer, stick to 78 degrees; in the winter, keep the thermostat at 68. Slide the thermostat a bit higher or lower (depending on the season, of course) when you leave the house.
• Change air filters regularly. Your furnace air filters can restrict airflow when they get dirty, which forces the entire system to work harder than necessary and increases running costs. Swap out your air filters once every three months (or every month if you have allergies or pets).
• Ask your HVAC technician about retrofit options. If your system is older but not quite to the end of its expected lifespan, replacing some of the internal components can increase the unit’s efficiency and buy you a few more good years before you’ll need an entirely new system.

In some cases, your best option will be a brand-new system. This represents a significant financial investment, so talk to your air conditioning and heating company to find the best system for your home and your budget.

The Best Picks for DC Air Conditioning and Heating Companies

An efficient, working HVAC system is vital for a home that’s comfortable and that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. That’s why the Best Pick Reports survey team reaches out to DC homeowners every year to find the best air conditioning and heating contractors nearby.

Best Pick companies are all vetted on an annual basis for continued high-quality work and excellent customer service. We verify all state-required licenses and insurance, too. This intense qualification process means that the companies we recommend really are the best of the best, and we’re proud to present that information in a format that is clear and easy to use.

Work with a Washington, DC Best Pick HVAC contractor, and you’ll be happy with the entire experience—we guarantee it!