HVAC Filters and Boiler Service: The Maintenance You're Probably Skipping
Heating and cooling systems need maintenance. Skip it and you'll pay more in energy bills, repairs, or worse.
HVAC Filters (US, Canada, Australia)
If you have central heating or air conditioning, you have filters that need changing.
How often:
- Basic fibreglass filters: Every 30 days
- Pleated filters: Every 90 days
- High-efficiency filters: Every 6-12 months
- Check monthly regardless - pets, dust, and usage affect lifespan
Why it matters:
- Dirty filters restrict airflow
- System works harder, uses more energy
- Components wear faster
- Air quality suffers
- Can cause system failure in extreme cases
Cost of neglect:
- 15% higher energy bills (estimated)
- Premature system failure: $5,000-15,000 to replace
- Filter cost: $10-50 every few months
Boiler Service (UK)
Gas boilers should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What's checked:
- Gas pressure and flow
- Flue and ventilation
- Safety devices
- Seals and connections
- Efficiency and emissions
Why it matters:
- Safety: Faulty boilers can leak carbon monoxide
- Efficiency: Serviced boilers use less gas
- Warranty: Most warranties require annual service
- Reliability: Catch problems before winter breakdowns
Cost: £60-120 for a standard service. Repairs extra if needed.
Timing: Book in late summer or early autumn. Engineers are busy (and more expensive) once heating season starts.
Landlord Responsibilities
UK: Landlords must have gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe engineer. Tenants must be given a copy of the safety certificate.
US/Canada/Australia: Requirements vary. Check local regulations, but generally landlords must maintain heating systems in working order.
Heat Pumps and Other Systems
Heat pumps: Annual service recommended. Filters need regular cleaning (monthly during heavy use).
Wood stoves: Annual chimney sweep. Check seals and gaskets.
Electric heating: Lower maintenance, but still worth annual inspection.
Add HVAC maintenance to your tasks. Confirm it when done, and we'll remind you when it's time to check again.