Fishers, Indiana, has it all—humid summers, unpredictable falls, freezing winters, and the occasional spring cold snap—so your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system needs to be ready for anything.
Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, ductless mini split, boiler, or central air conditioning system, a little seasonal maintenance can make all the difference between smooth operation and a mid-season meltdown. In this blog from Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll share a few key tips to keep your HVAC system running strong all year long.
Spring: Get Your Cooling System in Shape
Spring in Fishers is unpredictable—sunny one day, chilly the next—but it won’t be long before the heat and humidity set in. The last thing you want is to switch on your air conditioning unit and get nothing but warm air. Spring is the time to prep your cooling system so you’re not caught sweating it out when the extreme heat hits.
Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Schedule an Air Conditioner Tune-Up
Your air conditioning system needs more than just a quick check—it requires a full inspection and cleaning by a trained HVAC company to keep it running efficiently. If your current air conditioner is on its last legs, spring is the best time to replace it with a new energy-efficient system before the real heat kicks in.
Replace Your Air Filter
A dirty or clogged HVAC filter restricts airflow, making your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. This increases energy costs, reduces air quality, and shortens your system’s lifespan. To keep things running smoothly, check your air filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
Clear Debris From Your Outdoor Unit
Your AC unit’s outdoor condenser needs proper airflow to release heat efficiently. Over time, leaves, dirt, grass clippings, and other debris can collect around it, forcing the system to work harder. Turn off the power to the unit, then use a garden hose on a gentle setting to rinse away dirt from the coils. Trim back any plants or shrubs at least two feet away from the unit to maintain good airflow.
Summer: Keep the Cool Air Coming
Summer in Fishers is no joke. The heat, the humidity—it puts serious strain on your air conditioning system. If you want to avoid mid-July breakdowns and sky-high energy bills, now’s the time to make sure your AC system is ready to take on the summer season.
Summer HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Watch for Warning Signs and Schedule Repairs When Needed
Your air conditioning system should cool your home evenly and efficiently. If you notice warm spots, weak airflow, or your AC running constantly without properly cooling, something isn’t right. Check your thermostat settings, make sure your air filter isn’t clogged, and inspect your outdoor unit for any visible blockages. If your system still isn’t performing as it should, it’s time to call for professional AC repairs or AC maintenance.
Keep Vents Open and Airflow Unrestricted
Your cooling system needs proper airflow to work efficiently. Walk through your home and make sure vents and registers are fully open and not blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. Closed or blocked vents force your HVAC system to work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. Replace your HVAC filter if you haven’t yet.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat plays a big role in energy efficiency. If your home feels too warm or too cold, start by checking the thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “cool” in the summer and “heat” in the winter, and consider setting temperatures slightly higher in the summer and lower in the winter to reduce energy bills. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, adjust it for times when you’re home, asleep, or away to maximize savings.
Fall: Prep for Heating Season
You want your heating system to be ready before that first cold snap. There’s nothing worse than firing up your furnace for the first time in months and realizing it’s not working. A little fall maintenance can prevent that last-minute panic when the temperature suddenly drops.
Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up
Before winter sets in, a professional HVAC technician should go over your furnace, boiler, or heat pump to make sure it’s ready for the season.
Test Your Heat Before You Need It
Don’t wait until freezing temperatures to arrive to test your heating system. Turn it on early in the season and let it run. If your system isn’t heating evenly or cycles on and off too frequently, schedule a professional inspection. And don’t forget to replace your air filter!
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you have a gas furnace or boiler, a carbon monoxide leak is a serious safety risk. Test your detectors, replace the batteries, and make sure they’re installed near bedrooms and living spaces.
Winter: Avoid Breakdowns and Stay Warm
Winter in Fishers is no time for a heating system failure. Whether you rely on a furnace, geothermal heat pump, or boiler, making sure your system is up to the task is the difference between a cozy home and freezing pipes.
Winter HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Keep Outdoor Units Clear of Snow and Ice
If you rely on a heat pump, heavy snow or ice buildup can block airflow and reduce efficiency. After a snowfall, gently clear any accumulation around the unit, being careful not to damage the components. Keep at least two feet of space clear around the system to ensure proper airflow and prevent strain on the motor.
Pay Attention to Your Heater’s Performance
Your heating system often gives subtle signs before a breakdown. If you notice cold spots, weak airflow, unusual smells, or longer heating cycles, you may need to schedule heating repairs or a mid-season maintenance visit.
Check and Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Even a well-maintained heating system will struggle if warm air is escaping. Inspect your windows and doors for drafts, and use weather stripping to seal any leaks. This simple step reduces heat loss, keeps your home more comfortable, and helps your HVAC system work more efficiently.
What Does an HVAC Maintenance Tune-Up Include?
We’ve talked a lot about HVAC tune-ups, but what does that actually mean? Think of maintenance services like stretching before a workout. Skipping warm-ups might not seem like a big deal—until you pull a muscle mid-run. Your heating and cooling system needs the same kind of regular maintenance to handle our changing temperatures without struggling or breaking down.
What’s Included in an HVAC Tune-Up?
- System Inspection: Technicians check all major components for wear, loose connections, and potential failures.
- Filter Replacement: A clean filter improves indoor air quality and efficiency, reducing strain on your HVAC system.
- Thermostat Calibration: Ensures accurate readings to help you save energy and avoid unnecessary heating or cooling.
- Ductwork & Airflow Check: Leaky or blocked ducts force your system to work harder—we check for proper airflow and efficiency.
- Lubrication of Moving Parts: Friction wears down motors and fans—proper lubrication helps extend system life.
- Electrical System Testing: We inspect wiring, connections, and controls to prevent failures or safety hazards.
- Refrigerant Check (for AC & Heat Pumps): Low refrigerant reduces cooling efficiency—we verify levels and address leaks if needed.
- Burner & Ignition System Check (for Furnaces & Boilers): A properly functioning ignition ensures safe, efficient heating.
- Condensate Drain Cleaning: We clear blockages to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Save Time, Money, and Hassle With Thiele’s Maintenance Plan
With Thiele’s Annual “Rewards” Service Agreement Maintenance Program, you get biannual tune-ups to keep your heating and air conditioning system running efficiently year-round. Members enjoy priority service when repairs are needed and exclusive savings on parts and labor. It’s a smart way to save money and keep your home safe and comfortable!
Schedule Your Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance With Thiele
Since 1883, Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning has provided honest service, expert workmanship, and year-round comfort for homes in Fishers, Indianapolis, and Central Indiana. As a locally operated business, we take pride in delivering trusted HVAC services, from seasonal tune up services and emergency repairs to full system installations.
Book your HVAC maintenance today, and ask your technician about joining our maintenance plan!