Northumberland Heating and Air Conditioning services everything they sell. We do commercial and residential maintenance contracts and warranty work.
If you want an idea of the maintenance required for the products we sell, see the brief summary under each product listed below.
Heat Pumps
Repairs need to be performed by a professional but there is some maintenance that you can do yourself. Keep your filters clean and replace once a month or according to your user manual. During months where the unit is running more often, that could be twice a month.
To keep your unit running efficiently ensure nothing blocks the airflow of your outdoor unit. Keep the area around and on the unit clear from snow, ice, or debris.
Save energy by using a programmable thermostat. Unless you are going away for a few days or more, let the thermostat do its job. Manually turning the unit on and off is usually less efficient.
Ductless heat pumps require some basic maintenance to ensure optimum performance. In most cases keeping the filters and coils clean is all that’s needed, and can be performed easily by the homeowner.
To keep your outdoor unit looking clean you can wash the unit with soap and water. Use a household detergent that is safe for the enamel finish for more stubborn spots.
Air Conditioners
Repairs need to be performed by a professional but there is some maintenance that you can do yourself. Keep your filters clean and replace once a month or according to your user manual. During months where the unit is running more often, that could be twice a month.
To keep your unit running efficiently ensure nothing blocks the airflow of your outdoor unit. Keep the area around and on the unit clear from snow, ice, or debris.
To keep your outdoor unit looking clean you can wash the unit with soap and water. Use a household detergent that is safe for the enamel finish for more stubborn spots.
Fireplaces and Stoves
Check your manual for full maintenance schedule.
Your appliance and its venting system should be inspected before use and at least annually by a qualified service person. Visual inspections should also be made from time to time to check the seal on your glass and that burner ports and pilot flame are burning properly. Refer to your user manual.
Fireplace Glass
New fireplaces should have both sides of the glass cleaned after the first 10 hours of use. After the initial clean as needed by buffing lightly with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Discoloration can happen if the glass is not kept clean.
Fireplace Plated Parts
Before using your new appliance the plated parts (if your system has them) must be thoroughly cleaned. Use a non abrasive cleaner like glass cleaner. Any oils or marks on the plated
surface can cause permanent blemishes if not removed. Once the plating is cured, just wipe marks off the finish as required with a soft, clean cloth.
Gas Stoves
This appliance will require annual maintenance. Service should include cleaning, battery replacement, venting inspection and inspection of the burner, media and firebox. Check User manual for more information.
Glass
New stoves should have both sides of the glass cleaned after the first 10 hours of use. After the initial clean as needed by buffing lightly with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Discoloration can happen if the glass is not kept clean.
Electronic Air Cleaners
To ensure your air cleaner runs effeciently, the prefilter(s) and cell(s) must be cleaned twice a year with normal use or more frequently with heavy use. A very dirty prefilter and cell reduces air flow which can reduce the efficiency of the furnace or air conditioner it’s being used with. See your user manual for instructions on how to clean.
Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators
Filters should be cleaned every 3 months or every new season. While cleaning filters, wipe the inside walls of the unit.
Ground Source – Geothermal
Geothermal systems are almost maintenance-free. The buried loop will last for generations when properly installed. The only required maintenance is changing the filter. You should also check the condensate drain and pan.
You should have the heat pump system serviced at least once a year by a trained technician. You technician can do a refrigerant leak test, check loop pressure, clean sensitive mechanical components, visually inspect drives, motors and controls, and check for proper amperage.
If you have an open loop system, the coax heat exchanger should be cleaned every one or two years.