Homes in the Upper Midwest, especially Wisconsin, face unique HVAC challenges. The winters here bring heavy snow and freezing temperatures, while summers often include periods of high humidity and occasional heat waves. All of these elements strain HVAC equipment by forcing it to work harder. To keep your system running smoothly, it will need regular maintenance.
Why Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Matters
Regular HVAC maintenance is at the heart of making sure your setup can operate with peak efficiency. Tune-ups help catch small issues before they turn into major problems.
Lower Bills, Fewer Breakdowns, Longer Equipment Life
HVAC equipment that receives regular cleanings and lubrication uses less energy. This not only reduces heating and cooling costs but also results in a smaller carbon footprint. If you’ve been looking for a way to make your home more eco-friendly, seasonal HVAC maintenance provides one of the simplest solutions.
Regular tune-ups also go a long way in preventing inconvenient breakdowns. Neglected units often run longer cycles as they struggle to maintain set temperatures, which increases the risk of overheating or freeze-up. Cleaning components and correcting airflow problems helps avoid these issues. The reduced strain also lowers wear and tear, meaning the heater and AC will last longer.
Wisconsin Climate Considerations
Wisconsin has a harsh climate that can present unique challenges for heating and cooling systems. Long stretches of subzero temperatures keep the furnace going nonstop, straining parts and driving up costs. In the summer, high humidity puts extra stress on the air conditioner. The rapid temperature swings from spring to fall often cause frequent system cycling, which adds wear if maintenance is skipped. A maintenance check will allow us to spot and fix potential problems.
DIY HVAC Tune-Up Checklist
In addition to professional AC and furnace maintenance, there are certain steps you can take to keep your systems in top shape. Having a heater and AC maintenance checklist to follow each season will make upkeep much easier. This type of proactive care leads to better airflow, less dust and allergen buildup, and lower energy bills.
Replace Filters, Clear Returns/Supplies
Replacing the HVAC filter every one to three months is vital to reducing allergens and boosting indoor air quality. A clean filter also helps the HVAC operate more efficiently by ensuring it has proper airflow. Households with pets, allergies, or heavy system use may need more frequent changes, while lighter-use homes may stretch filters up to six months. Always check manufacturer guidelines for the correct size and MERV rating.
Once a month, do a walkthrough of the home to make sure there isn’t any furniture or curtains covering the air vents. This simple step ensures the system has adequate airflow at all times.
Outdoor Unit: Debris Clearance; Gentle Coil Cleaning
The outdoor part of the AC has a condenser that needs room to breathe. Keep leaves, grass clippings, or branches at least 2 feet away. You can periodically rinse the fins gently with a garden hose to remove dirt and dust. Avoid high-pressure water, which can bend the delicate fins.
Thermostat Tests & Schedule Settings
Check your thermostat settings at the start of each season or when switching between heating and cooling. Use programmable features to design a schedule that matches your household routine.
To test your thermostat:
- Set thermostat to cooling
- Lower temperature setting slightly
- Wait for system response
- Switch thermostat to heating
- Raise temperature setting slightly
- Confirm proper system operation
Safety: CO/Smoke Detector Checks
Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Replace batteries annually unless your device uses sealed long-life batteries. Many homes in Wisconsin use combustion furnaces, making this step critical for household safety.
Professional Maintenance — What’s Included
DIY HVAC care is extremely valuable for achieving better heating and cooling, but it can’t replace professional tune-ups. We suggest booking AC maintenance in spring and a heating check in fall.
Combustion Checks, Electrical, Refrigerant, Airflow/Static Pressure
When we visit your home for an HVAC maintenance check, we’ll inspect every part. For the furnace, this means checking the combustion chamber, ignition system, exhaust venting, and heat exchanger. For the AC, it includes a refrigerant check and coil cleaning. We also examine electrical wiring and connections. If airflow issues are suspected, we may perform a static pressure test to identify duct restrictions.
Documentation & Warranty Protection
The majority of HVAC systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty. To keep it valid, professional maintenance is usually required. We’ll provide a detailed report of all work performed and parts replaced. This documentation is valuable if you ever need to file a warranty claim.
Energy-Saving Settings & Quick Wins
There are certain steps you can take to further improve your HVAC’s energy efficiency. Even a small change in thermostat settings can lead to big energy savings over time.
Recommended Summer/Winter Setpoints, Fan Auto vs On
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter while at home. Adjusting 10–15 degrees when you’re away can save up to 10% or more on energy costs. Many Wisconsin homeowners prefer 70–72°F in winter for comfort, and small adjustments at night can help balance energy savings with comfort. Using the AUTO fan setting instead of ON prevents continuous operation, lowering energy use and wear.
Sealing Ducts & Doors; Insulation Reminders
Air leaks waste energy by making your HVAC system work harder. Here are some sealing tips to improve comfort and efficiency:
- Seal gaps around windows
- Install weatherstripping on doors
- Use caulk on wall cracks
- Insulate attic access hatches
- Seal leaks in ductwork
- Close gaps around plumbing
- Add insulation to exterior walls
Smart Thermostat Benefits (Learning, Geofencing)
Today’s smart thermostats come with multiple advanced features, like remote access, geofencing, integration with voice assistants, alerts for maintenance needs, and learning algorithms. Review your thermostat’s manual to explore available features.
When to Call a Professional in WI
Knowing when to call a professional will help you save money and avoid frustrating breakdowns. Acting quickly is a vital part of preserving the energy performance of your equipment. Hurlburt Heating, AC & Plumbing has many years of experience working on HVAC systems in Wisconsin. We understand the seasonal factors that affect efficiency and reliability, and our familiarity with local housing helps us provide solutions tailored to both older homes and new builds.
Warning Signs
If you notice any of these signs, give us a call right away.
- Short cycling: System overheating or clogged filter
- Burning smell: Electrical issue or overheating parts
- Loud banging noises: Loose or broken internal components
- Uneven temperatures: Blocked vents or poor airflow
- Musty odor: Mold growth inside HVAC ductwork
With 65+ years of serving homeowners across Wisconsin in towns like Menomonie, Hudson, and Eau Claire, and over 6,000 five-star reviews, Hurlburt has built a reputation for family-first service. We deliver HVAC care with small-town values and world-class expertise. Welcome to the Hurlburt Family!
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