Every year, after a long winter, we get the cleaning bug.  Throwing open the windows and airing out the house, many people have a tradition of a deep, full clean every spring.

But, while you are washing the comforters and vacuuming under the sofa, don’t forget about your HVAC system and the rest of your home.  Don’t overlook these 6 items, check them off your list and get ready to enjoy your summer.

1.    AC System Tune-Up

Your HVAC system has been working hard for months keeping your family warm.  Soon you will be flipping the on switch to “cool” and it will keep doing its job for several more months, or you hope it will.

Ensure that your AC will do its job and perform at its peak with a little TLC.  A full system tune-up will address any issues, provide a good spring clean, and get it ready to roll this summer.

2.    Replace Filters. 

Most filters in your furnace should be replaced monthly. The filter catches all the dust, debris, pet hair, etc. floating around the house.  Ensure you have crisp, clean, cool air flowing from your vents with a new filter.

3.    Check the Drain

Most AC units have a drainage hole at the base of the cabinet.  Make sure this drain is clear, so the AC will work properly.

4.    Dry Out Dehumidifier

If you use a dehumidifier, keep it working with a good clean.  Remove the housing and let the unit dry out.  Vacuum the surface and the crevices.

5.    Inspect the Windows/Doors

Look at the windows and doors around your home, if necessary caulk any cracks or openings.  The best time to caulk outdoors is in the spring or in the fall.  This will help keep out heat and humidity this summer, and as a bonus, it will also keep out the cold next winter.  Doing this will not only keep you warm or cool, it can save money on your utility bills.

6.    Assess the Vents

Look at your floor vents, cold air return vents, kitchen fan/vent, dryer vent, bathroom fan/vent, etc.   The covers tend to collect dust and grime.  Removing the vent covers and watching them with a bit of soapy water will get them cleaned up.  It may be a good idea to schedule an air duct cleaning for the HVAC system if there is an excessive amount of dust and grime.  This will ensure your ducts provide a clear space for the crisp, cool air to flow this summer.

With a little bit of hard work, you can get your home ready for the heat and keep everyone in it cool this summer.

Need some help?  Give us a call, we can get the AC tuned up and ready to go, in addition to knocking out several items above.  We can take care of #1, #2, #3, and #6.  We also have some super savings on these items too, so give us a shout and schedule a visit. 1-815-265-6650

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller

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