Falls Church: (703) 241-1900 Ashburn: (703) 723-1103 Rockville: (301) 762-5761

Serving Northern VA & Montgomery County, MD for Fifty Years!

Maintenance Tips

Keeping your heating and cooling systems in good working order means your utility bills will be lower, your home will be more comfortable, and you'll need to call for repairs less often.

Maintenance Scheduling

Schedule a maintenance service call before the heating season starts. If there are any problems with your system, it's better to find out before it's freezing outside! Do the same for your cooling system before sweltering season begins. Our maintenance customers always receive priority service during peak heating and cooling seasons.

Filters

Replace your heating and cooling air filters every month that they're in use. Operating your system with old, dirty filters means energy is wasted and your system may even be damaged. While you're at it, check and clean the filters in your home's air cleaners and humidifiers.

System Checks

If you have a forced air heating system check your furnace's blower compartment and blower coils. Vacuum them if you see dirt and dust there. You should also check fan belt tension, and lubricate fan and motor bearings.

  • If you have a steam system, check the shut-off valve for leaks.
  • Bleed hot water system radiators at least once a year.
  • Don't keep clutter near your furnace. It's a fire hazard, and may keep your system from operating efficiently.
  • To make sure you're getting the most out of your heating system, keep the heating registers and vents throughout the house free of dust, dirt, and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a year.
  • Listen for odd sounds when your heating or cooling system kicks in. If you hear anything unusual, get in touch with your service professional so you can head off problems before they become serious.
  • In winter months, set your ceiling fan at its slowest speed and reverse it in order to gently push warm air down from the ceiling without generating a breeze.

Client Testimonials

  • “At Richards we are proud of every job we do and we work to ensure that our customers’ expectations are exceeded in every way. We would be happy to have the opportunity to add your name to our growing list of satisfied customers.”

    —Richard Smith

  • “It was a pleasure doing business with you. Your salespeople and installation team were responsive, knowledgeable, courteous and patient. A very professional job.”

    —John Edwards, Sterling, VA

  • “I am a realtor and I see good jobs and bad. I will recommend you to others—well done!”

    —Gordon Ball, Falls Church, VA

  • “Richards A/C is an incredible organization from the ground up. Quite simply the best!”

    —Joseph C. Barnes, Annandale, VA

  • “Since 1962 Richards has been one of my favorite companies. It is a pleasure doing business with you.”

    —Nancy Miron, Arlington, VA

  • “You are a professional, honest and responsible company that I enjoy dealing with and (I) do not hesitate to tell others about your work. I show it off all the time too.”

    —John C. Howland, Oak Hill, VA

  • “All of our dealings with Richards have been great. Furnace, hot water heater & new air conditioner. It is a pleasure doing business with you.”

    —James Nass, Herndon, VA

  • “Richards’ installation of a new furnace and air conditioning system represents high value at a fair price which justifies their high ratings by local consumer evaluation groups.”

    —David A. Measels, Springfield, VA

  • “I really appreciated Richard taking the time to come to my home and consult with me on the best solution. Excellent sales presentation followed by delivering what was promised. Very impressive.”

    —W. B. Goodwin, Reston, VA

  • “I would like to commend the technicians who installed the new unit. They appeared to be competent and professional & worked without delay to complete the work on time.”

    —Warren T. Rountree, Alexandria, VA

  • “One of the most pleasant major contracting experiences ever!”

    —Rogers W. Howard, Vienna, VA

  • “I was very impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of all Richards employees I came in contact with.”

    —Eric Kettner, Falls Church, VA

  • “We were thrilled with the work Richards had done with our home! From start to finish, the installation of our heating and air conditioning systems were handled with utmost professionalism. We look forward to working with you again in the near future as we tackle our new addition.”

    —Susan Chagares, McLean, VA

  • “I was very satisfied with the work performed and the price for the equipment and installation. Your estimator and installation people did a good job.”

    —Ralph E. Gonzales, Burke, VA

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