HOME CARE · HEATING, COOLING & FILTERS
General guidance for typical Portland-area homes. Your home’s systems, age, and site may differ. When in doubt, ask. Electrical, gas, roofing work above the first story, and sewer repairs belong to licensed professionals.
TASK SCHEDULE
TASK
FREQUENCY
Furnace/air-handler filter
Check monthly; replace every 1–3 months (30–60 days with pets or allergies; 90 days typical for quality pleated filters)
Furnace professional service
Yearly, in fall before first use
Heat pump / AC service
Yearly, in spring
Duct inspection/cleaning
As indicated: after remodels, or visible issues
Dryer vent cleaning (to the exterior)
Yearly: lint plus PNW damp is a fire and mold combination
Smoke & CO alarms
Test monthly; batteries yearly; replace units per manufacturer date
Wood stove/fireplace chimney sweep
Yearly if you burn
WHY THIS MATTERS IN THE PNW
Our long heating season means filters work harder than the box suggests. The monthly check habit beats any fixed schedule. Heat pumps are increasingly the region’s standard; keep outdoor units clear of leaves and needle-fall.
[HVAC FAQ: supply 3–4 questions: e.g. ‘What MERV rating filter should I use?’, ‘How do I know if my heat pump needs service?’, ‘Why is my dryer vent cleaning urgent?’]
HOME CARE · HEATING, COOLING & FILTERS
Heating, Cooling & Filters
Portland’s long heating season means filters work harder than the box suggests. The monthly check habit beats any fixed schedule. Heat pumps are increasingly the region’s standard; keep outdoor units clear of leaves and needle-fall year-round. And don’t overlook the dryer vent: lint plus PNW damp is a fire and mold combination.
General guidance for typical Portland-area homes. Your home’s systems, age, and site may differ. When in doubt, ask.
TASK SCHEDULE
TASK
FREQUENCY
Furnace/air-handler filter
Check monthly; replace every 1–3 months (30–60 days with pets or allergies; 90 days typical for quality pleated filters)
Furnace professional service
Yearly, in fall before first use
Heat pump / AC service
Yearly, in spring
Duct inspection/cleaning
As indicated: after remodels, or visible issues
Dryer vent cleaning (to the exterior)
Yearly: lint plus PNW damp is a fire and mold combination
Smoke & CO alarms
Test monthly; batteries yearly; replace units per manufacturer date
Wood stove/fireplace chimney sweep
Yearly if you burn
WHY THIS MATTERS IN THE PNW
Our long heating season means filters work harder than the box suggests. The monthly check habit beats any fixed schedule. Heat pumps are increasingly the region’s standard; keep outdoor units clear of leaves and needle-fall.
WHEN TO CALL A PRO
Electrical, gas, roofing work above the first story, and sewer repairs belong to licensed professionals. Nathan is not a licensed professional engineer; his observations are informational, drawn from his 23-year career in structural engineering.
FAQ: PLACEHOLDER
FAQ content will be added here after wording is approved.