The new year brings fresh starts and resolutions. As you plan positive changes, remember that your home deserves attention, too. Your HVAC and electrical systems need regular care to keep running smoothly all year long. Plus, taking care of small issues now helps you dodge those costly emergency repairs nobody wants. By keeping a solid HVAC, and electrical new year checklist, you’re covering yourself against any serious issues and giving yourself some key insight into what to do in case anything goes seriously wrong.

HVAC Systems: Your Year-Round Comfort Control

Your heating and cooling equipment works hard to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. As the new year comes around, you can do a ton of different things to keep it going strong. Regular HVAC maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns and keeps your heating bill in check. Make sure you check those HVAC filters, as they’re your first defense for good air quality. 

Schedule professional maintenance twice yearly, and watch for unusual sounds, uneven heating, or spots that never quite reach optimal performance.

Be sure to replace or clean filters regularly, clear debris around outdoor units, and test your carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Also, make sure to give it extra attention in fall and winter as the holidays roll around. Follow the key HVAC checkpoints below to make sure your system is well maintained.

Key HVAC Checkpoints:

• Spring (March-May): Full system inspection and AC prep.
• Summer (June-August): Monitor cooling efficiency.
• Fall (September-November): Heating system checkup.
• Winter (December-February): Watch for freezing hazards.
• Check Your Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is working well, and upgrade to a smart thermostat for even more features and efficiency.
• Monitor the air quality in your home as each season changes.

Electrical Service Checklist to Keep You Powered and Safe All Year

Electrical equipment keeps your home and life running but needs regular checks to avoid electrical fires and other hazards. Look at your main electrical panel — those labels should be clear and accurate. Test smoke alarms and check all outlets for proper function. Watch your energy usage patterns for sudden changes that might signal problems. Pay special attention during the holiday season when decorative lights add extra load. 

Emergency prep means having backup power plans and knowing where key shutoffs are located. Keep an eye on older wiring, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, where water exposure risks are higher.

Electrical Safety Checklist:

• Monthly: Test all safety devices.
• Quarterly: Check for hot spots and loose connections.
• Annually: Get your professional inspection.
• Seasonal: Additional load planning and heightened testing and awareness.

Emergency Checklist for HVAC and Electrical Systems

Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. For HVAC systems, it can mean a serious challenge plaguing your boiler. For electrical systems, it could mean faulty panels, damaged sewer lines, or even clogged drains all across your home. 

Our emergency checklist can prepare you to deal with these issues so you can make those split-second decisions that protect your health, safety, and money.

HVAC Emergency Planning:

• Keep a supply of backup filters on hand.
• Document your system’s maintenance history.
• Know how to shut off your system quickly.
• Have portable fans and space heaters ready for backup.
• Monitor weather forecasts for extreme conditions that might strain your system.
• Keep outdoor units clear of debris and protected from severe weather.

Electrical Emergency Planning:

• Install surge protectors on valuable electronics.
• Keep battery-powered flashlights in easy-to-reach locations.
• Stock fresh batteries for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have a backup generator ready and properly maintained.
• Create an electrical emergency shutoff guide for family members.
• Store emergency phone numbers for a local electrician.
• Keep a basic electrical tool kit handy.
• Mark your circuit breaker box clearly for quick power management.

Take Action Now

One more item for your checklist: finding a reliable company that handles HVAC and electrical needs under one roof. GEN3 Electric & HVAC offers comprehensive home services to keep all your systems functioning correctly. Schedule your heating service and repairs, cooling system services, and electrical system services with us today, tomorrow, or whenever you need them throughout the year.