Maintenance & Energy-Saving Tips
HVAC Maintenance & Energy-Saving Tips for Great Falls Homes & Businesses
Understanding your heating and cooling system shouldn’t be a mystery. At Northern Heating & Cooling, we believe that informed homeowners and business owners make better choices—and enjoy better comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. That’s why we’ve created this collection of HVAC resources for Great Falls and the surrounding Montana communities. From practical maintenance tips to answers to your most common questions, our goal is to help you feel confident in managing your system year-round.
Simple Ways to Extend the Life of Your System and Save on Energy Costs
In Montana, where summer heat and bitter winter cold put your HVAC system to the test, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Whether you manage a business in downtown Great Falls or own a home near Gibson Flats, keeping your system in top shape helps prevent costly breakdowns and keeps utility bills in check. At Northern Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Great Falls stay comfortable year-round since 1963. Below are our top HVAC maintenance tips for Montana’s climate—plus a few smart energy-saving strategies to help your heating and cooling systems work smarter, not harder.
Spring & Summer HVAC Tips
As the snow melts and temps rise, it’s time to shift your focus to cooling efficiency. Here are a few ways to prep your AC and reduce summer energy use:
Schedule your AC tune-up in spring.
Annual servicing keeps your system clean, efficient, and ready before the first heatwave. Book a tune-up early to beat the rush.
Replace air filters monthly.
Especially during peak summer use. Clean filters improve airflow and can cut energy use by up to 15%.
Check insulation on refrigerant lines.
Damaged or missing insulation reduces cooling performance—our techs can replace it during maintenance.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat.
Set higher temps when away, and cool only when needed.
Close blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
Prevent heat gain from sun exposure in west- or south-facing windows.
Fall & Winter HVAC Tips
Montana winters are no joke—your furnace needs to be in peak condition when temperatures dip below freezing. Prepare your home or building with these key tasks:
Get a professional furnace tune-up each fall.
A licensed tech will clean burners, inspect safety controls, and check for carbon monoxide leaks.
Change your filter before winter begins.
And check monthly throughout the season.
Replace your humidifier pad.
If you have a whole-house humidifier, a fresh pad improves comfort and prevents mineral buildup.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Especially important when heating systems are running.
Keep vents, registers, and baseboards clear.
Don’t block them with rugs, furniture, or curtains.
Consider ductwork evaluation.
Leaky or uninsulated ducts waste heat and energy—especially in older homes or finished basements.
Energy-Saving Advice for Every Season
Saving money on heating and cooling isn’t just about equipment—it’s about smart habits, too. Here are some practical ways to reduce utility bills in any season:
Adjust your thermostat at night or when you’re away.
A 7–10°F setback for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling.
Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
Caulking and weather stripping can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy use.
Use ceiling fans to your advantage.
Reverse direction in winter to push warm air down; clockwise in summer for a cooling breeze.
Keep up with filter changes.
A dirty filter strains your system and increases energy consumption.
Upgrade to high-efficiency equipment.
When it’s time to replace your system, we’ll help you choose an energy-efficient model.
What You Can Do Yourself (and What to Leave to the Pros)
Maintaining your HVAC system is a team effort. Here’s what you can handle—and what’s best left to licensed technicians:
DIY Maintenance Tips:
- Change filters regularly (every 1–3 months)
- Hose off outdoor condenser coils (gently, with power off)
- Vacuum and dust around supply/return registers
- Monitor for unusual noises or smells
Professional Maintenance Tasks:
- Internal component cleaning and lubrication
- Electrical and safety checks
- Refrigerant charge evaluation
- System efficiency testing
Full inspections and tune-ups
Not sure when your last maintenance was? We can help. Contact us for a seasonal tune-up or ask about setting up a regular maintenance schedule.
Stay Ahead of Breakdowns—and Your Energy Bills
Routine HVAC care is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment, keep your family or business comfortable, and reduce unexpected repair costs. If you have more questions, check out our HVAC FAQ or give us a call. We’re here to help you get the most from your system—every season of the year.