Very cold woman at home trying to adjust the thermostat while wearing winter coat
February 12, 2019

Winter here in the Chesapeake area can be unpredictable, and the last thing any homeowner wants is to schedule emergency heating repair in the middle of a cold spell. If you want your heating system to provide the indoor comfort you rely on, it’s important to do what you can to keep it running at its best.

Here are a few simple ways you can optimize your furnace or heat pump to run at peak performance all winter.

Schedule Regular Heating Maintenance

Many homeowners in Virginia and North Carolina underestimate to power of scheduling preventive heating maintenance. When you schedule just one tune-up for your furnace, heat pump, or boiler each year, you can expect benefits like:

  • Reduced risk of a costly breakdown

  • Increased system energy efficiency

  • Lower annual heating costs

  • Improved overall indoor comfort

  • Extended life expectancy for your heating equipment

At Russell’s HVAC, we recommend scheduling a tune-up for your heating equipment in the early fall, before you turn on your system. If you haven’t yet scheduled a tune-up for your system this winter, it’s never too late to schedule one! Now is also a good time to sign up for a maintenance plan, which takes the guesswork out of maintaining your system.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

Did you know a clogged or dirty air filter can reduce the efficiency of your heating system, or even cause your system to overheat? This is why it’s so important to check and clean your air filters regularly. Check your air filter at least once a month and replace it as soon as a noticeable layer of dust and dirt begins to accumulate.

For many homeowners, a furnace air filter needs to be replaced every three months. If you have pets, young children, or family members with allergies, your air filter will need to be replaced more often.

Keep Your Heating Equipment Clean

Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or boiler, keeping it clean and free of surrounding debris can further help reduce unexpected repair costs.

Program Your Thermostat

Changing your thermostat settings frequently can have a negative impact on your heating system, forcing it to work harder and reducing its lifespan. To reduce strain on your heating system, be sure to program your thermostat properly. We recommend setting your thermostat to a comfortable temperature when you are home and to a lower temperature when you and your family are away to save more energy.

Don’t let your heating system break down unexpectedly this winter. Call (VA) 757-995-2807 / (NC) 252-489-4431 or contact us today to schedule preventive maintenance for your system!

Starting saving on home heating costs.

Schedule heating maintenance today!

(VA) 757-995-2807 / (NC) 252-489-4431

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Maintenance Plans

Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA