CENTRAL HEATING - We recommend annual professional maintenance and service contracts on all heating units, including but not limited to water heater, and annual servicing of heating and cooling equipment, especially oil burner equipment. The fuel/air ratio of the oil burner tends to get out of adjustment easily, causing an orange smoke, smoky flame, which wastes fuel and generates soot.

STEAM (often heats unevenly)


  • Annually, check boiler valves and gauges, and radiator valves and connectors. Allow for periodic repairs to radiator valves and connections due to normal wear and tear.

  • Low water cut off should be flushed frequently to prevent sediment accumulation, which can prevent proper operation of cut-off.

  • Check sight glass regularly for proper water level.


HOT WATER

  • Allow for periodic “air” bleeding of radiators/baseboards to release trapped air for efficient operation. Allow for periodic repairs to radiator valves and connections due to normal wear and tear.

  • Lubricate circulator pump annually.

  • Allow for yearly draining of air cushion (expansion) tank if necessary.

  • Check pressure/temperature gauges monthly during heating season. Pressure should be between 10 & 20 psi (pounds per square inch), Temperature should be between 160° F to 180° F.


RADIANT - Radiant systems may be repair prone and are subject to higher repair costs due to concealed nature of the system.

HOT AIR/HEAT PUMP - Heat pump thermostat should be operated with care as serious damage may be done to compressor unit if the system is operated in heating mode during cooling season or cooling mode during heating season. Recommend you obtain Heat Pump Operating Instructions from seller or manufacturer. Also do not attempt to force the unit into its “defrost cycle”, heat pumps are calibrated to enter into the defrost mode only when needed.


  • Change air filter(s) as necessary (usually once/month during the heating season).

  • Annually vacuum blower/fan section & coil fins.

  • Clean humidifier (if supplied) during and after the heating season.

  • Clean/service electronic air cleaning equipment (if supplied) according to manufacturer’s specifications.


OIL TANK - We recommend to regularly inspect for leaks & keeping the tank “full” in the summer to minimize condensation and rusting of tank interior. You should also consider an additive to help prevent sludge & to evaporate excessive moisture. Check with your heating fuel supplier for further recommendations. A leaking underground or above ground fuel storage tank may present a significant environmental hazard.

COOLING SYSTEM - Operation of a compressor condenser unit when the outdoor temperature is below 65° F can result in serious damage to the unit. Recommend annual professional maintenance and service contract on air conditioning equipment including electrical contact points, Freon pressure, compressor slab level, cleanliness of compressor, etc.


  • Clean around compressor unit, removing leaves, dust, overgrown shrubbery, and debris. Be sure power is off.

  • Change or clean air filter several times during cooling season.

  • Vacuum fan section annually: dust buildup on cooling coil will reduce cooling efficiency and can clog condensate drain.

  • Check condensate drain periodically for backup or spillage especially when fan coil units are located in an attic space.


Part 1 - Roof and Exterior
Part 2 - Heating and Cooling
Part 3 - Plumbing and Electrical
Part 4 - Windows and Doors