HOME CARE · HEATING, COOLING & FILTERS
Heating, Cooling & Filters
Portland’s long heating season (typically seven months) means filters work harder than the box suggests. The monthly check habit beats any fixed schedule. A neglected filter wastes energy, accelerates wear, and is one of the easiest things to fix.
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.
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.