Don’t Skip Out on Regular HVAC Maintenance 

An HVAC system is a lot like your car. You get out of it what you put in. Just like your car needs oil changes and inspections to keep running smoothly, your heating and cooling systems need routine maintenance. During summer heat and winter deep freezes, they work overtime in the background to keep you comfortable. It’s smart to make sure they’re ready long before you really need them. And like your car, regular maintenance can go a long way toward avoiding unexpected issues and expenses.

Fred F. Collis & Sons has kept Central New York homes comfortable since 1936, and preventative HVAC maintenance is the simplest way we can help you avoid a breakdown.

What To Expect After You Call

When you call, we get a technician on the way and keep the process simple from start to finish. Here is what that looks like:

• A skilled, experienced technician shows up on time and treats your home with respect.
• Our team stays professional and friendly and keeps you in the loop while the work gets done.
• You get a clear explanation of what is wrong and what it will take to fix it.
• Pricing is transparent and approved before the repair starts, so there are no surprises on the final bill.

Why HVAC Maintenance Prevents Breakdowns

Most no-heat and no-cool calls don’t come out of nowhere. They build up over months, and these small issues can become expensive repairs if they’re left unchecked.

A furnace flame sensor is a good example. It’s a small metal rod that tells the system a flame is actually burning. Over time, it picks up a thin coating of residue, the system stops recognizing the flame, and your furnace starts short-cycling or quits lighting altogether. Cleaning it is always taken care of during routine maintenance. Replacing a failed part during an emergency repair in January costs a lot more.

That’s just one example. During a routine maintenance visit, our technicians inspect, clean, and test your system to identify common issues like:

• Weak blower motors that reduce airflow 
• Clogged air filters, especially from dust and pet hair
• Low refrigerant that makes your AC run longer
• Dirty condenser or evaporator coils that restrict airflow
• Worn capacitors that prevent the system from starting
• Cracked heat exchangers that can leak carbon monoxide
• Frozen evaporator coils that can flood the area when they melt
• Loose electrical connections that can trip a breaker or damage a motor

What’s Included in an HVAC Maintenance Visit

A Collis maintenance visit is a hands-on cleaning and inspection, not a quick look under the panel. Our technicians check your heating and cooling equipment for proper operation, test safety controls, and make sure everything is clean and running the way it should. We also evaluate airflow, check air filters and refrigerant levels, confirm your thermostat is working correctly, and look for early signs of wear that could lead to costly repairs down the road.

We service nearly every type and brand of HVAC equipment, including furnaces, boilers, central air conditioning, ductless mini-splits, fireplaces, water heaters, and heat pumps.

How Often Should You Schedule HVAC Maintenance?

Once a year is standard for a well-maintained system. Book your heat and AC together, and we also offer a bundle deal to save you $100! 

One more reason not to skip a year: most manufacturers, Carrier included, expect documented annual service by a professional. A long gap in service history can complicate a warranty claim if a major part fails.

Our Annual HVAC Maintenance Plan

Customers who sign up for our Cooling or Heating Maintenance Plans become Collis Club Members and get the five-star service Fred F. Collis & Sons is known for, plus:

Priority scheduling puts your service call at the top of our list. Members receive 10% off most HVAC repairs and pay no dispatch fee (weekends, holidays, and after-hours calls excluded). Again, remember to ask about bundling your heating and cooling plans and we can handle both in a single appointment for substantial savings.

Members also get emergency service in the Rome, NY, Utica, and Syracuse areas whenever you need us. Fewer breakdowns, lower maintenance costs over the life of the equipment, and a system that’s safe to operate.

Sign Up for Your HVAC Maintenance Plan Today

Get home heating and cooling maintenance near you from a local company you can trust. Call Fred F. Collis & Sons at 315-768-2323 or contact us online today. Or check out our stellar Google reviews! Our team is local, reliable, and ready when you need us most. Count on Collis to keep your home comfortable every season.

HVAC Maintenance FAQs

What is included in an HVAC maintenance visit?

A full maintenance visit includes cleaning the flame sensor and burner, inspecting the heat exchanger, blower, and flue, testing safety controls and electrical connections, cleaning condenser coils and the drain pan, checking refrigerant levels, and confirming proper airflow and thermostat operation.

Does a brand-new HVAC system still need annual maintenance?

Yes. New equipment runs efficiently out of the box, but coils still collect dirt, filters still clog, and electrical connections still loosen with normal use. Annual professional service catches those issues early and keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid.

Is HVAC maintenance really worth the cost?

Yes. A tuned system uses less energy, holds a more even temperature, and is far less likely to fail on the coldest or hottest day of the year. Most breakdowns start as small problems, such as a dirty flame sensor, a clogged condensate trap, or a coil packed with pet hair, and a technician catches those during a routine visit before they turn into an emergency repair.