HVAC Knowledge Center
Helpful Homeowner Tips for Year-Round Comfort
Simple, expert-backed advice to keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently, straight from your neighbors at Queen City HVAC.
Whether you own a home or simply want to understand how to make your living space more comfortable, these practical insights can help you save energy, prevent breakdowns, and extend the life of your HVAC system. From seasonal checklists to local rebate programs, we’ve gathered reliable resources for the Puget Sound community; no sales pitch, just useful information.
HVAC Knowledge Center
Helpful Homeowner Tips for Year-Round Comfort
Simple, expert-backed advice to keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently, straight from your neighbors at Queen City HVAC.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Quick, preventive checks each season help avoid breakdowns and keep energy costs down in the Puget Sound climate.
Spring (Cooling Prep)
Replace/clean filters; clear 2 ft around outdoor unit; rinse condenser coil; test thermostat schedule.
Summer
Keep coil/fin area debris-free; check condensate drain for clogs; verify strong airflow at registers.
Fall (heating prep)
Replace filters; test CO detectors; schedule a pro tune-up before first cold snap.
Winter
Seal obvious drafts; ensure outdoor heat-pump unit stays clear of snow/ice; avoid frequent deep set-backs on heat pumps.
Helpful links to articles and videos to help with these seasonal steps
ENERGY STAR: HVAC Maintenance Checklist — concise pro tune-up list and homeowner tasks.
Energy.gov: Air-Conditioner Maintenance — how to keep coils clean and drains clear.
Energy.gov: Operating & Maintaining Your Heat Pump — region-agnostic best practices (great for mini-splits too).
How-to video: Change a Home Air Filter (Home Depot) — simple 3-minute walkthrough to embed.
For PSE Customers
If you’re a Puget Sound Energy customer, you may qualify for utility savings: $75 off select smart thermostats (plus extra rewards via Flex Smart), and rebates for efficient heating systems and heat-pump water heaters. See current offers on PSE’s site.
$75 off smart thermostats — instant discount at PSE Marketplace or rebate after purchase.
Flex Smart program — get up to $50 per device for enrolling + seasonal participation rewards.
Heating & water-heating rebates — current incentives for efficient systems and HPWHs.
For SnoPUD Customers
SnoPUD Heat Pump Rebate: Up to $750 off qualifying heat-pump water heaters (HPWH).
SnoPUD Smart Thermostat Rebate: $50-$75 for eligible SnoPUD customers.
SnoPUD Weatherization Rebate: up to $1 per sq ft for insulation; duct sealing up to $450 depending on home type.
General home-electrification and appliance upgrade program (HEAR) free or heavily discounted energy-efficiency upgrades for qualifying customers.
Pro Tips to Make Your HVAC Last Longer
A little preventative care goes a long way. From regular filter changes to smart thermostat installs and utility rebates, these proven steps can help you get more life from your heating and cooling systems — with less stress and fewer surprises.
Filters
Replace/clean filters every 3 months – keep airflow strong and parts lasting.
Outdoor Units
Keep outdoor units clear & well-ventilated – trimming vegetation and debris improves efficiency.
Smart Thermostat
Install a smart thermostat – better control equals less wear and tear; many local rebates available.
Rebates
Use your utility rebates – see the cards above for special offers from Puget Sound Energy and Snohomish County PUD.