Your Home Comfort Guide

Keep this with your system. Everything you need to know about your heating and air, in one place.

From Lantern & Coil Heating & Air · (864) 999-4437

Get the printable PDF

The same guide as a printable, fillable PDF — the copy we leave after an install or tune-up.

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My System

Equipment	Brand	Model #	Serial #	Installed	Filter size	Warranty registered?	Warranty ends
Furnace / air handler						Y / N
Outdoor unit (AC / heat pump)					—	Y / N
Thermostat			—		—	—
Other

Model and serial numbers are on the metal label (data plate) on each unit. Snap a photo of it.

Seasonal Checklist

Fall — before heating season

• Change the filter
• Switch the thermostat to HEAT and make sure warm air comes out
• Test CO and smoke alarms
• Clear stored items away from the furnace
• Make sure no vents are blocked by furniture or rugs
• Schedule a furnace tune-up

Winter

• Change the filter
• Keep snow, leaves and debris off the outdoor unit
• Watch for ice that doesn't clear (see "When to call us")

Spring — before cooling season

• Change the filter
• Clear 2 feet around the outdoor unit (plants, leaves, grass clippings)
• Switch to COOL and test before the first hot day
• Schedule an AC tune-up

Summer

• Change the filter
• Check for water around the indoor unit (a clogged drain line can cause leaks or shut the system off)
• Close blinds on sunny windows in the afternoon

Filter Log

Date changed	Size	Type / MERV	Changed by

Want a text reminder? Text FILTER to (864) 999-4437.

Service Log

Date	What was done	Technician	Notes / recommendations

How Long Systems Last

Typical lifespans. Your actual number depends on climate, maintenance and how well it was installed.

Equipment	Typical life
Gas furnace	15–20 years
Central air conditioner	10–15 years
Heat pump	10–15 years
Ductless mini-split	15–20 years
Thermostat	about 10 years
Tank water heater	8–12 years

My system was installed in ____. It is ____ years old.

Getting close to the end of the range? Plan now so a breakdown doesn't force a rushed decision. Try our Repair or Replace? calculator: https://lanterncoil.cedservice.com/calculator/

Systems installed before about 2010 may use R-22 refrigerant. R-22 is no longer produced or imported in the U.S., so refrigerant repairs on those systems can cost much more.

Energy-Saving Tips

1. Change the filter on schedule. A clogged filter makes the system work harder.
2. Use a thermostat schedule. The U.S. Department of Energy says turning the thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling.
3. Keep vents open. Closing vents in unused rooms doesn't save much and can strain the system.
4. Ceiling fans: counterclockwise in summer for a cooling breeze; clockwise on low in winter to push warm air down.
5. Seal drafts around doors and windows.
6. Close blinds on sunny windows on hot afternoons.
7. Get a tune-up every year. Small problems cost less when caught early.

When to Call Us

Call (864) 999-4437 if you notice:

• The system turns on and off every few minutes
• Bills are climbing but your habits haven't changed
• Some rooms are much hotter or colder than others
• New noises: banging, squealing, grinding
• Water around the indoor unit
• Ice on the outdoor unit that stays for hours
• Your system is 10+ years old and hasn't been checked in a while