5 Simple HVAC Tips Every Montana Homeowner Should Know

Jancie Nauman
Nov 23, 2025
2 min read

Montana weather changes fast. One day it is sunny and sixty degrees, and the next day you are scraping frost off your windshield. Your heating and cooling system works hard to keep up, which means a little maintenance can make a big difference.

Here are five easy HVAC tips that can help you save money, improve comfort, and prevent breakdowns.

1. Change Your Filters Regularly

Dirty filters are one of the most common causes of HVAC problems, especially during wildfire season or dry months with a lot of dust.

How often to change them:

Every one to three months depending on pets, dust, and allergies
More often in the summer when smoke affects air quality

Clean filters help your system breathe better. This means lower energy bills and fewer repairs.

2. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

Snow drifts, cottonwood fluff, leaves, and tall grass can block airflow.

Check that you have:

At least two or three feet of clearance
No piles of snow or ice leaning on the unit
Landscaping trimmed back

This is especially important after a heavy snowstorm or spring melt.

3. Keep Vents Open and Unblocked

Closing vents does not save money. It can actually put stress on your furnace or AC.

Make sure:

Furniture is not blocking vents
Rugs are not covering vents
Return vents are fully open and clean

This helps your system heat or cool rooms more evenly.

4. Schedule Annual Maintenance

Montana temperature swings make HVAC systems work extra hard.A yearly check helps catch issues early, including:

Weak airflow
Cracked heat exchangers
Low refrigerant
Failing parts

Fall is the best time for furnace service. Spring is ideal for AC tune ups.

5. Do Not Ignore Strange Sounds or Smells

Clanking, grinding, burning smells, or musty odors are early signs of a problem. It is always cheaper to fix a small issue before it turns into a major repair.

If something seems off, give us a call. We are always happy to help.