Franzen Heating & Cooling FAQ: maintenance

Most restaurant equipment should be serviced at least twice a year to maintain optimal performance and prevent breakdowns. High-use equipment like grills, fryers, refrigeration units, and HVAC systems may require more frequent maintenance. Regular servicing helps extend the life of your equipment, improves energy efficiency, and reduces the risk of costly downtime.

Franzen Heating & Cooling offers a full range of restaurant equipment services designed for commercial kitchens. We handle HVAC installation, preventative maintenance, and expert repair for cooking, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. Our goal is to help restaurants run smoothly with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.

Commercial boilers should be serviced at least once a year, though high-demand systems may require biannual maintenance. Regular servicing helps prevent breakdowns, ensures safe operation, improves efficiency, and extends the system’s lifespan. Inspections often include checking pressure, testing safety devices, cleaning burners, and reviewing combustion performance.

It's recommended to flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the unit. If you have hard water, flushing more frequently may be necessary.

Most traditional tank water heaters last between 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Regular flushing and checking the anode rod can help extend the life of your unit.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having your air ducts professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years. However, homes with pets, smokers, recent renovations, or allergy-sensitive occupants may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Regular maintenance helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently and your indoor air cleaner.

Yes, in most areas, a permit is required for furnace replacement or installation. We handle all permits and inspections for you as part of our installation service.

If your furnace is more than 12–15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or isn't heating your home efficiently, replacement may save you more money long-term. We can inspect your system and help you decide the most cost-effective path.

Most heating systems are reliable and provide quick, comfortable heat when you need it – if you take good care of the system. If you have air conditioning, shut it down and cover it for the winter. Please follow these steps prior to furnace use:

1. Clean or change the furnace filter.
2. If your furnace or boiler has a pilot light, ensure it is on.
3. Set the furnace to the “heat” position. Turn up the thermostat.
4. Let the furnace run through a couple of cycles to make sure it’s working properly.
5. Perform a quick visual inspection of the furnace area to make sure there are no items that could interfere with airflow or combustion.
6. Call or text Franzen Heating & Cooling to arrange for professional cleaning, inspection, and precision tune-up services. 

Yes, annual maintenance on the unit extends its life and reduces annual operating costs. Yearly maintenance inspections can spot small problems before they become large and expensive repairs.

This depends on the type of filter and how you use your furnace. Review the types of filters from the list below:

Disposable filters: A disposable filter should be changed every 6 to 8 weeks. This type isn’t very efficient and provides only a basic amount of air cleaning. If your furnace fan runs continuously, it should be cleaned every 3 to 4 weeks.

Electrostatic air cleaner: Electrostatic air cleaners should be cleaned monthly. To do so, vacuum the nylon media and then rinse the filter with water. Be sure to rinse in the opposite direction of the airflow. The older the filter, the more difficult it will be to clean.

Electronic air cleaner (EAC): An EAC works well until the cells get dirty. When cleaning the cells, don’t break any of the thin wires on the outside of the cells. If a wire breaks, the EAC won’t work. Be sure to clean the prescreens as well.

Hammock: Hammock filters must be washed and replaced every 8 to 10 weeks. When you purchase a replacement hammock filter, it might be larger than the metal frame it’s attached to. Simply install the filter on the frame and trim off the excess.

Large, pleated media filter: You should replace the media cartridge annually. Have the cartridge replaced at the same time as your annual maintenance service.

Washable filters: Clean washable filters every 6 to 8 weeks. If you run your furnace fan continuously, you should wash filters every 3 to 4 weeks. If there is visual degradation, please replace the filter.