CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The recent heatwave in Central Illinois, bringing heat indices over 100 degrees, has resulted in a surge of requests for HVAC repairs.

Castle Home Comfort in Champaign normally experiences 30-50 calls a day this time of year. Right now, they’re receiving 75-130 service calls.

But, according to them, most of the calls they receive are preventable.

“At this moment, the key issue we’re identifying is the neglect of regular maintenance by homeowners,” stated general manager Jeff Kenyon. “Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial, much like regularly changing the oil in your vehicle. We’re encountering numerous clogged filters, failing capacitors, and other minor malfunctions.”

Changing your filters and rinsing your unit’s coils helps maintain airflow in your unit and avoids exhaustion of the unit.