The winter of our discontent has passed. The 36-inch snowdrifts and frigid temperatures are now a bitter memory. Spring has nearly sprung, crocuses are popping up and summer is ahead.
That means it is time for homeowners to start considering how to prepare their residences for warmer weather.
John Lugaila, owner of Mt. Lebanon-based MRT HVAC Contracting, has plenty of advice for consumers heading into more comfortable conditions. Chief among his guiding points is simple: “Make sure work is done by a professional.”
But there is an important caveat.
“There are simple tasks a homeowner can do” to prepare for spring and summer — and later for fall preparation heading into winter, he said.
Lugaila has worked in the HVAC industry — heating, ventilation and air conditioning — for more than 30 years. He is a steamfitter with Union Local 449.
The Upper St. Clair resident founded MRT with his wife, Erin, in 2003. The company operates from 603 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon, across from Rollier’s Hardware, and maintains a warehouse at 756 W. Liberty Ave. in Pittsburgh, across from North Star Chevrolet.
In a prepared statement, Lugaila said a home’s heating and cooling system is critical to overall comfort and efficiency.
“Your home’s heating and cooling system is one of the most important mechanical systems in your house,” he said. “Proper seasonal maintenance helps your equipment operate efficiently, extend system life, lower energy bills and prevent unexpected breakdowns.”
Homeowners, he acknowledged, can perform some simple maintenance tasks. However, many HVAC service procedures should always be performed by a trained professional because of high electrical voltage and pressurized refrigerant systems that can be dangerous to handle.
Lugaila said spring “is the ideal time to schedule professional maintenance on your air conditioning system before the summer heat arrives.”
“These systems require professional tools and training,” he said, adding that homeowners should always hire a licensed HVAC professional for this work.
Simple tasks homeowners can perform in the spring include:
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Replace or inspect the air filter regularly.
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Keep leaves, grass and debris away from the outdoor unit.
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Check thermostat operation and replace batteries if needed.
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Make sure vents and registers are open and unobstructed.
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Run the air conditioner early in the season to confirm proper operation.
The acronym MRT is a salute to the Lugaila children, using the first letters of their names: Mia, RJ and Taylor.
Lugaila is a lifelong Pittsburgh resident who grew up in Robinson Township and graduated from Montour High School.
He said his business was inspired in part by his father, who dreamed of owning a business before he died in 2017.
MRT specializes in residential HVAC installation, system replacement, service and new construction projects. The company serves customers in Mt. Lebanon and throughout Allegheny County, as well as consumers in Washington, Beaver and Butler counties.
According to Lugaila, MRT plans to expand service areas into Butler County and West Virginia in 2027.
He said MRT has built a five-star reputation across multiple platforms, including Google, Angie and Networx, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
