Are you looking for some top-notch tips on HVAC maintenance?
HVAC maintenance is something that most homeowners don’t really think about. After all, your heating and cooling system is only something that you want to worry about when it stops working.
But wait. What happens then? You pay expensive repair bills. You live in an uncomfortable home. You get stressed.
And here’s the other thing. A broken-down HVAC system is expensive. HVAC maintenance can prevent these expensive breakdowns and keep your system running properly for longer.
The best part? HVAC maintenance is actually really easy.
Before we dive into HVAC Maintenance Tips. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is So Important
- The Maintenance Tasks All Homeowners Need to Know
- Seasonal Tips For Year-Round Performance
- When to Call for Professional HVAC Maintenance
Let’s begin!
Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is So Important
According to Energy Star, dirt and general neglect are the number one cause of heating and cooling system failures. That’s huge! If you don’t take proper care of your system, it can stop working and cost you big bucks.
Think about that for a minute…
When a maintenance appointment gets skipped, that’s just one more chance to fail. And then when things do start to go wrong, it’s always at the worst time, right? In the middle of summer or the dead of winter.
But there’s more to it than just avoiding breakdowns and serious discomfort. Did you know that the average home spends around $1,900 on energy bills each year? Nearly half of that goes to heating and cooling costs.
Systems that are dirty and haven’t had maintenance work harder and use more energy to produce the same results. That means higher energy bills every month.
Research from the National Association of Home Builders revealed that homeowners that regularly get professional maintenance can add up to 50% more years on an HVAC system’s life. Imagine that, throwing good money away at new equipment.
Air conditioning company Farrell Air Conditioning provides maintenance that keeps your home’s HVAC system in optimal condition. Professional maintenance means technicians catch problems before they turn into emergencies that require major repairs.
Need proof of why HVAC maintenance matters so much?
- Energy bills go down. A well-maintained system is more efficient.
- Breakdowns happen less often. Regular maintenance can prevent major malfunctions.
- HVAC systems last longer. Routine maintenance extends the life of your equipment.
- Home air quality is better. A clean and well-maintained system helps keep indoor air cleaner.
Sounds easy enough, right?
The Maintenance Tasks All Homeowners Need to Know
Some HVAC maintenance can be done by anyone. Other maintenance is best left to professionals. Knowing the difference saves both time and money.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Changing the air filter is the most important thing that homeowners can do.
Dirty air filters make your HVAC system work harder than it should. This extra load creates faster wear and tear on the components, higher energy bills, and the breakdown that you don’t want.
Most air filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type and air conditions in your home. Homes with pets and allergies may need to change filters more often.
It only takes a few minutes to change your air filter and can make a big difference.
Keep The Outdoor HVAC Unit Clear
Outdoor condenser units need space around them for proper airflow and efficiency. Debris and overgrown bushes can block airflow, lowering performance.
Here’s what you should do:
- Clear all debris at least two feet around the outside unit
- Trim bushes and plants
- Rinse off the outside unit gently with a garden hose
- Visually inspect the unit after storms
It takes about 15 minutes but will save a lot of trouble in the future.
Check Thermostat Settings
Sometimes problems don’t actually involve the HVAC system. It can be the thermostat.
Ensure it’s set properly for the current season. A programmable or smart thermostat can save money and energy by automatically adjusting temperature settings.
Programmable and smart thermostats can save up to 10% on energy costs by optimizing run times.
Inspect Vents and Registers
Blocked and closed vents force HVAC systems to work harder. Walk through your home and make sure all vents are open and clear of obstructions. Furniture, curtains, and rugs are common.
Seasonal Tips For Year-Round Performance
Your HVAC system has to work hard during different times of the year. Proper timing of maintenance tasks will help everything perform at maximum levels.
Spring – Getting Ready For The Cooling Season
The cooling season is right around the corner! Before the heat wave hits, it’s time to get the air conditioner ready to go. Spring is the perfect time to schedule a professional tune-up.
Air conditioning repair service technicians come and check refrigerant levels, clean out the coils, and test all system components.
Spring checklist
- Schedule a professional AC tune-up
- Replace air filters
- Clean the area around the outdoor unit
- Test the system to make sure it’s working properly before hot weather hits
Summer – Keep An Eye On The System
The cooling season is here! It’s time to make sure that everything is running the way it should. Strange sounds, lack of airflow, and inconsistent temperatures can all be early warning signs.
Don’t go overboard and set the thermostat way down during hot spells. Heating and cooling systems are designed to cool homes around 20-25 degrees below outdoor temperatures.
Try not to go any lower. Doing so just stresses the system out more.
Fall – Time For The Heating System
Heating systems are all about to start work. Get the furnace or heat pump in working order before the cold weather hits. The good news is that it’s still warm enough to fix problems before they get too bad.
Fall checklist
- Schedule a heating system tune-up or maintenance
- Replace air filters
- Test the thermostat
- Seal and insulate all ducts, and check for drafts at windows and doors.
Winter – Staying On Top Of Things
Cold weather puts a heavy strain on heating systems. Change filters even more frequently during the months of heavy use.
If your HVAC system has outdoor components, make sure vents are clear of snow and ice buildup.
When to Call in the Professionals
A homeowner can handle some of the HVAC maintenance. There are certain times when it’s best to call for professional help.
When should you call a professional? When you notice the following:
- Strange noises
- Rising energy bills
- Rooms that heat or cool unevenly
- Short cycling (system frequently turns on and off)
- Weird smells from the vents
- Systems that are over 10 years old without professional maintenance
Annual professional maintenance found that regular tune-ups check electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, and check safety controls. These include testing and cleaning components not accessible to the average homeowner.
HVAC maintenance by professionals can extend the life of your HVAC system and help you to avoid future costly repairs.
Wrapping Things Up
HVAC maintenance really isn’t hard. You just have to be consistent.
The simple maintenance tasks that everyone can do. These include changing filters often, keeping outdoor units clear of debris, paying attention to system performance, and scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year.
HVAC maintenance tips and tricks, to quickly recap:
- Dirt and neglect are the leading causes of HVAC system failures
- Regular filter changes are the easiest way to protect HVAC equipment
- Maintenance should be performed regularly on a seasonal basis for best results
- Professional tune-ups can detect problems before they become emergencies
Systems that receive regular maintenance run more efficiently, last longer, and cost less to run. That’s real savings that adds up over time.
So don’t wait for something to break to start worrying about HVAC maintenance. Start now. You’ll be comfortable and save some money while you’re at it.