While you’re enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the comfort of your home, your HVAC system quietly works behind the scenes to keep your home’s indoor environment as comfortable as possible.
But like any other household machine that works almost non-stop, your HVAC system needs tender loving care if you want it to serve you for many years. If you ignore HVAC maintenance, chances are that your trusty HVAC system will need costly repairs or worse, it might need to be replaced!
When your HVAC system is properly maintained, not only will it last longer, but it’ll also work more efficiently, keeping your electricity bills at a reasonable level, and it’ll also maintain your indoor climate better.
So let’s take a look at what you should include in your HVAC maintenance checklist to ensure your HVAC performs at its best.
1. Understand Your System
Before you start going through your HVAC maintenance checklist, you need to understand what type of HVAC system you have. Here are a few common types of HVAC systems;
- Furnace and central air conditioner: This is the most common type of HVAC system and has two separate systems for cooling and heating.
- Heat pump: This is a single unit that offers cooling and heating.
- Boiler system: This type of HVAC system is primarily used for heating.
2. Spring and Summer Checklist
Your HVAC system will have different maintenance requirements depending on the season. So here’s a breakdown of the maintenance tasks you should include in your checklist for Spring and Summer:
Replace Air Filters
This is probably the most important maintenance task for any HVAC system. Over time, the filters will accumulate dirt and debris, affecting the airflow and the HVAC system’s ability to condition the air. Most manufacturers recommend filters be replaced every one to three years.
Condenser Unit and Coils
These two components are found in your HVAC system’s outdoor unit. The outdoor unit may accumulate dust, dirt, debris, and fallen leaves, and when this happens, it can affect your HVAC system’s efficiency and heat transfer. The coils can be cleaned easily with some water and a soft brush, but high-pressure water hoses should not be used as they could damage the fins.
Drain Lines
When the drain line becomes clogged with mold and mildew, it could lead to water leaks and damage. To clean the drain lines, use a pipe cleaner to remove the clog or pour a cup of vinegar down the pipe.
Thermostat
Sometimes, your HVAC system may not perform as it should because the thermostat settings aren’t correct for the season. In this case, calibrate the setting for spring or summer. Also, check the batteries.
Airflow
Check for blocked vents around your home. Make sure furniture isn’t getting in the way of the vents.
3. Fall and Winter Checklist
Your HVAC system will have different maintenance requirements depending on the season. So here’s a breakdown of the maintenance tasks you should include in your checklist for Fall and Summer:
Heating System
During fall and winter, you’ll be using your HVAC system to heat your home. So make sure to call a professional to inspect your boiler and gas furnace to make sure that the heat exchanger’s integrity and the gas pressure are as they should be. A faulty heat exchanger can be dangerous as it can lead to high levels of carbon monoxide production.
Moving Parts
Many HVAC systems have quite a few moving parts, such as ball bearings and motors and these will require lubrication to reduce wear and tear. Don’t use just any lubricant, only use the specific type of lubricant that your HVAC system’s manufacturer has specified.
4. Some Additional Maintenance Tips
So now that you know what to include in your HVAC maintenance checklist, here are some extra maintenance tips for keeping your HVAC in excellent condition;
Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
If your outdoor unit is surrounded by vegetation, it would be best to clear it out. Make sure there’s at least 3 feet of clear space around the outdoor unit and trim tree branches that hang over the unit.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Maintaining a HVAC system isn’t easy, so you should consider calling a professional for regular maintenance. An experienced HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your system, identify any problems and make all the necessary repairs. You should consider having these maintenance checks more regularly if your HVAC system is over 10 years old.
Keep a Record
Every time your HVAC system has gone through maintenance, keep a record of it. Note down how many times the filters have been replaced, what kinds of repairs were made and how often the refrigerant had to be changed.
5. The Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance
Here are some of the benefits you can expect from a well-maintained HVAC system;
Extended Lifespan
A well-maintained HVAC system can last longer. This will save you from spending a lot of money on a new HVAC system any time soon.
Fewer Breakdowns
With regular maintenance, your HVAC system is less likely to experience breakdowns, saving you money on expensive and frequent repairs.
Improved Comfort
When your HVAC system is well-maintained, it will perform more efficiently, ensuring that the indoor temperature is consistent and comfortable throughout your home.
Improved Air Quality
When a HVAC system’s filters are cleaned regularly, you can remove dust, allergens and bacteria, improving your home’s air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions from our customers about HVAC maintenance:
Can I just clean the filters without replacing them?
Some HVAC systems come with air filters that can be cleaned and put back in. However, it can be difficult and time-consuming to clean the filters thoroughly and some dirt and debris might still be left behind. In this case, replacing the filters may be a better option.
What are some common signs that my HVAC system needs maintenance?
Strange noises, uneven temperatures, bad smells, high electricity bills and water leaks are telltale signs of your HVAC system needing repair.
Should I replace the HVAC system’s refrigerant?
Unless refrigerant levels are low, you won’t need to replace the refrigerant. It’s best to leave this to the professionals because refrigerant is dangerous to handle.
Get your HVAC maintenance checklist ready
The HVAC system is a huge part of any home. Without it, home just won’t feel like home. That being said, you need to make sure that your HVAC system is well taken care of and this can be done with HVAC maintenance services.
These services will have experienced professionals who will make sure that your HVAC system is working properly all year round! So get in touch with a good HVAC maintenance and repair company today.
