HVAC systems are very important appliances in a home seeing as they are faced with the task of filtering and providing clean air, as well as regulating the temperature and ventilation in buildings.
HVAC systems are arguably the most overlooked pieces of machinery in a home. Most people don’t even bother with them and only fix them when they break down. However, preventative maintenance will keep your HVAC running even past the life expectancy. Today, let’s look at how often HVAC maintenance should be done.
HVAC Maintenance Schedule
An HVAC should be cleaned, inspected, and serviced by a qualified professional at least once a year.
Ideally, the heating system should be serviced in the fall, as this is just before it will kick in for the cooler months. The air conditioner should be serviced in the spring after the winter dormant season and before it will be working hard to keep the house cool.
That way, you’re likely to get ahead of any potential issues before they strike, and perhaps reduce how often HVAC maintenance is needed in the future.
Additionally, there are basic home-based maintenance strategies that should be done monthly.
These include:
- Cleaning the air filter
- Clearing the ducts
- Cleaning debris off outdoor units every month
- Maintaining two feet of clearance around outdoor units
- Inspecting refrigerant lines
- Checking the thermostat settings
- Checking for leaks
HVAC systems vary. In the case of a standard central AC or furnace, each component should be serviced once or twice a year. However, a heat pump system should be checked out every six months, especially when it’s used year-round.
Also, find out the manufacturer’s maintenance timetable and stick to it.
Benefits of regular HVAC maintenance
- It saves you the cost of repairs and replacements
- Increased productivity and reliability of the HVAC
- Continued safe operation of the system
- It extends the life of the HVAC past the typical life expectancy
- Can reduce energy consumption and save on energy bills
HVAC Maintenance Steps
There are a few simple steps you can take to maintain and preserve your HVAC like replacing the filters, lubricating moving parts, and cleaning the concentrate drain line at least every 3 months to keep it clear of algae and other debris.
Also seek the services of a professional HVAC system technician at least twice annually to keep your system running effectively for as long as is possible.
This important part of overall HVAC servicing is where you get all your money’s worth.
Problems are detected and adequately nipped in the bud. The HVAC technician will most likely offer an AC system inspection. You can request to have everything tuned up or have the air conditioner serviced.
Afterward, the AC will be thoroughly inspected and evaluated. The tech will look for signs of wear and tear, leakages, loose electrical connections, and fix these.
In the case of an air conditioner, they will likely inspect the drain, make sure that the refrigerant levels are adequate, and ensure that other parts of the system are in good condition.
They will also give the filters a professional cleaning to keep them pristine and assure you of high-quality air. If your system is older, asking them how often HVAC maintenance may be necessary is also advice they could give.
Would you like to ensure your HVAC is working efficiently? Reach out to us at Triad Mechanical for HVAC Maintenance by Triad Mechanical Service Professionals.
With our maintenance plan, you can rest assured that your system remains in top-notch condition. Contact us now to check your HVAC unit’s condition by calling 770-682-0075.