HVAC Maintenance - Do and Don'ts
Home Savings
Do you know the importance of HVAC maintenance? Regular HVAC maintenance can save you money on your energy bills, keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly, and even help you avoid large repair costs if something goes wrong. This guide will show you everything you need to know about HVAC maintenance, including how to schedule regular maintenance and how to prepare your home ahead of time so that your technician can do their job effectively and efficiently.
DO have it inspected
Your HVAC system should be inspected at least once per year by a qualified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician. Even if your system is still in great shape (if it was installed recently, for example), you’ll want to get your HVAC maintenance done during its regular season—usually spring or fall. This will give you time to schedule any necessary repairs before winter or summer arrives. If you’re not sure when you should schedule an inspection, ask your manufacturer.
DO change your filters
Have you ever wondered what your HVAC system is actually cleaning up? Filters are a great way to keep dust, allergens, and other contaminants out of your home's air supply. Changing your filters regularly will improve indoor air quality and make your heating/cooling system more efficient by ensuring that its maximum surface area is exposed to fresh air. Not only will changing filters regularly save you money on energy bills, but it also extends their life expectancy.
DO schedule preventative maintenance appointments
Preventative maintenance is key for maintaining a heating and cooling system’s efficiency. It not only helps with energy efficiency, but also extends the life of your equipment. It’s especially important to schedule preventative maintenance when you know you are going to be out of town or will not be able to turn your AC on because it will help avoid any potential issues that could arise when you aren’t at home.
DON'T leave it running all the time
While you may think your heating or cooling system is working harder in an effort to keep up with winter’s chill or summer’s heat, regular maintenance can help ensure that your unit is operating as efficiently as possible. Make sure to turn off your heating or cooling system when you are not at home and especially if you are not planning on returning for several hours. Regularly reviewing a checklist of things to do will keep HVAC systems performing smoothly throughout all seasons.
DON'T forget to change the filters regularly
Clogged filters prevent air from flowing into your home, making your HVAC system work harder to cool your house. Change filters at least every three months or when they show signs of wear. There are a number of different types of filters available, so be sure to use ones that fit properly and are designed for your specific system (central air vs. heat pump vs. furnace). If you need help determining what type of filter you need, give us a call!
DON'T overwork your system.
HVAC systems are one of those things that's difficult to notice until it's broken, so it's tempting to overwork your system during times when you're desperate for heat or air conditioning. But all that extra work just makes your system wear out sooner, meaning that you'll be forced to shell out more money on maintenance in a few months or years than if you had just scheduled an annual cleaning.
DON'T rely on smart devices in lieu of actual service.
Many smart thermostats offer 24/7 self-monitoring capabilities; some even include remote access for maintenance purposes. But these features come with a price. Instead of investing in energy efficiency, you might actually be throwing away money by using your home's air conditioning and heating systems more often than you need to. Air filters, humidity sensors, and thermostats may be able to detect that something is wrong with your system, but they can’t fix it. Letting these devices do all of your HVAC maintenance for you isn’t just imprudent—it’s expensive. Without regular cleanings or service by a trained professional, these systems will continue to break down until you replace them entirely.
DON'T wait until you are freezing to call for repairs.
It’s important to get in touch with a professional HVAC contractor when you need an immediate repair. Waiting can cost you more in repairs, higher utility bills and potential health problems. Although some issues may seem minor at first, they can quickly get worse over time. Also, you should never wait until it is freezing outside to call for repairs.