Periodic maintenance of your HVAC system will help you keep it running efficiently and may even enhance its longevity. Your HVAC system includes your heating and air conditioning system, along with its ductwork. The type of system you have will have an impact on how often you should have it serviced. With a thorough inspection and tune-up as part of your routine maintenance plan, you should be able to get more value from your system and even ward off inconvenient–and expensive–breakdowns. Here, we’ll explore the ins and outs of HVAC maintenance, when to have your system serviced, and why it’s so important to have a professional HVAC company tackle your system’s maintenance.
How Often Should I Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance?
If you have a traditional furnace and central air system, you should have both your heating and air conditioning systems inspected annually. Heat pumps usually necessitate maintenance and checks twice per year–every six months. Another question often asked is “when should I schedule HVAC maintenance?” Ideally, you should schedule an inspection and tune-up just before you expect to use the system. So, you should have your heating system checked in early fall so that it’s ready to supply heat during the cold season ahead. To ensure reliable air conditioning, have your AC unit serviced in late spring.
How Long Do HVAC Maintenance Appointments Last?
In most cases, a service appointment varies depending on the unit’s size, the size of your home, and the unit’s condition. Technicians will arrive with a checklist of work that should always be accomplished during these visits. While this list tends to vary, some tasks may require more attention depending on when the unit was last serviced. For instance, cleaning the burner or troubleshooting an inefficiency can tack on some extra time.
Also, during the inspection, technicians will be looking for signs of wearing parts that could cause a breakdown if they aren’t replaced. Although these tend to be small repairs, they can also add extra time to the service appointment. However, it’s important to replace wearing parts as their failure can damage other parts of the unit.
Why Do I Need Routine HVAC Maintenance?
Your HVAC system is an essential system in your home. Both your heating and AC systems are costly to replace, so it makes sense to care for them well in order to get as much value from them as possible. Of course, these systems are crucial for interior temperature control, but there are also some safety concerns that property owners should be mindful of. For instance, technicians don’t merely service units to support their efficient operation; they look to make certain that the HVAC system is working safely. Key advantages associated with routine HVAC maintenance include:
1. Saving Money
While a professional HVAC maintenance appointment has a cost, it’s an affordable cost that is designed to save you money on repair expenses that can cost substantially more. A breakdown during the middle of winter is not only inconvenient, it can be quite expensive. Breakdowns add more wear and tear to your unit, which can reduce its longevity and, yes, lead to more breakdowns down the road.
Having your heating and cooling systems serviced on an annual basis also ensures their efficient operation. That means that they’re working at their peak. Units that perform efficiently use less energy, which translates to reduced energy bills for you.
2. Maintain Home Safety
Not only do you expect your HVAC system to work efficiently, but also safely. Your HVAC technician will prioritize safety checks, making sure that the unit isn’t leaking or hiding a cracked heat exchanger. During inspections, your technician should check to make sure no carbon monoxide is leaking from the system. Everyone has heard of horror stories associated with carbon monoxide, which is why it’s crucial to invite a highly trained HVAC professional to your home to perform routine system checks.
3. Improve Your Comfort
When your heating and AC systems are working efficiently, you’ll enjoy greater comfort. You’ll be warm in winter and cool in summer just as you’d expect. A properly maintained system will deliver heat or cooling reliably and consistently. With a periodic tune-up, your system will operate better, leaving your home more comfortable.
What’s Involved in Heating System Maintenance?
When servicing your heating system, your HVAC provider will typically perform the following steps to ensure that your furnace or heat pump is functioning in optimum condition:
- Perform a thorough inspection of the heating system
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check/replace filters
- Inspect safety controls
- Check for signs of wearing parts
- Check wiring and connections
- Clean burners and flame sensor
- Inspect the venting system
- Test fuel line for leaks
- Check thermostat
- Cycle the furnace while checking its operation
Of course, your technician’s checklist is apt to be more extensive with each task carefully outlined. You can ask your tech to provide you with a list of completed tasks or a report so that you can maintain your service records.
What’s Involved in Maintaining Your Cooling System?
To maintain your AC unit, your HVAC provider will likely perform the following inspection and tune-up tasks to ensure that it’s operating safely and efficiently:
- Replace filters
- Check for signs of wearing parts
- Replace worn parts such as belts
- Check refrigerant levels and ensure no leaks are present
- Inspect thermostat and controls
- Check electrical connections
- Inspect blowers and blades
- Clean evaporator coils and the unit’s condenser
- Clear any clogs
- Lubricate unit’s moving parts
During the inspection, wearing parts may also be replaced in order to guard against costly breakdowns. Customers may also want to have their ducts cleaned to improve air quality.
MM Comfort Systems specializes in HVAC maintenance as well as repairs and unit installations/replacements. We have a reputation for our experience, expertise, and friendly customer service. We’ve served the Western Washington region with affordable HVAC service since 1977. We’re able to service any make or model. Contact us to schedule your HVAC maintenance and let us help you protect your HVAC investment. Give us a call at (425) 533-9058 or fill out our contact form today!
