For homeowners, regular HVAC system maintenance is often something they can easily overlook. Life is busy and full of work, kids, errands, and other tasks that can take priority over your HVAC system. After all, if your heating and cooling system work, why bother having it serviced?
The truth is regular maintenance of your HVAC system can make a huge difference in its performance and effectiveness. Not only will routine maintenance help to keep your home comfortable year-round, but it can also help you save money on your energy bills. So let’s discuss how routine maintenance can benefit your HVAC system.
Who Should Perform Your HVAC Maintenance?
YouTube and DIY go hand in hand nowadays, but just because the platform gives us the power to become experts on any topic doesn’t mean you should do HVAC maintenance yourself. Unless you have extensive experience and knowledge about HVAC systems, you must find a qualified technician who can inspect, diagnose, and service your system.
A professional HVAC technician will be able to detect any underlying issues that may otherwise go unnoticed by the average homeowner, such as worn-out parts or blocked airflow. An HVAC technician will also be able to advise you on how to properly maintain your system so that it runs smoothly for years to come.
What Should Be Included in Regular HVAC Maintenance?
A few critical tasks should always be included when it comes to regular HVAC system maintenance. There are specific tasks that are necessary when dealing with “Cooling Specific” or “Heating Specific” maintenance, but generally speaking, you can expect some of the same duties in an overall HVAC maintenance plan:
- Cleaning of air filters and parts
- Inspect all components for wear and tear
- Inspecting ductwork for any blockages or improper sealing
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Check out the thermostat settings
- Check all controls of the system
- Check any electrical connections
- Drain cleaning
Heating Specific Maintenance
- Check the combustion chamber
- Check the gas or oil line connections
- Inspection of the flue pipes, heat exchanger, and burner assembly
Cooling Specific Maintenance
- Clean the condenser coils
- Examination of the fan motor, compressor, and refrigerant lines
- Check refrigerant levels
A professional HVAC technician should do these tasks to correctly repair and replace necessary parts when needed.
Maintenance that Homeowners can Safely Do on Their Own
Although it’s best to have a professional inspect your system, there are some maintenance tasks you can do yourself. Regularly changing the air filter is one of the most important things you can do for your HVAC system. A dirty air filter will cause airflow disruption, which can cause your system to work harder and less efficiently.
You should also clean the area around your outdoor unit, keeping any foliage away from it so that it can get the proper airflow it needs. It’s also necessary to check for any signs of pests or water damage in your ductwork.
The Top 4 Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC system maintenance will help ensure it runs efficiently and effectively for years. Here are a few benefits of regular maintenance:
Improved energy efficiency
With an efficient HVAC system, you can save money on your energy bills; a properly maintained system will run better than one that isn’t. Consistent maintenance not only prolongs the life of your system but also prevents you from having to invest in a new HVAC prematurely.
It’s like how regular checkups can help humans live longer – except, in this case, you don’t have to leave home for the doctor’s office. Instead, with an expert at your door specializing in HVAC systems and their upkeep, rest assured that everything is good to go.
Improved air quality
Regular HVAC system maintenance will help keep the air in your home clean and free of contaminants that can irritate your allergies. A clean HVAC system can also reduce the amount of pollen and other allergens in your home’s air, making for a much healthier living environment. Unfortunately, according to the EPA, the levels of contaminated air indoors could be 2-5 times higher than outdoors – and in extreme cases, these levels could exceed 100 times higher. This is a massive concern for households with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
We are often exposed to multiple airborne toxins in our homes without realizing it. From dust full of respiratory triggers to pet dander and mold, everyday allergens can lurk in our living spaces. These include household dust particles and cigarette smoke that may cause health issues if not addressed. For example, if a musty smell leads you to believe you have mold, it’s time to consider cleaning your air ducts. As a rule of thumb, preventive care is the best way to guarantee that the cold or warm air going through your vents remains as clean and filtered.
Keep your home in good shape
During severe cold weather, a malfunctioning HVAC system can lead to disastrous effects like burst pipes, water damage, or worse. In addition, the cost of repairs from these issues could be financially devastating for your family. Preventive HVAC maintenance can mitigate these risks – which also guards against the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning: a silent killer that can potentially take lives without warning.
The Centers for Disease Control have warned that even the slightest carbon monoxide exposure can lead to severe health risks. Damage in a heat exchanger usually causes these leaks, and an HVAC maintenance checkup should always include a carbon monoxide test. Your technician can also help you decide if investing in a CO detector would benefit you.
Guarantee your unit’s warranty
Every HVAC system comes with a manufacturer’s warranty covering the cost of repairs and replacement for certain parts during the product’s life. However, if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, your warranty could be voided by the company. However, with preventive care, any possible problem will get addressed before it becomes costly while maintaining your warranty.
Let Crew Heating and Cooling Make the Most of Your Unit
Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is an integral part of keeping homes safe, healthy, and comfortable. Not only can it help reduce energy costs, but it also guards against hazardous conditions. So it’s time to call Crew Heating and Cooling for an HVAC maintenance checkup.
The company’s technicians are equipped with the best tools and techniques to help you make sure your unit is running as efficiently as possible. We offer comprehensive HVAC maintenance packages to fit any budget, so you can keep your home comfortable without bowing to the heat or cold. Call us today for a free quote.