Homeowners should create a regular maintenance schedule for their home’s HVAC system to keep it in top condition and functioning efficiently. In order to stay comfortable in their home it’s important to make sure the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is well maintained. Doing maintenance yourself can save money since it keeps a need for repairs to a minimum. But simply turning on the air conditioning during scorching summer days is not enough. Having a regular maintenance and repair schedule will help keep the HVAC system running optimally year-round and prevent unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions.
Failing to properly maintain an HVAC system can lead to costly repairs or even replacement. Regular maintenance also ensures the system runs energy efficiently. This results in lower energy bills. Servicing the system every six months is ideal because it will identify any small issues that may become larger problems if not addressed.
Tasks such as checking the air filters, clearing debris from the outdoor unit, and cleaning the fan blades will help ensure the system works properly and efficiently. A properly functioning HVAC system offers improved air quality too, which can make the home healthier and more comfortable for all the occupants.
Develop An HVAC Maintenance Schedule
Coming up with a schedule for maintenance and repairs on an HVAC system can be confusing. Generally, you should plan to have a professional look at the system twice per year. Avoid planning in the middle of the summer or winter months since those are the times when the most strain is put on the system. As you make your plan, you should set aside time for cleaning the system, monitoring the air filters, and inspecting any components that could be causing a problem.
When creating the schedule, it’s important to note that the tasks you’re assigning to the system will depend on the type of system you own. A professional technician should be able to assist you in determining the best maintenance schedule for your system.
Tips For Preventing HVAC Problems
Besides following a maintenance schedule, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent any issues with your HVAC system. First, pay attention to any possible signs of a malfunctioning system, such as strange noises, a rise in energy bills, and short cycles when the system is running. Inspect your air filters regularly and depending on the type of filter you have, you should hard to change them every single month or every few months.
It’s also important to keep the area around the external and indoor components of the system clear to avoid any damage. You should also check the unit from time to time for debris, leaves, and other particles. Finally, if you ever need to repair or replace any component of the system, make sure you are using the correct parts and that they are installed safely and correctly.
Get Professional Assistance
For homeowners with inexperienced DIYers, an HVAC professional should be called to complete any maintenance or repairs. This way, you get peace of mind knowing the work is completed correctly and safely.
Additional Tasks To Include In Your Maintenance Checklist:
- Check thermostat
- Check refrigerant levels
- Clean ductwork
- Inspect air flow
- Test starting capacitor
- Test emergency shut-off
Conclusion
Having a regular maintenance schedule in place for your home’s HVAC system will help ensure it runs efficiently and effectively throughout the year. Additionally, regularly scheduled maintenance will be much cheaper than replacing the system completely if something were to go wrong. Now that you know how to create a maintenance schedule, you are well on your way to keeping your HVAC system functioning optimally!