Learn how to maintain your HVAC system so you can stay comfortable all year long
Your HVAC is among the most important systems in your home, keeping you comfortable in the blistering summer heat all the way through the frigid winters. But like many other systems in the home, it requires regular maintenance to continue running as it should.
Fortunately, maintaining your HVAC system is fairly simple and straightforward. Read on for a complete HVAC maintenance checklist you can use to ensure your system works when you need it most.
Why Should I Perform Regular HVAC Maintenance?
It's easy to neglect HVAC maintenance, especially if you don't notice any problems with it. But performing regular maintenance on your system can save you a lot of money and help you avoid some serious headaches down the road.
Lower Energy Bills
A poorly maintained HVAC system begins to lose its efficiency, which means it needs to work harder to heat and cool your home. As a result, you may start to see spikes in your monthly energy bills.
Fewer Costly Repairs
Even the best-maintained HVAC systems usually require some repairs over time, but maintaining your system regularly allows you to see potential problems before they get out of hand. And the sooner a local HVAC technician can address the problem, the less expensive the repair is likely to be.
Longer Equipment Lifespan
Speaking of expenses, HVAC systems can be mighty pricey, but if you take the time to maintain your system regularly, then you'll likely prolong its lifespan. This lets you avoid spending money on a brand new system for as long as possible.
Improved Air Quality
Your HVAC system has filters in it that help remove dust, mold, and other particles from the air. When these filters aren't changed (ex. your HVAC system isn't maintained) then you end up breathing in all of those particles, which can exacerbate allergies and other health issues.
How Often Should I Maintain My HVAC System?
It's a good idea to perform maintenance on your HVAC system at least twice per year—once during the spring before the hot days of summer hit and once during the fall in anticipation of the cold winter. The exact steps you take during each maintenance season will vary slightly depending on if you're focusing on the cooling or heating system, but they're similar overall.
Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to ensure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape for the hot summer months ahead. Considering your air conditioner will be doing the heavy lifting during this time, it should also get the most love during your spring maintenance session.
Depending on your skill level, you can perform some or all of the following tasks yourself. However, if you're unsure about how to complete any of these steps, it's a good idea to hire an HVAC expert to help.
Replace all of your HVAC system's filters
Clean your drain lines and remove any clogs
Clean your system's condenser and evaporator coils
Check drain pans and remove any standing water
Inspect and clean your ducts, removing any dust, mold, or other debris
Check the air conditioner's refrigerant level and modify it if needed
Verify that your thermostats and controls are properly set and fully charged
Test the fan motor and inspect its blades and blowers to ensure it's operating as intended
Make sure there aren't any leaks in the HVAC cabinet and that the cabinet door is secure
If the unit is outdoors, remove any leaves or debris from around it
Check all of the unit's belts and pulleys, replacing any that are frayed or show other signs of wear
Lubricate all of the unit's moving parts, such as motors and bearing
Fall HVAC Maintenance
The changing fall leaves mean cold winter days are just around the corner, so it's another great time to give your HVAC system a tune-up. This list is similar to the spring checklist, but it focuses more on your heating system since that's the one that will be working hard to keep you warm all winter long.
Like the spring checklist, you can technically perform these tasks yourself, but if you're unsure about how to complete any of them, then you should call in a pro to come help you.
Replace your filters and plan to replace them every 30–90 days throughout the winter, depending on how dirty they get
Inspect all of the heating elements for damage
Ensure the flue system is properly attached to the furnace
Inspect belts and pulleys for any damage and replace them as needed
If you have a gas furnace, call a technician to check for gas leaks and any pressure problems
Remove any standing water from drain pans
Inspect your wiring and electrical connections for damage
Make sure the heat pump is working properly
Lubricate all moving parts, like motors and bearings
Ensure your HVAC controls and thermostat are set the way you want them to be
