Your home’s HVAC system is vital to your comfort and well-being. It regulates the temperature and improves indoor air quality. Maintaining your HVAC system is important to ensure it operates as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let’s discuss what HVAC maintenance is, how often it should be done, and the benefits of regular maintenance.
What Is HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC maintenance refers to the proactive steps taken to ensure an HVAC system functions properly. It includes regular cleaning, inspection and tune-ups of the system to identify any potential issues before they become major problems. The maintenance may include replacing filters, cleaning the ductwork, inspecting and cleaning the coils, and checking the refrigerant levels, among other things. Regular HVAC maintenance is recommended twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, just before the heating and cooling seasons.
Reasons to Invest in Regular HVAC Maintenance
Just like any other appliances, HVAC systems require maintenance to work efficiently and last longer. Here are some reasons why homeowners should invest in regular HVAC maintenance.
Save Money on Energy Bills
Regular HVAC maintenance ensures that the heating and cooling system works efficiently, significantly reducing energy costs. A poorly maintained system can use more energy to function, resulting in higher energy bills. Routine maintenance of HVAC systems, such as cleaning air filters and adjusting thermostat settings, improves system efficiency and reduces energy consumption, thus saving energy costs.
Extend the Life of HVAC System
Investing in regular maintenance for HVAC systems can prolong their lifespan. A well-maintained HVAC system can last up to 15 years, while a poorly maintained one could only last for about 10 years before requiring replacement. A professional technician can inspect the system and identify any potential problems, reducing the chances of breakdowns and costly repairs.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
The HVAC system plays an essential role in maintaining indoor air quality. A neglected system can decrease air quality, leading to health problems such as allergies, respiratory issues and asthma. During regular maintenance, the technician cleans and inspects the ducts, filters and other parts of the HVAC system, leading to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
Ensure Safety
HVAC systems include combustible appliances, which pose significant safety hazards if not inspected regularly. Regular maintenance can identify any carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks or other potential safety risks. Additionally, regular inspections of the system’s electrical components, such as wiring and circuits, can decrease the risks of electrical fires.
Maintain Warranty
Warranties for HVAC systems require routine maintenance by a professional technician. Failing to maintain the system may lead to the warranty being voided, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Investing in regular HVAC maintenance ensures the warranty remains valid, saving homeowners the expenses of repairs and parts in the future.
What Is Involved in an Annual HVAC Maintenance Check-Up?
An annual HVAC maintenance check-up is imperative to prevent system breakdowns and costly repairs. A typical check-up involves thoroughly inspecting the entire system to identify any issues that could cause further damage down the line.
Thermostat Check
The first step of an annual HVAC maintenance check-up is checking the thermostat. The technician will test the calibration and make necessary adjustments to ensure your HVAC system operates correctly. They will also replace the batteries if needed.
Cleaning and Inspection of Air Filters
During the maintenance check-up, the technician will inspect and clean or replace the air filters. The air filters can become dirty and clogged, which prevents air circulation and puts the system under stress. A clean air filter ensures that air flows freely and your HVAC system works efficiently.
Fan and Belt Maintenance
Your HVAC system has fans and belts that can become worn, loose or damaged over time. During the maintenance check-up, the technician will inspect and tighten loose belts, replace damaged ones and lubricate bearings or motors as necessary.
Inspection of Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant in your HVAC system is responsible for absorbing heat during the cooling process, and it is critical to ensure that there is enough of it. During the annual maintenance check-up, the technician will inspect your HVAC system’s refrigerant levels and add any missing items. Low refrigerant levels can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy bills.
Cleaning Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils are responsible for the heat exchange process in your HVAC system. Over time, these coils can become dirty, affecting their ability to absorb or release heat and putting strain on your system. During the maintenance check-up, a technician will inspect these coils, and if necessary, they will clean them to ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently.
System Testing
Finally, the HVAC system is tested for proper operation. The technician will run the system and monitor its performance, including the airflow, temperature and pressure. Any system faults detected are repaired on the spot.
Tips To Save Money on Your HVAC Maintenance Costs
Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential to ensure that it provides you with the comfort and safety you need throughout the year, but it can be quite costly. However, there are several ways to reduce your HVAC maintenance expenses without compromising its performance.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an excellent way to save money on your HVAC maintenance and utility bills by regulating the temperature based on your schedule and preferences. You can set the thermostat to adjust the temperature when you are away from home or asleep, which can reduce your energy consumption and stress on your HVAC system and avoid overworking it. By reducing the workload on your HVAC system and minimizing its operating time, you can also prolong its lifespan and reduce the need for repairs or replacements.
Consider Upgrading Your System
If your HVAC system is outdated or inefficient, you may save money in the long run by upgrading it to a more modern and energy-efficient model. Although this may require an upfront investment, a new system can offer significant savings on utility bills, maintenance and repair costs.
Contact Professionals Today!
You can trust us as your go-to team for all your home comfort needs! We are a family-owned business that has served the residents of Ada County since 2006. We strive to ensure that every customer is satisfied with our service, so our technicians are highly trained and courteous folks who get the job done right the first time. In addition to heating and cooling installations, maintenance and repairs, we offer all types of plumbing services. These include pipe repairs and replacement, water heater installation, sewer repair, tree root removal and septic pumping. We can also help improve your indoor air quality by offering duct cleaning services and UV air purification products. We provide service in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa and the surrounding areas. Contact Express Plumbing Heating & Air now to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
