Why Is HVAC Maintenance So Important?
The importance of preventative maintenance on your HVAC system is to ensure that you keep your system up and running all season long at top efficiency without any breakdowns. Since this is both an important and expensive system in your home, it’s important to ensure it’s taken care of properly.
Here are some maintenance tips to help keep indoor comfort levels high and your HVAC repair costs low:
Pay Attention
It’s important to pay attention to any rattling, thumping, grinding, or buzzing with your system – all of which could mean there’s a problem somewhere in the HVAC system. You also want to pay attention to possible performance issues like spotty heating or cooling, weak airflow, thermostat issues, or finding puddles around your indoor unit. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage it can do overall.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
It’s important to have your air conditioners tuned every spring and heaters tuned every fall. Most people are not aware, but regular maintenance can usually prevent up to 95 percent of all HVAC repairs. Regular maintenance will also keep your system operating at peak capacity for maximum comfort, plus it can cut energy costs and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Replace Your Air Filters
Air filters need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days and they need to be checked every month for dirt and clogs. The more people who live in your household and the more pets you have, the more often your filters will need to be changed. This is an important task that needs to be in your monthly routine since operating your HVAC with a dirty or clogged filter can damage your equipment.
Clean The Vents
Vacuuming the vents often helps to keep dust and dirt from building up and obstructing airflow. It’s also important to check the airflow periodically to make sure that it’s not weak. If you notice weak airflow, contact us to schedule an HVAC service technician check it out as soon as possible.
Consider a Maintenance Plan
An HVAC preventive maintenance plan ensures that you never miss out on the benefits of having your equipment serviced annually. Remember that the cost of a service plan will often outweigh the costs of HVAC repairs.
Clean the Outside Unit
It’s easy to forget about the outside unit of your HVAC system, but it is just as important as the indoor unit and needs monthly maintenance too. Check to ensure that the unit is free of any leaves, twigs or debris, and be sure to cut back plants and shrubs by at least three feet. Wipe down the inside and outside of the unit to get rid of dirt, and if needed wash it off with a gentle spray from a garden hose.
Schedule a Ductwork Inspection
If you have ductwork, it’s important to have it inspected every several years so the technician can check for blockages. Over time, the air ducts can accumulate debris that may impede airflow which can overwork your equipment and weaken the system. Ducts can also trap dander, dust, and even pests or develop leaks through which air can escape.
Having regular duct cleaning can improve the overall indoor air quality and keep your HVAC healthy by assisting with the free-flow of conditioned air.
Other than the age of your unit, the majority of HVAC repairs are caused directly from the poor maintenance of the unit. To schedule a tune-up contact us today.
