You probably don’t have your HVAC system top of mind on a daily basis and only get a fright the day it decides to stop running as it should.
You not only start imagining a huge bill but worry about you and your loved ones having to live in the home without the fresh air or heat your unit provides.
However, there is something you can do to prevent this unfortunate situation from developing when you least expect it.
You need to call an HVAC company and request routine maintenance service.
This will not only extend the life of your equipment, but it will also save you money on your energy bills when the system works efficiently, and it will give you the comfort you are used to without interruptions.
What does an HVAC maintenance call include?
Depending on the company you work with, you can expect a maintenance service for an HVAC to include the following:
Check Thermostat Settings
Your technician will assess your settings and make sure that they are set in the best way to provide good air to your home while conserving power whenever possible.
The thermostat batteries will be checked and, if needed, replaced.
Check Electrical Connections
Electricity plays a crucial role in a functioning HVAC system. The technician will review all the connections to verify that they are safe and that the voltage and currents read adequately.
Clean the Drain
The condensate drain will have all obstructions, debris, and clogs removed.
Lubrication
Your HVAC system has certain parts that regularly need lubrication. This way, they can move as they should without suffering from wear and tear.
Air Filter Replacement
An important part of the maintenance visit is to have a look at your filters. If they are able to be cleaned, they will be; if they need to be replaced, you will get new ones.
Clean Debris
The outdoor unit of your HVAC will tend to fill with leaves and other debris. Your technician will look at it and clean all debris in and around the unit.
If the debris is too much, you may receive a recommendation to install some sort of cover that will allow the unit to keep working but keep off the debris.
Fan Assessment
The motor and blades on the fan will be checked, and the technician will verify that they are not damaged.
Refrigerant Check
If your unit has either too much or too little refrigerant, it will not operate as it should.
Help preserve its correct operation by having the technician check the levels and ensure they are correct.
Coil Cleaning
Evaporator and condenser coils should be checked and cleaned. This action alone can help the unit operate more efficiently, thus increasing the system’s life.
The main purpose of an HVAC maintenance service is to extend the life of your unit, improve its performance, and help you save money on your energy bills.
It may pay for you to get an HVAC maintenance program which can give you two visits a year, one before the summer months start, and the second one before winter sets in.
This way, you can ensure that you are doing all you can to avoid unpleasant surprises.
What are the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance calls?
Poor maintenance of your HVAC unit will raise the risk of a sudden problem with the system.
Emergency calls will not only cost you much more, but you may also require pieces that are not easily available and may have to go without heat or cool air for some days.
Also, allowing your system to keep running in a state that is not ideal will shorten its life and may end up costing you quite a bit more if you need to replace the unit.
Are there any signs I should be aware of that signal a problem with my HVAC unit?
Many signs will give you a warning that the system is not operating as it should.
You are familiar with the level of noise that the unit emits; when it becomes much louder or starts making cracking or popping noises, call an HVAC technician.
You know how often the system goes through its cycles; if you notice that the unit is turning on and off much more frequently, you know something is not right.
Another sign of trouble is when you notice that the air coming out of the system is not cold enough to cool the home or warm enough to provide any heat.
Also, you may detect unusual and unpleasant smells coming out of your equipment when it has never had any bad smells before.
If that is the case, it may be a problem with the electrical components, and you should get a technician right away before a spark causes a much bigger problem.
Could I do the HVAC check myself?
There are some things you can and should do on a regular basis, such as getting in the habit of changing the filter every season or making sure the outside unit is always free of debris.
If you are remodeling, change the filters much more often, as well as if there are pets, smokers in the home, or people with respiratory illnesses living with you.
However, unless you are a licensed electrician, there are certain components of your HVAC unit that you should leave to the professionals.
By trying to save some money and doing a DIY HVAC service yourself, you can end up causing a bigger problem; you may also leave some items unchecked since you do not know about them, and, in general, you may end up hurting rather than helping.
Remember that HVAC units represent an important investment for any homeowner. There is no need to replace them before their time due to a problem that might have been avoided.
Schedule routine maintenance of your HVAC and enjoy the cool or warm breezes that come out of the unit.