How Often Do I Need HVAC Maintenance?

Many major HVAC repairs can be sidestepped with proper preventive maintenance. For example, a properly calibrated thermostat can prevent it from cooling the house unevenly-causing your living room to be warmer than the bedroom!

MJ Frick preventive maintenance items include regularly scheduled air filter replacements and condenser & evaporator coil cleanings. This prevents insufficient air flow & helps equipment work as designed.

Spring

When spring arrives, it’s a good idea to test your HVAC unit to see how well it works. You may find that your air conditioning system needs some maintenance to keep it in top condition before the summer heat hits. HVAC technicians tend to be busiest during the summer, so scheduling maintenance during the spring will allow you to get your AC serviced and prepared ahead of time.

Among the most important HVAC spring maintenance tasks you can perform yourself is cleaning your air filters. They tend to be a magnet for dust and dirt, which can restrict airflow and cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Cleaning your air filters regularly can help avoid costly air conditioner repairs in the future.

Summer

Routine maintenance makes your HVAC system more efficient, extends its life and reduces the likelihood that you’ll need a costly replacement in the future. It also helps your home heat and cool more evenly and eliminates foul odors and sounds.

Higher energy costs are normal during summer, but unexplained increases in your electric bill could indicate that a part of your system isn’t working as well as it should be. If you notice a strange noise or an unusual odor, call a technician right away for a thorough inspection and repair.

During fall/winter preventive maintenance, a professional will inspect and replace your heating equipment filters, check the condenser coils, clean and disinfect the blower and evaporator coils and perform other tasks that are vital to keeping your home warm and comfortable. They’ll also ensure that all connections and drain lines are free from leaks. Leaks could mean that your system is working harder than it should, reducing its lifespan and increasing your energy bills.

Fall

The fall is the best time to have a heat pump maintenance session. During this time, the outdoor unit will be inspected to make sure there are no fallen leaves or other debris that could obstruct air flow. This prevents the HVAC system from working harder than it should, which in turn saves you money on energy bills.

In addition to changing your air filters, a professional will also clean the condenser and evaporator coil. This helps your system to circulate air more evenly throughout your home or building, which makes it a much more comfortable environment.

Another benefit of having your system inspected in the fall is that it gives you the opportunity to make any necessary repairs before turning on the furnace for winter. This can prevent you from having to pay for costly heating repair during the frigid weeks of winter. Many HVAC companies offer service contracts, which provide customers with twice yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates on heating services.

Winter

As winter approaches, it’s important to get an HVAC system inspection. This ensures that your heating system is ready for the cold weather and will operate at optimal efficiency all season long. This will help cut energy costs, prolong the life of your system, and improve indoor comfort levels.

Keep in mind that any unexpected changes in your utility bills or unexplained discomfort in your home could be signs of a problem with your system. These may require a call to your professional HVAC service provider.

In addition to changing air filters, consider cleaning or vacuuming your ductwork once a month. This will help ease temperature regulation and allow for the free flow of clean, fresh air. A programmable thermostat can also help save money and make it easier to regulate your home’s temperature throughout the day.