What Is HVAC Maintenance?

Simply put, HVAC maintenances are taking care of your HVAC system. Some people prefer to procrastinate when it comes to scheduling their HVAC maintenance because they want to save money.

However, neglecting your HVAC system practically guarantees that your system will cost you more money in the end.

Whether it’s your utility bill or the need to buy a replacement year before your system collapses, a lack of maintenance will cost you in the long run. To maintain your HVAC system, there are many factors to consider.

The entire systems need to be checked annually for visible signs of faults, so you’re not surprised by any failures caused by those potential problems.

In addition, there is always the concern that the filters used in the system, such as the air filter, are clean and in good shape. Speaking of cleaning the filter, other parts such as the blower or other parts can collect dust & debris that need to be cleaned before they can harm the system.

In addition, such particulate build-up in the air passages can cause system blockage and damage as well as reduce air quality.

Electrical components will also be checked for their voltage so that they do not compromise the system. Additionally, electrical connections must be maintained to ensure the safety of the system as well as to avoid its failure.

The system must also be calibrated. Take thermostat settings as an example where the actual temperature will match the reported temperature.

In the case of cooling systems, the level of refrigerant should be kept at the desired points. The same assumption is valid for heating systems that require fuel lines and connects as well as exhaust to be kept in good shape.

HVAC maintenance also includes the lubrication of moving parts. Movings part needs to be properly lubricated to prevent excessive heating and friction leading to their failure.

What Does HVAC Maintenance Mean?

HVAC maintenance requires that the components of the system be inspected on a monthly, seasonal, or yearly basis on the basis of a part. Cleaning the system of debris and possible damage or leakage of refrigerant lines are tasks that are best done monthly to maintain optimum system functionality.

In addition, there are considerations regarding climate change. Some parts in the system may become inactive during summer or winter, so necessary steps need to be taken to avoid unnecessary wear of components and use of energy sources.

Seasonal filter replacement is also recommended to reduce stress and the need to repair any excessive heating or cooling. There are also some annual maintenance tasks to be done, such as a visual inspection of the entire system.

How Do You Maintain an HVAC System?

Typically, HVAC technicians will be the one who takes care of your HVAC maintenances, although homeowners can do the maintenance themselves.

While homeowners may perform bi-annual maintenance for their heaters and air conditioners, having a licensed and insured HVAC technician will ensure your maintenance is done properly.

So what is involved in HVAC maintenance? There are HVAC maintenances checklists that you or your HVAC technicians will follow to maintain every part of the air conditioners or heater.

#1. Cleaning

There are a few thin that need to be done when cleaning an HVAC unit. Outdoors units will need to be cleaned of leaves, debris, and dirt. Your filter will also need to be cleaned. Then various parts of the HVAC system will need to be cleaned, like condenser coils, drain lines, drain pan, and evaporator coils.

#2. Inspection

In terms of inspection, the HVAC technician will inspect various parts such as capacitors, condenser coils, contactors, ductwork, electrical wiring connections, fan blades, heat exchangers, and service valves. Also important to check to see if any odor is coming from the HVAC unit.

#3. Lubrication

There are lots of moving parts insides an HVAC system, which is why it is so important to lubricate the various parts when performing maintenance. When parts are not lubricated properly, it can cause friction and grinding of parts, which can seriously damage the HVAC system.

#4. Replacing

When it comes to replacement, there are a few things that can be replaced during maintenances. Carbons monoxides batteries will need to be replaced annually, while air filters will need to be replaced monthly. There are parts like belts and pulleys that can wear out easily, so they may need to be replaced.

Preventive HVAC Maintenance:

To avoid replacement and heating & cooling repairs costs for HVAC systems components, there are a few preventative precautions you can take.

This will help save money for the users of the HVAC system, maintain the reliability of the system at the desired level, and also provide consistently high-quality air and comfort for the system users.

You can see how much these routine system checkups will cost, but let’s look at what can be included in an HVAC maintenance checklist. In the following, some preventive HVAC service routines will be given as a checklist.

You can have these checklists as a guiding tool to know what to expect from a professional doing the technical work for you, as well as adjust what you want to do based on your ideas.

As mentioned earlier, HVAC maintenance schedules can be based on a seasonal basis, so let’s look at how preventive maintenance tasks in hot climates (spring/summer) may differ from cold ones (fall/winter).

HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Hot Seasons:

Preventive HVAC services tasks in summer or spring include the following:

1. Inspect ducts, vents, cabinets, refrigerant lines, and the perimeter of the unit for debris, mold, leaks, charge.
2. Condenser and evaporator cleaning
3. Cleaning or replacing filters if needed
4. Cleaning drain lines and pans
5. Checks humidity level as well as thermostat and controls for proper measurements and regulations
6. Inspect fan motor, blower, and blades
7. lubricating moving parts
8. Replacing worn belts and pulleys
9. Inspect electrical components & connections, as well as replace batteries

HVAC Maintenance Checklist in Cold Seasons:

Preventive HVAC service tasks in the fall or winter include the following:

1. Inspect the heat exchanger, heating elements, heat pump, burner, and ignition system
2. Changing filters on heating equipment
3. Cleaning drain lines and pans
4. Checking Thermostats and Controls for Proper Measurements and Regulations
5. Inspect fan motors, blowers, vents, and ductwork
6. lubricating moving parts
7. Replacing worn belts and pulleys
8. Inspect electrical components & connections, as well as replace batteries
9. Check for gas leaks and flue gas passages.

Cost Savings of HVAC Maintenance:

If you live in the kind of environment that requires you to run your central air conditioning or furnace for most of the day, you shouldn’t think twice about signing up for regular maintenance.
One of the most’s common problems we faced at Ambient Edge was a clogged air filter.

You won’t believe how much amounts of money you can spend just by not taking care of your filters. These are especially troubling when you consider how cheap the filter is when you compare it to an emergency repair or, worse, a complete breakdown of your system.

Hands down, regular maintenance saves you money – no question about it. When you have an HVAC technician regularly in your home to check your system, you don’t have to worry about any surprises and your day being ruined. We fix all the bells and whistles so that they don’t become alarms later.

With regular maintenance, you don’t have to worry about dirty filters, leaks, or blockages that could otherwise affect the performance of your HVAC system.

When you take into account all of these things, you don’t have to worry about breaking down or repairing a part that will cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars later.

What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?

While many of ours customers understand the basics of HVAC maintenance, some are unfamiliar with Control Air Systems maintenance plans & ask why they are so important.

Some customers even ask us, “Is HVAC maintenance worth the amount of money?” Today, we want to elaborate more on what sets our maintenance plan apart from others and tell you what’s included in a typical HVAC maintenance journey. Hint: It’s much more than replacing a dirty filter.

First, we’ll cover the basics of our programs. If you have a maintenance plan in place with Control Air Systems, you will receive a customized maintenance schedule, as well as when your maintenance will take place, to make sure you are never left behind.

In addition, our maintenance customers receive preferential scheduling, putting you at the forefront of the line if you need your heating or air conditioning equipment repaired. This means that you will be taken care of as soon as possible, without the need to set the day in the future.

In addition, our Maintenance Plan customers get 10% off on all quoted repair work as well as 10% off on all parts. Finally, all of your equipment is logged into our system and tracked to ensure that we can monitor the performance and expected lifespan of your equipment.

The data we track includes the unit make, model, and age, as well as repairs were done in the past. We also log clinical data from previous visits, allowing our technicians to diagnose and resolve any problems as quickly and efficiently as possible.

With the basics of our planning covered, we can now get more into the specifics of what we’re doing during our HVAC maintenance visits. Again, we’ll start with the basics.

The two most basic maintenance items are one regularly scheduled filter change and two cleanings of the condenser and evaporator coils. Both of these functions ensure that you are getting proper airflow into your system, allowing the equipment to operate as designed.

Without proper airflow, you can face a number of problems, such as insufficient airflow in your home or building, your compressor freezing, or your equipment’s safety limits tripping, causing your system to shut down.

If your systems are belt drivers, we will also monitor and replace belts as they begin to tear and wear out.

If belt replacement is not done regularly, your belt will eventually break, which, unfortunately, prevents the system from providing any airflow to the space. The tasks described above are those most homebuilding owners are familiar with, but our HVAC maintenance works don’t stop there.

In addition to this task, our technician checks the amperage and voltage of your blower motor, condenser fan motor, and compressor to make sure there are no signs of stress or impending problems.

If there is a motor or compressor over-amping, our technicians are trained to determine why this is happening and mitigate the problem to prevent future problems.

Our technician also verifies that all electrical connections are tight to prevent avoidable service calls and clears all condensate lines to prevent leaks in the future.

If we are entering the heating season, we will review your heat exchanger to make sure no holes or cracks have formed, preventing dangerous situations where combustion gases enter your home or business.

If we are entering cold weather, our technicians will check the refrigerant pressures on your system to make sure no leaks are present & that there are no constrictions in your refrigeration lines.

Finally, our technicians will confirm that your thermostats are communicating properly with the appliance and will ensure that you are notified of any potential problems or changes made.

FAQ: HVAC Maintenance

What Is Hvac Maintenance?

HVAC maintenance involves the regular inspection, cleaning, and servicing of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively.

Why Is Hvac Maintenance Important?

Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, extends the lifespan of your system, improves energy efficiency, and ensures optimal indoor air quality.

How Often Should Hvac Maintenance Be Performed?

HVAC systems should be inspected and serviced at least once a year, ideally before the start of the heating and cooling seasons. However, some components may require more frequent attention, such as monthly filter checks.

What Does Hvac Maintenance Typically Include?

HVAC maintenance usually includes cleaning or replacing air filters, inspecting and cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, inspecting electrical connections, and calibrating thermostats.

Can I Perform Hvac Maintenance Myself?

While homeowners can handle basic tasks like changing filters and cleaning visible debris, it is recommended to hire a licensed HVAC technician for comprehensive maintenance to ensure all components are properly inspected and serviced.

What Are the Signs That My Hvac System Needs Maintenance?

Signs include unusual noises, reduced airflow, inconsistent temperatures, higher energy bills, and unpleasant odors. Regular maintenance helps prevent these issues.

How Much Does Hvac Maintenance Cost?

The cost varies based on the extent of the service and your location. Routine maintenance can range from $75 to $200, but investing in regular maintenance can save money by preventing major repairs and improving efficiency.

What Happens If I Neglect Hvac Maintenance?

Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, reduced system efficiency, frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and a shorter lifespan for your HVAC system.

Are There Any Diy Maintenance Tasks I Can Do?

Yes, homeowners can regularly change air filters, keep outdoor units clear of debris, and ensure vents and registers are unobstructed. However, deeper inspections and servicing should be left to professionals.

How Can I Improve the Efficiency of My Hvac System?

Regular maintenance, sealing leaks in ducts, using a programmable thermostat, and ensuring proper insulation can all improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

What Should I Look for in an Hvac Maintenance Plan?

A good maintenance plan should include regular inspections, priority scheduling, discounts on repairs, detailed service records, and comprehensive checks of all system components.

Can Hvac Maintenance Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Yes, regular maintenance ensures that filters and coils are clean, reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants in your indoor air.

How Do Seasonal Changes Affect Hvac Maintenance?

Different seasons require different maintenance tasks. For example, spring/summer maintenance focuses on cooling components, while fall/winter maintenance focuses on heating components.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Hvac Technician?

Professionals have the expertise to thoroughly inspect and service your system, identify potential issues early, and ensure all components are working correctly, providing peace of mind and optimal system performance.

How Can I Choose the Right Hvac Maintenance Provider?

Look for a reputable provider with certified technicians, good customer reviews, transparent pricing, and comprehensive maintenance plans tailored to your needs.