HVAC Preventative Maintenance (The Ultimate Checklist) (2023)

HVAC preventative maintenance is integral to ensuring your HVAC system runs smoothly and efficiently. By scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, you can catch minor problems before they turn into big ones, potentially saving yourself time and money in the long run.

Let’s look at the importance of HVAC maintenance and what you need to maintain your system.

Importance Of HVAC Maintenance

Lower Energy Bills

Having a professional technician clean and tune your system regularly can help you avoid costly repairs and improve your system’s efficiency. As a result, it does not overwork itself, meaning less energy is used. Thus, your energy bills stay on the lower side.

Lessen Repairs

A well-maintained system will run more efficiently, resulting in reduced wear and tear on its components.

It lessens the likelihood of repairs down the road, and it’s something you should consider if you want to keep your system running efficiently for as long as possible.

Moreover, there will be a decreased chance of an unexpected breakdown.

Extends The Life Of HVAC Units

By routinely performing preventive maintenance, you can help extend the life of your HVAC unit and save money in the long run.

Preventative maintenance involves inspecting and cleaning all components of the HVAC unit, including the coils, filters, and fans.

It is also essential to check the refrigerant levels and tighten any loose screws or bolts. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently for a long time.

Better Air Quality

Poorly maintained HVAC units can circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout the building, leading to respiratory problems and health issues.

A thorough cleaning will remove all of the built-up debris from the unit. This will help improve the air quality in your home or office and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.

Keep Your Homes Safe

HVAC preventative maintenance is a critical way to reduce the risk of fire and other safety hazards.

Regular maintenance will help ensure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently and that any potential problems are identified and fixed before they become serious.

HVAC Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

While many homeowners might be hesitant to DIY their HVAC preventative maintenance, it’s actually a relatively simple process that can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Many people think that because they have a professional come out once a year to do preventative maintenance, they don’t have to worry or do anything by themselves.

However, there are things you can do yourself to help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

• Vacuum the coils on your evaporator and condenser units. This will help remove dust and dirt, which can cause the unit to work harder and lead to decreased efficiency.
• Check your ducts for leaks and seal them if necessary, as otherwise, your system can break down.
• Inspect the filters monthly and have them replaced by technicians when necessary. A clogged filter will decrease airflow and increase energy use.
• Clean the blower fan blades and check the insulation every 3 to 4 months.

HVAC Maintenance You Should Leave To Pros

Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently. By having a professional technician come in and perform regular inspections and tune-ups, you can catch any potential problems before they turn into more extensive (and expensive) issues.

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your home’s HVAC systems running smoothly and efficiently.

However, it’s important to note that not everyone should perform this type of maintenance independently. In fact, for most people, it’s best to leave this type of work to the professionals.

Technicians are specially trained to perform preventative maintenance on HVAC systems. They have the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that your system is serviced correctly and that all potential problems are addressed.

You can rest assured that the job will be done right by hiring a technician. Here are a few HVAC preventative maintenance tasks that you should leave only to professionals:

Checking And Cleaning The Air Filters

Dirty air filters can reduce airflow and cause the system to work harder than necessary, leading to decreased efficiency and increased energy costs. The technicians will be able to clean or replace the filters as needed.

Cooling Coil Cleaning

Professional technicians have the expertise, equipment, and resources to complete this task thoroughly. In addition, they can use high-pressure water to remove any sediment built up on the cooling maintenance coils.

Drainage System Inspection

Built-up condensation can cause major problems if it’s not removed from the drainage system. If it seeps out of the drainage tube onto wood flooring, it could permanently damage. Technicians can inspect the drainage system thoroughly and have the resources to clean it up.

HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Spring & Summer HVAC Maintenance Checklist

In summer, when people spend more time outside, the environment indoors must be pleasant.

The summertime conditions typically require more cooling than heating; this means summer plans usually focus on increasing airflow to promote cool airflow throughout the air circulation system.

Here are a few key things you can do to help maintain your HVAC system during the spring and summer seasons:

1. Schedule regular maintenance – ideally, once a year
2. Clean or replace your air filters regularly – every three months is recommended
3. Clean or replace the cooling coil regularly – every 2 to 3 months is recommended
4. Keep your HVAC unit free of debris and obstructions
5. Check all electrical components such as motors and wiring
6. Inspect mechanical parts like fans
7. Check the insulation on your ducts and pipes
8. Monitor your energy bills if they suddenly start going up

Fall & Winter HVAC Maintenance Checklist

It is imperative to perform regular preventative maintenance on your HVAC system in winter. Winter brings cold air, frigid blasts of wind, and heavy snowfall.

These weather conditions affect the HVAC system by causing various parts of the system to work harder or not work at all.

By following these preventative maintenance tasks, you can help keep your system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs:

1. Inspect the HVAC system for any damage or wear and tear
2. Make sure that the system’s outer unit is clean
3. Remove the cover and vacuum all the dust from inside
4. Check all the filters and replace them if they are dirty
5. Remove any debris or snow from around the HVAC unit
6. Check the temperature and calibration of the thermostat
7. Add insulation around ducts where necessary
8. Check the refrigerant levels in your HVAC unit

Factors That Affect HVAC Systems Maintenance

The HVAC Systems Age

When it comes to HVAC systems, age is an important factor to consider when planning maintenance. The older the system gets, the more likely it will need repairs and eventually replacement.

As HVAC systems age, the components wear out, and they become less efficient.

Besides, an old system may require parts and tools that may not be available.

The HVAC Systems Condition

HVAC systems need to be maintained to keep them functioning correctly. If the HVAC system’s condition keeps deteriorating, it will require either costly repairs or replacement of the cooling system as a whole.

The HVAC Size

Larger HVAC systems require more frequent servicing than smaller systems. This is because they have more components that can break down and have a more significant cooling or heating load.

Smaller systems tend to be more efficient than larger ones. Hence, the latter uses more energy and may make the equipment wear quickly.

The HVAC Brand

Several HVAC systems are available on the market, and each has its own maintenance needs.

Some brands are more reliable and require less maintenance than others.

For instance, systems that use refrigerants require special care to prevent leaks, while those with electric heating elements need to be regularly inspected for signs of wear.

The HVAC Usage And Efficiency

If your system is used in a way that it does not support, it will wear out faster.

For instance, if a small system is cooling a large area or vice-versa, it will wear out faster.

The quality of installation and the efficiency of HVAC systems also affect the maintenance.

Climate And Location

The HVAC systems in warmer climates will require more maintenance than those in colder climates, as they wear down more easily.

Hence, it is crucial to consider the climate and location when scheduling maintenance.

By taking into account the climate and location of an HVAC system, you can help to ensure that your maintenance schedule is tailored to its specific needs.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

What happens if HVAC is not serviced?

A neglected HVAC system will not only break down more often, but it can also cause damage to the rest of the unit. It may even result in a fire hazard.

Does HVAC require annual maintenance?

Generally, most HVAC systems should be serviced at least once a year. However, some systems might require servicing more often, while others may only need it every two or three years.

What are the 4 phases of planned maintenance?

The four main phases of the HVAC PM checklist are:

• Routine maintenance
• Pre-start inspection
• Operational checks
• Troubleshooting

The last phase, troubleshooting, is only done if it is needed.

How much should HVAC maintenance cost from a professional?

The maintenance cost of an entire HVAC system is around $150 to $500. For repairs outside a standard service, an HVAC technician can also charge $50 to $150 per hour.

Conclusion

HVAC preventative maintenance ensures that your HVAC system works efficiently, does not break down during extreme heat or cold periods, and lasts long.

Last Updated on March 11, 2023