As an HVAC expert with years of experience in the industry, I cannot stress enough the importance of regular maintenance for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Not only does it ensure that your system is running efficiently, but it also helps to extend its lifespan and save you money in the long run. One of the main reasons for regular maintenance is to catch any potential issues before they become major problems. During a maintenance visit, your HVAC technician can identify any small issues and address them before they turn into costly repairs. This can save you from having to replace your entire system prematurely. Regular maintenance also allows you to ask questions and address any concerns you may have about your system.
It's a great opportunity to learn more about how your HVAC system works and how to properly care for it. Your technician can also provide valuable tips on how to improve the efficiency of your system and save on energy bills. When it comes to air conditioning systems, changing the filters every 30 to 90 days is crucial. Many people overlook this simple task, but a clean filter greatly improves the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Dirty filters make your system work harder, which not only increases energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on the equipment. While buying new filters every month may seem expensive, it is a small cost compared to the savings you will see on your energy bills.
Additionally, it's important to adjust your humidifier settings according to the season. During the summer, there's no need for a humidifier, but as the weather cools down in late summer or early fall, it's important to install a new filter and set the humidifier to around 40 percent humidity. Even if you have a newer HVAC system, annual maintenance visits are still necessary to ensure it continues to run smoothly. It's recommended to have your air conditioning system serviced at least twice a year - once in the spring before the hot summer days arrive, and once in the fall before the cold winter sets in. While some maintenance tasks should be left to professionals, there are some simple tasks that homeowners can perform themselves. For example, checking the fan blades every two months for signs of damage or wear is a good way to catch any potential issues early on.
However, it's always best to let an HVAC professional handle any electrical or refrigerant-related issues. Having a regular maintenance plan in place not only helps to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system but also offers greater protection for your family. A well-maintained system ensures that your home stays cool during hot summer days and warm during cold winter nights. To make sure your system is working at its best, it's important to hire an HVAC company to inspect and maintain it every fall and spring. To help you keep track of all the necessary maintenance tasks, here is a full HVAC maintenance checklist:
- Change filters every 30-90 days
- Adjust humidifier settings according to season
- Check fan blades every 2 months
- Schedule annual maintenance visits
