Benefits of HVAC Maintenance
Are you ready for summer? It has been a cold, wet, and windy winter here in the Fort Worth area of Texas. But as any true Texan knows, the real weather challenge comes in the summertime and now is the time to get your HVAC maintenance and inspection. Set up an appointment today by calling 817-244-2511.
What is HVAC maintenance and what are the benefits of an HVAC maintenance plan?
HVAC maintenance is the steps taken to ensure an HVAC system is in proper working order. When done by a licensed, professional HVAC technician, it will include a thorough inspection of the entire system, cleaning, lubricating, tightening, components as needed, and tuning up others.
If needed, an HVAC maintenance service will include making any repairs or replacing components as well. The benefits of having a routine HVAC maintenance plan include:
- COSTLY REPAIRS AVOIDED
Preventive HVAC maintenance will catch issues before they become a costly repair, or worse, require a complete replacement. Secondly, an HVAC maintenance plan will keep your system well-maintained so that it works efficiently, runs better, and performs at full capacity smoothly, saving you money on your energy bills. This also minimizes the effect your HVAC system has on the environment.
- EXTENDED LIFESPAN
Most HVAC systems will last up to 15 years, but with a routine HVAC maintenance plan, you could get another 5 years or more.
- IMPROVED AIR QUALITY
We’ve learned over the past few years that the indoor air quality in our home has as many or more contaminants as the outdoor air. With a routine HVAC maintenance routine, the HVAC system can do a better job of collecting those indoor allergens like cigarette smoke, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mildew, and mold. This improves your home’s indoor air quality, making it easier and healthier for your family to breathe.
- IMPROVED HVAC PERFORMANCE
An HVAC maintenance program will make sure your system is keeping your home comfortable year-round, winter, spring, summer, and fall. It will lessen the risk of the system breaking down at the worst possible time, like the heat of the day or the chill of the night.
- PEACE OF MIND
With a preventative HVAC maintenance plan, you can ensure that your home will be ready for the hot summer or cold winter. It will circulate clean, fresh air that is cool for summer or heat for winter. No more worry if you turn it on and it is going to work!
How often should HVAC systems be serviced?
For a brand-new HVAC system, you should have professional HVAC maintenance that includes inspection and cleaning every 3 years. For an existing older system, an annual inspection is recommended as part of an HVAC maintenance plan. If you have to have repairs done every year, your HVAC technician may recommend a time to replace the unit.
What are the common problems with HVAC systems?
Some of the most common problems that HVAC technicians find during routine HVAC maintenance and service appointments include:
- The Air Filter: This is usually the first thing a technician will check during an HVAC maintenance appointment. Why? Because this is what controls the airflow and air resistance. It removes dirt, dust, and other debris in the air and keeps them from clogging the HVAC system. When this filter is clogged and dirty, it can’t do the job needed and can result in the HVAC system not working correctly.
- The Thermostat: This is the next component the HVAC maintenance technician will inspect. If a system isn’t cooling or heating correctly, it is often found the thermostat isn’t in the right position, like “On” or “Auto” and “Cool” or “Heat”. If the settings are correct, the technician will remove the cover and clean the internal part of the thermostat. If this still doesn’t fix it, they will recommend replacing the unit.
- Breakers and Fuses: The next thing the HVAC maintenance technician will check are the breakers or fuses if the HVAC system isn’t cooling or heating. If a breaker or fuse has flipped, this will keep the system from functioning. They will flip it back on and if this doesn’t fix it, this tells them the is something more serious to be inspected and leads them to inspect the next three things.
- Age or Wear and Tear: An HVAC maintenance and service technician will inspect the overall unit for the age of the unit and the wear and tear that it shows. While an HVAC maintenance schedule will extend the life of the unit, in time, it will become old and need replacing, or simply just wears out.
- Coils and Condenser: The HVAC maintenance and service call will include checking the condition of the coils and condenser, and cleaning or replacing them as necessary. If these are dirty, they aren’t able to perform as needed, just like the air filter. In fact, the air filter, coil, and condenser all depend on each other to do their jobs.
- The Blower Motor: A blower motor that runs continuously is an indication of problems. The HVAC maintenance and service technician will inspect the thermostat setting and if all is correct, they will check the relays and replace any that look bad. If none of this works, they will replace the blower motor.
What can be done to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems?
The air filter is your number one job in improving the efficiency of your HVAC system. As we have said, when the filter is clogged or dirty, it can’t keep the dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating inside the HVAC system, and the system can’t operate correctly. Changing your AC filter every 30 days at a minimum is recommended for helping the efficiency of your system.
What types of HVAC filters are available?
This is a question you can ask your HVAC maintenance technician. They are the better source of information to choose the right filter for your home and system. Some options are:
- Fiberglass Air Filters
- Pleated Air Filters
- HEPA Filters
- UV Filters
Keep It Cool This Summer!
So, if you’re wondering how you can tell if your HVAC system is in need of repairs, here are some key indications:
- It isn’t blowing cool air
- It is making loud, strange noises
- It has a burning odor when on
- Your utility bills have increased more than normal