When it comes to the inventions that have made life in the modern world so much more comfortable than in eras past, you can sum up one of the greatest and most significant with four letters: HVAC. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential to maintaining comfort and air quality in homes year-round. Whether it’s keeping your home cool in a Tucson summer or warm in a Green Bay winter, your HVAC system works hard to ensure a comfortable indoor environment.
However, like any other machine, your HVAC system requires regular upkeep to function efficiently. Proper maintenance helps extend the life span of your HVAC, lower your energy bills, and minimize unexpected breakdowns—and potentially costly repairs. In this article, we’ll walk through a comprehensive HVAC preventative maintenance checklist, including an overview of the tasks you as a homeowner can handle on your own and when you should call an HVAC professional.
Why Does Proactive HVAC Maintenance Matter?
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Waiting to fix something that has broken will always be more costly than preventing it from breaking in the first place, whether it’s your car, an HVAC system, or even your health.
Expense isn’t the only reason to keep your HVAC system in good working order; comfort and safety are vital. In a world where we are setting new records for heat waves, the last thing you want is for your HVAC system to break down when it’s going to be 100 degrees or higher for the next week. Similarly, you don’t want it breaking down when it’s -10 degrees either. Both extremes are uncomfortable and unsafe. Your home should be a refuge from the elements. How quickly do you think an HVAC repair team can get out to fix your problem, especially when everyone else will be calling them for the same reason?
It isn’t just about the potential breakdowns, either. Even if your system is partially functioning, a poorly maintained HVAC system can consume significantly more energy than a properly maintained one will. Think about how much extra energy it takes to force climate-controlled air through clogged, dusty air ducts than through clean ones.
Finally, consistent upkeep doesn’t just ensure your system runs smoothly. It also improves air quality in your home, which is crucial for the health of your household.
A Homeowner’s HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Many simple maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners with minimal effort and investment—and no more training than watching a relevant YouTube video, if that. These steps help ensure your system is running efficiently.
Regular Filter Changes
One of the most critical parts of HVAC maintenance is a relatively simple one that homeowners can usually handle on their own. A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This doesn’t just increase energy consumption and your power bill, but it also shortens the life of the system.
How often should you change your filter? Typically, you should replace your filter every 3 to 12 months. For instance, if you have pets that shed, smoke in your home, live in a high-dust area, or suffer from allergies, you’ll likely need to change it more often. A general rule of thumb is to check your filter every three months to see what state it’s in.
Air Vent Inspection
Dust and debris can accumulate in your home’s air vents as well, limiting airflow and putting extra strain on your system. When you change your HVAC filter, consider pairing it with an inspection of your air vents, looking for dust, dirt, or other blockages. Wipe the vents down with a damp cloth or vacuum to remove dust buildup.
Thermostat Setting Adjustment
Ensure your thermostat is always set for optimal energy efficiency. For instance, in the winter, blankets and sweaters go a long way, so try setting the default temperature lower than you might otherwise. Similarly, turning your AC or furnace down when you’re asleep, away at school and work, or on vacation can save on costs.
If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for more precise control of your HVAC system. Some smart thermostats can even learn your schedule and adjust the temperature automatically, further reducing energy consumption.
Outdoor Unit Cleaning
Your filter and air vents aren’t the only places where debris can accumulate over time. Your outdoor HVAC unit or condenser can accumulate leaves, dirt, bugs, and sticks, particularly during fall and spring. This debris can restrict airflow, reducing efficiency—and if you have allergies, bring pollen and other allergens into your climate system.
It’s a great idea to give your outdoor unit a once-over twice a year during spring and autumn, clearing away any debris that may have accumulated around it. Keep plants trimmed to at least two feet away from the unit to ensure proper airflow.
What Should You Leave To The HVAC Pros?
Some HVAC maintenance requires the expertise of a trained, licensed technician to keep your system running safely and efficiently.
Regular Tune-Up
Scheduling an HVAC tune-up is essential for prolonging the life of your system. For best results, treat this like a checkup and do it annually. During professional maintenance, an HVAC technician can inspect electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, check refrigerant levels, and perform other critical tasks.
Ductwork Inspection And Cleaning
You are more than well-equipped to clean your filter and vents, but the ducts behind them are trickier. Ducts can house dust, allergens, and even mold, making cleaning them important. A professional HVAC technician has the tools to inspect and clean your ductwork, even within the walls.
Refrigerant Checks
If your air conditioner isn’t properly cooling your home, it may be due to low refrigerant levels—which may, in turn, be caused by a leak. A refrigerant leak should be handled by a professional for a number of reasons, not least of which is safety. A trained HVAC technician can identify and fix refrigerant leaks, recharge your system, and ensure it’s functioning properly.
Keep Your HVAC System Maintained For Best Results
A properly functioning HVAC system can be a blessing in the winter and summer alike. A broken one can be an expensive, frustrating curse. Keep your HVAC system functioning at its peak with regular preventative maintenance using our above checklist. Have any questions? Contact the pros at All Weather Heating & Cooling today. Not in the greater Cleveland area? Find credentialed HVAC contractors near you with Energy Star.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Daniel is a Cinnamon Hollow author passionate about house and home, renovations, homesteading and DIY.
