Three Key Things To Include In Your HVAC System's Preventative Maintenance Schedule

Creating an annual preventative HVAC maintenance schedule for your system is an excellent way of boosting performance. The maintenance tasks performed can unearth problems that would lead to HVAC emergencies and costly repairs. However, the effectiveness of a preventative maintenance schedule depends on the tasks covered. Below are three key things to include in your schedule for optimal results.

HVAC Cleaning

Quarterly, bi-annual, and annual cleanings are essential to the overall performance of your HVAC system. Dirty ductwork and filters can inhibit airflow and lower the air quality in your home. Blocked vents and ducts can cause the heating and cooling systems to overheat, shortening the lifespan of the motors and other electrical components. Therefore, you should clean the following parts: 

  • HVAC filters
  • Supply and return vents
  • Ductwork
  • Outdoor AC unit
  • Heating system

Remember to replace worn HVAC filters every six to twelve months to improve indoor air quality.

System Inspection

Annual system inspections can unearth potential concerns with your heating and cooling system. An inspection should aim to identify mechanical issues with the components. For example, if your AC has a broken refrigerant line, there will be inadequate cooling due to refrigerant leaks. If your furnace heat exchanger has minor cracks, it is only a matter of time before it leaks exhaust gases.

Your annual inspection should cover all the components in your heating and cooling system. They include:

  • Condensing and evaporator units
  • Refrigerant lines
  • Ductwork
  • Heat pump and furnace components
  • Thermostats
  • Air vents

You can perform a detailed inspection once a year if your HVAC system is still fairly new. However, if you have an old system, you may encounter problems frequently. Therefore, bi-annual inspections can reveal potential issues and prevent costly repairs.

System Testing

Poor HVAC performance can increase heating and cooling bills in your home. Low efficiency often signifies issues with the heating and cooling components. For example, low airflow may signify ductwork leaks. Therefore, you should test your system for inefficiencies, air leaks, and poor airflow. Below are the key things to check:

  • Check ductwork for air leaks
  • Check thermostat sensors for performance issues
  • Assess the energy consumption of the HVAC system 
  • For zoned systems, check individual zones for airflow issues
  • Check how long it takes for the entire house to heat or cool

If your units have advanced technologies, test them to ensure they are working correctly. For example, if you have a multi-stage compressor, ensure it adjusts the speed to the heating or cooling demand. Similarly, if your thermostat has occupancy sensors, it should turn the air off when no one is in the room.

A detailed preventative maintenance schedule can extend the lifespan of your equipment and boost system performance. Contact your HVAC contractor for professional maintenance services.

Share