The Importance of Annual HVAC Maintenance

Whether you own a small home or a large corporate office, high-performance heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and individual HVAC units are essential for comfort and safety. One of the best ways to ensure top-notch heating, cooling, ventilation, and air filtration is by scheduling annual HVAC maintenance from a trusted company.

In fact, the importance of HVAC maintenance truly can’t be overstated. A clean, professionally maintained HVAC system has many benefits, including your own peace of mind. Below, we’re discussing why regular upkeep is so essential and how to tell when it’s necessary to clean your heating and cooling systems. Let’s take a look!

Why You Need to Maintain Your HVAC Equipment

No matter what type of property you own or manage, you might be asking yourself: “Do I need HVAC maintenance?” The best way to assess your needs is to hire a qualified HVAC company to inspect each part of your system. However, between professional inspections, there are also some routine checks you should perform yourself that will alert you to the need for additional HVAC work. Keep an eye out for the following signs:

Odd Noises

Are your HVAC units, including air conditioners and furnaces, making new and concerning sounds? Vibrating, buzzing, squeaking, and overly loud fans are obvious signs that something is wrong.

Strange Smells

If you smell something strange or unpleasant every time you turn on your air conditioner or heating system, you should seek professional HVAC help. Smelly vents can point to any number of problems with your system, including mold or dirt in the ductwork. You may need to schedule a vent and duct cleaning with qualified HVAC technicians.

Alternatively, an odd smell could point to an impending electrical failure in your air conditioner or furnace. Contact a trusted technician immediately, as electrical issues can lead to a catastrophic fire if not dealt with promptly.

Frequent Cycling

Does it seem like your furnace or air conditioner is kicking on too often? Frequent cycling could point to an issue with your home’s insulation or air circulation. It can also indicate a problem with the HVAC equipment itself. A professional HVAC technician can identify any abnormalities and address them before they raise your energy bill or cause lasting damage to your system.

Can I Maintain My Own HVAC System?

YouTube and other online resources have plenty of tips for do-it-yourself homeowners. However, many of the people who make complicated jobs look easy in an edited video also have years of experience and possess high-quality, specialized tools.

While some tasks are certainly manageable by a novice, it’s best to leave most maintenance to the experts. After all, the last thing you want to do is bite off more than you can chew and create an expensive HVAC repair job from what should have been routine upkeep.

With this in mind, consider this checklist of tasks most homeowners should be able to handle themselves. However, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified HVAC maintenance company for assistance.

Tasks to Do Frequently

Keep the areas around your HVAC equipment (both indoors and outdoors) clear at all times. This means trimming grass and pulling weeds around your outdoor air conditioning unit and removing anything stored near your furnace. You should ensure your entire HVAC system has at least two feet of clearance on all sides.

Tasks to Do Monthly

Each month, you should inspect your air conditioner(s) for leaks. Focus on finding leaks in refrigerant lines rather than dripping condensation, which is often normal. Refrigerant lines are usually copper and connect the external unit to the evaporator coil housed indoors.

You should also check all of your air filters. The general rule of thumb is to replace your filters once every 90 days; however, some homes may require more frequent replacements. If you notice dust caked on your filter or settling in your home, it’s likely time for a change.

Tasks to Do Annually

In the spring, remove your air conditioner’s condensation drain line and clean it thoroughly. You should also make sure your air conditioner is mounted correctly so that it is level to the ground. When summer arrives, shut off the water line to your furnace humidifier (if you have one). This ensures you avoid leaks while your furnace is inactive.

As you prepare for colder weather in the fall, replace your humidifier filter and turn the water back on. You should also check your furnace’s pilot light and clear at least two feet of space around the unit. When you replace your filter, make a note to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, too.

It’s important to note that this checklist is not a substitute for routinely scheduled maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician. Be sure to schedule an appointment at least once per year to ensure your system remains in peak condition.

Maintain Your HVAC Equipment with Help from Smith & Company HVAC

The trusted HVAC technicians at Smith & Company HVAC can assist you with any of the issues above and more. Here are some of the specialized maintenance services we offer to ensure your equipment remains in proper working order:

• Air conditioning maintenance (including central air maintenance)
• Heating system maintenance
• Air filtration maintenance
• Deep cleaning of ductwork and vents

Whether you need regular HVAC maintenance or are experiencing a more severe issue, it’s critical to seek professional help. For high-quality HVAC repairs and other services, contact Smith & Company HVAC today.