Your HVAC system is working day in and day out, providing cooling or heating to your home. You must maintain it correctly with service calls by a qualified technician. But how often should you schedule those HVAC maintenance visits?
Once a year? Twice? More or less?
You’ll likely get at least five different answers if you ask ten people. As a result, many homeowners err on the side of caution and opt for twice-annual service calls. However, HVAC professionals say that once a year is often enough to keep your system in peak condition. And skip those preseason tune-ups. They’re primarily intended for new systems, not older ones already performing well.
It’s a good idea to have a qualified HVAC service technician inspect the heating and air conditioning equipment at least once a year. Many technicians recommend that their clients have this done before the cold weather sets in in the fall. This is also an excellent time to have your system serviced since you are using it less frequently at this time of year.
To make sure your HVAC system will be fully prepared for winter, here are some tips on what you should have done during an annual service call:
1. Clean or replace furnace filters
Filters are essential to the system’s performance. They will capture dust, pollen, and other irritants before they can circulate in your home.
2. Check for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks
Dangerous CO levels could result from a cracked heat exchanger, which you might not recognize without an inspection.
3. Inspect the outdoor condenser unit for damage or leaks.
Take a look at air conditioning coils, belts, and all connections to ensure none are damaged or loose. If you have central air conditioning, check that your air filters are free of debris and fit snugly in their housing units.
4. Inspect the thermostat and its batteries.
The thermostat is a vital component that maintains your system’s optimal performance, making sure it’s working correctly. It should also have an easily accessible battery compartment for simple battery replacement when needed.
5. Review warranties on parts and labor.
Review the warranty information on all parts being inspected or replaced. Verify that they are covered for the whole warranty period and note any disclaimers. Also, note the amount of time your service technician will be spending at your home to perform the maintenance visit.
If you are concerned about overpaying for an inspection, keep in mind that the savings on future repairs could outweigh the costs of a yearly service call.
Regular HVAC maintenance will extend your system’s life, making your purchase more cost-effective in the long run. It will also help you avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line, saving you time and money in the long run.
It’s a huge mistake to ignore this advice. If you wait until your system breaks down or starts to malfunction, it will be more expensive to get the problem fixed. While you don’t want to overspend on annual service calls, skip them at your own risk.