Many people rely on their HVAC systems to keep their homes comfortable when the external conditions turn hotter or colder. Modern heating and cooling equipment is complex and expensive, and it represents a significant investment. For this reason, it’s a good idea to invest in regular essential HVAC maintenance. In this article, we will explore this topic in more detail to help you make informed decisions.

Why is HVAC Maintenance Important?

The average lifespan of an air conditioner system is 15 years, and it can be up to 20 years for a gas furnace. Well maintained equipment tends to last longer, and an HVAC system would be close to those expected lifespans. But, neglected heating and cooling systems tend to degrade over time, and they will need to be replaced earlier. An earlier than expected replacement is expensive, and taking steps to extend the lifespan is a smart decision.

Another key aspect of regular HVAC maintenance is that the system is checked by a professional technician. They will make checks and perform maintenance that will keep the HVAC system running as close to optimal efficiency as possible. After every year of ownership, an HVAC system will lose a little performance and energy efficiency. This can be offset with regular maintenance to keep the system running well for longer.

An HVAC technician can identify smaller issues before they can develop into larger problems. This is helpful because larger problems are almost always more expensive to fix. Well maintained heating and cooling equipment is less likely to fail when you need it most. The last thing that you need when the weather turns hot or cold is downtime from your HVAC system due to a repair that could have been avoided.

When is HVAC System Maintenance Required?

Heating and cooling experts recommend essential maintenance before the start of each heating and cooling season. So, before winter and summer arrive, it’s a good idea to contact your local HVAC specialist and schedule some maintenance. The ideal time is late spring and fall to ensure that the system is ready when the hotter and colder weather arrives. It’s a great idea to schedule the maintenance early because the demand for HVAC specialists rises when summer and winter arrive. This is because people turn their HVAC systems on for the first time in months and then realize that it’s not working. So schedule an appointment early to avoid delays and ask about joining a maintenance program to save money on servicing.

What Happens During an HVAC Maintenance Visit?

The HVAC technician will arrive at a mutually convenient time, and they will carry out a number of checks and maintenance tasks to keep your system working efficiently. Let’s take a look at the checks that are performed on the furnace and AC system:

12 Routine Air Conditioner Tests and Maintenance Tasks

There are twelve routine tests that should be performed on the AC system to ensure that there are no problems that could affect the operation now and in the near future:

  1. Test the airflow of the AC system.
  2. Check the thermostat to ensure that it’s set correctly and that the sensor is measuring the ambient temperature accurately.
  3. The ductwork will be checked for air leaks where the treated air can escape and lower the energy efficiency. Any cracks can be sealed temporarily with duct tape, but a more permanent solution, such as a repair or replacement, will be required.
  4. The air conditioner is checked for any electrical leaks.
  5. The electrical wiring is inspected to ensure that there are no worn or loose wires.
  6. The airflow that passes through the evaporator coil is measured.
  7. The refrigerant levels are checked, and if they are low, they must be recharged.
  8. There is a condensate drain pan, which collects the moisture that is removed from the home with the heat, and this is prone to clogs and overflowing issues. The drain pan will be checked, cleared, cleaned, and sanitized to prevent potential problems.
  9. The condensate and evaporator coils are inspected and cleaned.
  10. An amp-draw test is conducted on the blower motor to ensure that it’s working properly.
  11. The electric control sequence is checked to ensure that the air conditioning and heating systems cannot operate at the same time.
  12. The homeowner is informed of any problems in the air conditioner system that may have been revealed during the inspection.

14 Routine Gas Furnace Tests and Maintenance Tasks

There are fourteen routine gas furnace checks to carry out to ensure that the system is performing well, that the energy efficiency is optimal and that it’s safe to use:

  1. The gas connections are checked to ensure that they are safe and secure.
  2. The flue is examined.
  3. The blower unit it inspected and cleaned.
  4. All vents are inspected and obstructions are removed.
  5. The blower unit access door is checked to make sure that it’s sealed tightly.
  6. An amp-draw test is carried out on the blower motor.
  7. The burner flame is checked to ensure that it’s blue, which means that it’s receiving gas. If the burner flame is yellow, it means that incomplete combustion is taking place, and this is dangerous.
  8. The burners are checked and cleaned to ensure that they work efficiently.
  9. The heat exchanger is inspected for cracks and corrosion that could release flames and carbon monoxide.
  10. The flame sensor is tested and cleaned if required.
  11. The burner ignition is checked.
  12. The safety controls are examined to ensure that the furnace cannot overheat.
  13. The thermostat is checked and calibrated.
  14. If there are any problems that need to be fixed now or in the near future, the HVAC technician will inform the homeowner.

These tests and maintenance tasks may seem routine, but they are best left to an HVAC technician. The performance and energy efficiency of your system is important, but safety cannot be left to chance. Performing DIY maintenance or hiring a local “handyman” is a bad decision for you, your family, and your HVAC system.

If you want to join a maintenance program or you need to schedule some essential maintenance for your HVAC system, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.