If you want a longer lifespan for your heating and cooling systems and savings on utility bills then you need to take care of your HVAC systems regularly. A yearly HVAC maintenance will not only keep your system running smoothly for a long time but it also saves you from expensive repairs.
Before moving further about what HVAC maintenance includes, you need to first understand what maintenance services are and what proactive maintenance actions can be undertaken by DIY homeowners.
What is HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Cooling whereas HVAC maintenance means inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up the broken equipment of the HVAC system.
With the help of some prominent signs like unusual noises or uneven temperature, you can identify that your HVAC system needs maintenance. It can be done by both the homeowner and technicians based on the complexity of the HVAC problems.
HVAC Maintenance Services
The following HVAC services are part of HVAC maintenance services which can be done by homeowners but sometimes it requires a trained technician to provide these services:
System Inspection
System inspection is a review of all the components of an HVAC system to detect wear, leaks, or malfunctioning parts.
Cleaning Services
Cleaning services include cleaning air filters, ducts, coils, and other parts to remove debris and improve overall efficiency.
Lubrication
Lubrication includes lubricating fans, motors, and other mechanical components of the system to reduce friction.
Repairs and Replacements
Repair and replacements of HVAC components include addressing minor issues like worn belts or clogged drains during the visit.
Refrigerant Services
Refrigerant maintenance services include checking for refrigerant leaks and recharging the system if needed.
Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance includes servicing large systems installed at offices, retail spaces, factories, or other commercial environments. It includes regular system inspection and air quality checks as these commercial systems are designed for a comfortable work environment.
Residential HVAC Maintenance
Residential HVAC maintenance includes servicing homes. These systems are small and simplified therefore they only require seasonal tune-ups, testing, and filter replacements sometimes For homes, annual professional maintenance ensures the system operates at its best.
HVAC maintenance checklist
There is a list of all the HVAC maintenance activities that can be done as a routine task by homeowners and technicians to ensure that the systems are running properly and none of the parts are broken.
- Air filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow. Replace or clean the air filters of your heating and cooling systems every 1-3 months.
- Thermostat: Test the thermostat for accurate temperature settings and consider replacing it for better energy efficiency.
- Outdoor Unit: For the outdoor units, regularly clean debris, leaves, and dirt around the condenser.
- Vents and Registers: Use a cloth or a vacuum to clear the dirt on vents and registers. Make sure that they are unobstructed by furniture or drapes.
- Electrical Components: The electrical components like wires and connections may corrode. Regularly inspect them and tighten any loose electrical connections.
- Lubrication: If you hear unusual noises, there may be some loose parts. Lubricate such moving parts and motors and fans to reduce wear and tear.
- Coils: Clean the evaporator and condenser coils to improve heat exchange efficiency. Also, check for any visible signs of damage.
- Performance Test: For insurance run the HVAC systems to test overall functionality. If there are any unusual noises or leakage, call a technician for maintenance.
Do it yourself HVAC maintenance.
DIY HVAC maintenance includes the maintenance tasks that homeowners can do themselves without the help of HVAC technicians. Along with heating maintenance, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance also involves replacing air filters every 1-3 months, cleaning vents and registers, flushing the condensate drain line, and clearing debris around the outdoor unit. This regular maintenance will ensure that your system operates with efficiency and no loss of energy.
By technician HVAC maintenance
You must call a trained technician for complex tasks like checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and inspecting electrical components. Technicians also perform advanced diagnostics and repair, which a non-technical person cannot do. It would be better to schedule professional maintenance at least twice a year for increased performance of your HVAC equipment.
HVAC Maintenance Cost
The cost of the HVAC maintenance depends on the type of maintenance service and the platform you are using but here is a breakdown of the average HVAC maintenance cost in the US:
Standard Tune-Up
- A one-time maintenance visit usually costs $99 to $200.
- This includes basic checks like cleaning, filter replacement, and system inspection.
Annual Maintenance Plans
- Yearly service agreements range from $150 to $300.
- These include regular tune-ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs.
Commercial HVAC Tune-Up
- Maintenance for commercial systems is more expensive, starting at $500 and going up to $2,000 annually.
One-Time Maintenance Visit
- Costs typically range between $100 to $200.
- This includes filter replacement, system cleaning, and basic inspections.
Final Remarks
In short, HVAC regular maintenance is important for ensuring your heating, ventilation, and cooling systems work efficiently with no loss of energy. Regular Heating and Cooling maintenance minimizes breakdowns, improves performance, and saves on energy bills. For affordable maintenance plans contact High Comfort as we provide our customers with the facility to pay over time.
FAQs
What is done during HVAC maintenance?
During HVAC maintenance, technicians clean filters and coils, inspect electrical connections, check refrigerant levels, and test overall system performance.
How much does residential HVAC maintenance cost?
Residential maintenance typically costs $100–$200 for a one-time service or $150–$300 annually for a maintenance plan.
What tasks can I do myself for HVAC tune-ups?
DIY tasks include replacing air filters, cleaning vents, clearing debris around the outdoor unit, and flushing the condensate drain line.
What’s included in a professional HVAC tune-up?
A hvac tune-up includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and testing the system for efficiency and safety.
Why is HVAC maintenance important?
Regular maintenance improves system efficiency, lowers energy bills, prevents costly breakdowns, and extends the life of your HVAC system.
