Why should you have a maintenance checklist?
While it might seem like HVAC maintenance can be done once a year, or less, that’s unfortunately not the case. Your HVAC system needs to be cared for on a seasonal basis, or else it could increase long term costs for you. Outdoor units face exposure from the elements and other external damage that can harm your air conditioning unit unless it’s properly cared for. The biggest impacts are:
- Increased energy bills from overuse, and improper cleaning
- Greater chances of repair, and repair costs
- Problems with the heat pump, and other important HVAC equipment
- Lower air quality that’s affecting your home
Instead of dealing with these unnecessary hassles, an HVAC maintenance checklist is a great way to prevent these problems from happening or keeping track of issues as they arise. Plus, the right preventative maintenance will increase your savings in the long run.
Your Annual HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist
With these preventative maintenance steps, you’ll be able to see instant savings and preserve the life of your unit.
- Replace all air filters
- After a certain amount of use, your air filters will start to become clogged and are less likely to filter out dirt and outside particles. This can both affect your unit and your home since thanks to poor air quality and could increase allergies or sickness in your family. It’s best to change the filter every 30-60 days, so your home stays clean, and your unit won’t overwork itself because of the build-up.
- Clear off extra debris around your unit
- Leaves, sticks, and other external factors can definitely change the way your unit operates. The build-up of debris or other outside sources can damage your unit, making it run slowly, and even clog up parts of your ventilation. It’s best to inspect and clean your system with each change in season.
- Check the heat pump and coolant levels
- See if your heat pump and cooling systems are functioning properly. If your unit sounds like it’s running normally, you’ll have nothing to worry about. However, if there are odd noises or delays in your heating and cooling, that could be the source of the problem. If you’ve changed the air filters, and it seems like things still aren’t operating how they should, this is a likely culprit.
- Check the system for wearing, clogs and blocks
- Your system lines can become worn down and clogged from annual use. It’s a good idea to make sure coolant or condensation isn’t getting blocked in your lines, and make sure they haven’t been disconnected from your unit.
- See if the air ducts are running properly
- Your heating and air conditioning system relies on ventilation and air ducts to get the job done. If there are blocks in your vents, that’s going to stop airflow from entering your house. When you change the filters, check to see what else is going on within your air ducts.
- Schedule an appointment with your local HVAC technician!
If you notice any of the following problems, it’s a good idea to have an additional maintenance check from a professional. They’ll be able to come up with a maintenance plan that works for your unit.
When it comes to preventative maintenance, it’s best to have a maintenance contract in place to protect your unit. The reliable HVAC technicians at Swaim Electric are here to protect your home, and keep your HVAC unit running as smoothly as possible year-round. If you need assistance with preventative maintenance or need HVAC installation in your home, schedule your discovery call today.
