Just like your car, your HVAC system requires regular care and maintenance to stay in optimal condition. Consider the best time to schedule maintenance for your HVAC system when the seasons change from hot to cold. So today, Hawk Air & Mechanical Services is here to talk about the ins and outs of HVAC seasonal maintenance.
If you need reliable heating and air conditioning contractors in Port St. Lucie, FL, contact us today!
When Should I Schedule Seasonal Maintenance?
The term “seasonal” maintenance may seem a bit misleading. You want to actually schedule HVAC maintenance before the seasons switch from fall to winter and spring to summer. As such, the best time to schedule pre-seasonal HVAC maintenance is during the early spring and again during the early fall. That way, your heating and cooling system will function properly when temperatures change.
Scheduling pre-seasonal maintenance is good for a couple of reasons. First, your system has time to acclimate and get used to running at a certain temperature. Second, scheduling seasonal maintenance early when demand is low reduces costs. Many homeowners wait until the last minute to schedule and have to pay more and wait longer for higher demand.
Lastly, seasonal maintenance can address any problems that might require repair before usage picks up. You do not want your AC or furnace to break down in the middle of the heat or cold.
What Does Seasonal Maintenance Involve?
Your exact seasonal preventative maintenance checklist will differ depending on the HVAC model, age, and time since the last maintenance appointment. The typical appointment takes about one to two hours and includes the following:
- Replacing filters
- Cleaning condenser lines
- Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
- Inspecting outdoor air conditioner unit
- Inspecting the air handler
- Testing and calibrating the thermostat
- Inspecting electrical components
- Checking fans and motors
- Testing operating temperatures
- Testing pilot light level
- Inspecting furnace gas lines
- Checking refrigerant fluid levels
- Inspecting ducts and vents
- Lubricating moving components
If your HVAC technician finds an issue, they can fix it on the spot or schedule an appointment for future repairs.
Why Should I Get Seasonal HVAC Maintenance?
Aside from preparing your system for the season, HVAC seasonal maintenance carries several benefits.
Better Performance
Pre-seasonal maintenance tunes your system up and ensures consistent performance when you need it the most. New filters allow maximal airflow, and clean coils can improve heat exchange performance. You want your HVAC performance to be at the top of its game during the hottest and coldest months of the year.
Reduce Energy Consumption
The longer your HVAC goes without maintenance, the harder it has to work to produce the same results. The outcome often means that your HVAC performance is the same, but your energy bills skyrocket. Most homeowners see a spike in energy bills when the seasons change, so maintenance can keep that spike low by ensuring your equipment continues to run efficiently.
Improve Air Quality
Your HVAC not only heats and cools but also filters dust, pollen, hair, and dirt from the air. HVACs with dirty filters can’t filter the air, so you might find excessive dust in your home. Part of seasonal maintenance includes changing the filters and cleaning the vents to improve indoor air quality in your home.
Prevent Breakdowns
Air conditioners and furnaces commonly break down after periods of repeated use and stress. As such, you will more likely experience a breakdown when you use your AC the most during the winter and summer. Pre-seasonal maintenance can address performance issues, so you won’t have to worry about breakdowns at night.
More Safety
Another benefit of regular HVAC seasonal maintenance lies in protecting your and your family’s health. Modern gas furnaces can create carbon monoxide when the pilot light has a problem. Technicians will inspect your gas burners and pilot light performance as part of their heater maintenance checklist.
Increase System Lifespan
Last but not least, regular HVAC maintenance can increase your system’s lifespan. The typical HVAC split system lasts about 15 to 20 years on average. Regular seasonal maintenance can increase the lifespan by an additional five years. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule offers the best way to get the most out of your investment.
Tips for Preventative Maintenance
Seasonal maintenance differs from preventive maintenance. You can perform preventative maintenance on your own at home to get the most out of professional seasonal maintenance appointments. Performing regular preventative maintenance keeps your system in optimal condition between semi-annual service appointments.
Below we list some quick tips to help homeowners with preventative maintenance.
- You should be able to change the filters without the help of a professional. Changing your AC and furnace filters in between maintenance sessions further improves system performance and air quality.
- Get in the habit of visually inspecting your vents and ducts. Cracks can cause air leaks and put unnecessary stress on your system. You can identify damaged vents and have a technician repair them.
- Regularly check the floor near your AC unit for leaks. A small amount of condensation on the exterior of the unit is normal, but you shouldn’t see puddles of water on the floor.
- You can clean grime and dust off your condenser coils using a soft-bristle brush and warm water with dish soap. Using hard bristles can scratch and damage the coils and render them ineffective.
- If you have a multimeter, you can test the voltage of your thermostat to see if it is faulty. If the voltage is not correct, you’ll need to call a professional for repairs.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance Today!
Hawk Air & Mechanical Services is your go-to provider for all things HVAC-related in Port St. Lucie, FL, and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on excellent service and communication with clients. When you hire us, you get a reliable team that you can trust.
Read our blog if you want to know more about our heating repair services. If you want to schedule HVAC seasonal maintenance, contact us online or call today at 772-291-6939!