An HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system includes all of the appliances, ductwork, and electrical connections that keep your home safe from the weather outside. For most homeowners, you will have an air conditioner and a furnace. There are many different options and designs that regulate and maintain indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. The system is responsible for providing a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for your home.
The primary components of an HVAC system include a furnace or boiler (for heating), air conditioner or heat pump (for cooling), air ducts (for distribution), ventilation systems (for air exchange), and air filters (for indoor air quality). These components work together to heat or cool the air, circulate it through the building, remove stale air, and introduce fresh air.
HVAC systems are typically designed and installed based on the specific needs and layout of the building. They are important to invest in HVAC maintenance in order to keep your home and indoor air quality high for the health of occupants, as well as protect equipment and materials from damage due to temperature or humidity fluctuations. If you’ve never done HVAC maintenance before or are unsure where to begin, the team at Poston Brothers has a comprehensive list of how to maintain your heating and cooling system.
WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED ON AN HVAC SYSTEM?
HVAC systems have a number of components that require regular maintenance to keep the system working efficiently and effectively. Here are some of the key maintenance tasks required on an HVAC system:
- Air Filters: The air filters in an HVAC unit should be checked at least once a month and replaced as needed. Dirty or clogged filters can reduce airflow and cause the system to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear on the equipment.
- Coils: The HVAC unit’s condenser and evaporator coils can become dirty over time, which can reduce their efficiency and cause the system to work harder. Regular cleaning of the coils can help maintain their efficiency and prolong the life of the equipment.
- Electrical Connections: Loose or corroded electrical connections can cause the system to malfunction or even pose a safety hazard. Regular inspection and tightening of electrical connections can help prevent these issues.
- Motors: The fan and compressor motors in an HVAC system can wear out over time and need to be inspected and lubricated regularly. This can help prevent motor failure and extend the life of the equipment.
- Refrigerant: The refrigerant levels in an air conditioning or heat pump system should be checked and refilled as needed. Low refrigerant levels can cause the system to work harder and reduce its efficiency.
- Ductwork: Your home’s ductwork should be inspected regularly for leaks or damage. Leaky ductwork can cause the system to work harder and reduce its efficiency, as well as allow pollutants and allergens to enter the building.
These are just a few examples of the maintenance tasks required to make sure your whole system works properly in tandem. Regular HVAC maintenance is important to prevent breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and prolong the life of the equipment. It’s recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician to perform these maintenance tasks.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU MAINTAIN YOUR HVAC?
The frequency of HVAC maintenance can vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and condition of the equipment, how often it is used, and the specific needs of the building. However, there are some general guidelines that can help determine how often to do HVAC maintenance.
- Filters: Air filters in your HVAC system should be checked at least once a month and replaced as needed, especially during periods of heavy use. This is a simple task that can be done by the building owner or maintenance staff.
- Preventive Maintenance: Your heating and cooling system should receive preventive maintenance at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. This is a more comprehensive checkup that involves inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up various system components. A professional HVAC technician should be hired to perform this service.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Before the start of each heating and cooling season, the HVAC system should receive a thorough inspection and cleaning. This can help identify any potential problems before they cause a breakdown during the season.
- Additional Maintenance: In addition to the above, specific maintenance tasks may need to be performed more or less frequently depending on the equipment and building. For example, rooftop units may need to be inspected more regularly due to exposure to the elements.
By following a regular maintenance schedule, building owners can help keep their HVAC systems operating at peak performance, extend the life of the equipment, and avoid costly breakdowns and repairs.
IS HVAC PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WORTH IT?
There are many reasons why HVAC system maintenance is valuable to your home. While you may be hesitant to invest money in a working air conditioning system or furnace that is working fine, regular maintenance can have many benefits.
HVAC maintenance is often preventative maintenance. Our technicians are trained to look out for signs of wear and tear and can replace those parts before they break down unexpectedly. The cleaning and lubricating of your system’s parts and components ensure that it runs as it should. When you have a clean HVAC unit, it will run at peak performance which means it will use as little energy as possible. The lower energy bills you see following your maintenance appointment will often pay for the investment in maintenance costs.
If you haven’t had HVAC maintenance done in a long time, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment now. Many HVAC manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep warranties valid. Warranties can help make extensive repairs more affordable, so its important to maintain the conditions to keep it valid. If your warranty is no longer valid or has expired and you need expensive repairs, it might be more economical to replace your system.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN HVAC MAINTENANCE?
HVAC maintenance should be done twice a year. Once for your cooling system and again for your heating system. Heat pumps should also be maintained twice a year since then work throughout the year to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
When you call Poston Brothers for professional HVAC maintenance, the first thing we’ll do is talk to you. We will ask you questions about your air conditioner’s performance and any issues you’ve encountered. Then, we’ll look at every component of the air conditioner, inside and out, and replace or repair any problem parts we find. A typical air conditioning tune-up appointment will include:
- Installing a new air filter
- Calibrating the thermostat
- Inspecting electrical connections
- Inspecting the fan and compressor motors
- Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils
- Clearing dust and debris from inside the unit
- Inspecting the exhaust
- Checking fuel connections
- Checking and refilling refrigerant levels
SCHEDULE YOUR HVAC MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT IN BURLINGTON, KY WITH POSTON BROTHERS
As an HVAC company, Poston Brothers provides exceptionally high-quality maintenance for all of our customers. One of the key advantages of working with a professional company is peace of mind. When you form a relationship with a reliable, local HVAC contractor your equipment is cared for by well-trained professional HVAC technicians. Let Poston Brothers be your go-to HVAC company. Schedule your appointment for seasonal maintenance today.