Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are crucial for all buildings and require regular maintenance, just like any other appliances or systems. If maintenance isn't done properly, your system could lose up to 5% of its efficiency every year!
Most HVAC service providers recommend having your system inspected and tuned twice a year: once before the fall when you start using heating and once in the spring before you switch to cooling.
Let's explore why regular preventive maintenance for your HVAC system is essential, what factors to consider, and which tasks need to be done. Finally, we'll provide a maintenance guide to assist you through the entire HVAC preventive maintenance process.
Why is HVAC Preventive Maintenance Crucial?
Maintaining HVAC systems offers benefits beyond convenience. Let's delve into these advantages.
Reduced energy expenses
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, consuming less energy and lowering your utility bills. Conversely, when neglected, it works harder to provide the same heating and cooling, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher costs.
Decreased repair expenses
Regular maintenance decreases the likelihood of emergency breakdowns, preventing unplanned downtime. HVAC preventive maintenance identifies and resolves issues while they're still small, preventing them from escalating into costly repairs or necessitating system replacement.
Reduced Emergency Repairs
As a Property Maintenance manager, you understand the burden emergency repairs can impose on your scheduled maintenance tasks. Addressing emergency repairs often takes precedence over planned maintenance work. Preventive Maintenance helps identify issues before they occur, resulting in fewer emergency repairs.
Environmental Impact
Regular maintenance of an HVAC system, closely tied to energy efficiency, benefits the environment. A well-maintained system consumes less energy and produces fewer carbon emissions. This conservation of electricity contributes to environmental preservation and helps in saving the planet.
Extended System Lifespan
Regular preventive maintenance prolongs the lifespan of your HVAC system. Addressing issues and minimizing breakdowns helps preserve your system's longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to premature wear and tear, shortening the lifespan and necessitating earlier replacement. Preventive maintenance keeps your system functioning like new for an extended period.
Health and Safety
Regular cleaning of mold and dust from your HVAC system improves air quality for occupants, particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma.
Spring and Summer Maintenance Tasks
Spring is an ideal time to assess your air conditioning system before it runs full-time during the upcoming warmer months.
Here's a checklist for performing preventive maintenance on your HVAC system during the spring and summer:
· Clean or replace filters as needed.
· Inspect the condenser and ensure the evaporator coil is free of dirt.
· Check for potential blockages in the drain lines to ensure unrestricted flow.
· Replace worn-out parts such as belts.
· Inspect for mold buildup.
· Verify thermostat controls, humidity levels, and timers.
· Inspect moving parts such as fan motors, pulleys, and bearings, and lubricate as needed.
· Replace batteries and check all electrical connections.
· Check the cabinet for possible leaks and ensure the door closes securely.
· Clean the outer unit.
Fall and Winter Maintenance Tasks
Just as spring and summer HVAC preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your property cool, fall and winter preventive maintenance are crucial for keeping the furnace running smoothly.
Here's a checklist for performing fall and winter preventive maintenance on your HVAC system:
· Replace heating equipment filters every 3 months ideally.
· Ensure the ignition burner assembly, heating elements, and heat exchanger are functioning properly.
· Check for gas pressure and potential leaks from any components.
· Inspect all moving parts and lubricate as necessary.
· Ensure the drain line is free of debris and the pan does not have standing water that could overflow.
· Inspect the heat pump.
· Verify the thermostat and other controls.
· Check the wiring of all electrical connections.
· Examine the flue system for any possible issues.
So, now you might have understood how to take care of your HVAC system. It is always better to protect your system with a perfect home warranty plan from ServicePlus Home Warranty and enjoy peace of mind.
