How Often Should HVAC Systems be Serviced?

Everything You Need to Know About HVAC Maintenance

We understand that it’s tempting to disregard a recommendation to schedule maintenance for your HVAC system. If your air conditioner or heater has been working all season, you may be tempted to put off hiring a repair until something significant goes wrong.

An Expansion on the Meaning of “Maintenance”

Most HVAC companies will provide maintenance services, yet the quality may vary. Depending on the season, your HVAC professional will have a different list of things to examine, test, clean, and adjust in your cooling or heating system.

To achieve this degree of upkeep, you’ll need assistance beyond the periodic checks and cleanings you should do, such as replacing the air filter and clearing the area around the outside unit.

Your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency may be enhanced by a few tweaks made by an expert during your scheduled maintenance visit. However, it’s conceivable that your HVAC system has failing components or serious faults, requiring servicing like fixing or replacing a part.

However, regular HVAC maintenance is essential, just as automobile maintenance is. In addition, it is our duty as your go-to HVAC experts to explain just how crucial it is that you schedule regular maintenance and why. We’ll be here for you when you’re ready to take the next step. For now, however, here’s additional information about this essential service.

When to Consider Servicing Your HVAC System

The optimal time to arrange maintenance service is when you need your system the most. Heating systems should be serviced in the autumn, and air conditioners should be serviced in the spring. Schedule your HVAC maintenance for when technicians are less likely to be on the road, responding to unexpected breakdowns.

This means that you must attend to the upkeep of your central heating and cooling system or furnace every year. Schedule this maintenance every six months if you use your heat pump system all year round.

Here are a few benefits of servicing your HVAC system.

Improves Your Relaxation and Security

Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system annually is essential for your comfort. Climate control systems degrade in effectiveness and efficiency over time. The components break down from natural wear and tear, precisely as they do in the car you drive.

Repairs Ensure Nobody Gets Hurt

The use of gas for home heating illustrates this point exceptionally well. A heat exchanger that has developed cracks may cause serious issues, such as the release of deadly carbon monoxide gas and the potential for fires. But with maintenance, we can notify you of these concerns so that you can have repairs completed immediately.

When Should You Call for HVAC Maintenance?

The time you are supposed to call in an HVAC maintenance technician depends on the equipment that needs servicing. Here is a list of several items and the duration of time allowed.

Cooled Air Systems

Almost all experts in heating, ventilation and air conditioning agree that spring is the best time to service a central air conditioner.

We advise doing this in the spring when temperatures are still moderate but warm enough to test out your air conditioning system. Please don’t schedule maintenance for your AC unit in the middle of summer as this is when AC technicians are busiest.

Furnaces

You shouldn’t put off furnace repair like you would with an air conditioner. In this situation, autumn is the time to look at your furnace before the cold weather sets in.

The weather in the autumn is pleasant, with a little chill but nothing too extreme. However, there will be days and nights when the temperature drops low enough to warrant firing up the furnace and keeping an eye on how it functions.

Mechanical Systems for Generating Heat

Much like air conditioners, heat pumps transfer heat with the help of a liquid refrigerant. However, air conditioners can only alleviate indoor heat. You may also use a heat pump in reverse to bring heat from outside into your house during the winter.

As a result, heat pumps are often operational throughout the year, serving as air conditioners in the warm months and heaters in the colder ones. All year-long use means they need service every six months to keep them running well. As with air conditioners and furnaces, heat pumps should be serviced twice a year, in the spring and autumn.

Reasons You Shouldn’t Put Off HVAC Services

It’s not a good idea to neglect your HVAC system and let it go without the recommended maintenance. Sure, you’ll save some money right now, but you may spend more on repairs in the future.

You may be left without heating or cooling until you can afford to fix your HVAC system if you neglect routine maintenance. Repairs have a cost and they nearly always exceed the cost of preventative care.

How Much Will It Cost?

Tune-up prices for heating and cooling systems vary from business to company. But generally, prices are between $75 to $250, with the higher end reserved for more extensive services. Homeowners who have purchased an extended warranty are reimbursed for the service’s cost; typical reimbursement amounts vary from $150 to $550, depending on the service provider, the unit’s square footage, and the repair frequency.

It’s common knowledge that there’s always something to do around the house. One straightforward approach to save time and money as a homeowner is to use a checklist to keep track of maintenance and inspections performed on the different systems in your home. When you have a list of repairs to be done around the house, you will never miss any scheduled maintenance.

Your HVAC system is only one of several systems in your home that needs regular upkeep.

Distinctive Upkeep Suggestions

After learning what to do to keep your HVAC system running well, you should also get familiar with its expected lifespan. If you know, it’s time to replace your HVAC system, you won’t want to renew your service contract. Roughly 10-17 years is the typical lifespan of an HVAC unit.

Follow the advice above and schedule a furnace inspection in the fall if you have one installed as part of your HVAC system. You should always aim to keep your system working efficiently. Familiarize yourself with the system’s workings before contacting a local service specialist. This can prevent you from being overcharged for new components.

If your HVAC system or air conditioner stops working during a random snowstorm or a prolonged heatwave, for example, you will need a technician’s services immediately. However, a tune-up beforehand may prevent this sudden breakdown. To avoid complications with your HVAC system, contact Mackey Services. We offer heating, cooling, and electrical services to Dickinson, TX and the surrounding areas. We also offer financing services for installation costs.

Greg Gilbert Greg Gilbert is the Project Manager for Mackey Services.