Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems consist of many moving parts working together to create climate and environment control for your home or commercial building. Like most complex systems, HVAC systems require regular preventative maintenance to ensure they’re in prime condition for their peak seasons—Summer and Winter. HVAC preventative maintenance, like car maintenance, can sometimes be neglected. Just like your car, regular tune-ups and checks of your HVAC system are crucial for your safety, comfort, and wallet.

What is HVAC Preventative Maintenance?

Maintenance for your HVAC system is a regular check-up for the system that makes your home or office comfortable all year round.

It generally includes inspecting and servicing the complex system components, including coils, filters, belts, and electrical components.

It also identifies components that have a high potential to cause faults or break in the near future and gives you plenty of time to repair them before the snow starts to fall, or the temperature starts to rise.

The Benefits of HVAC Preventative Maintenance

Here are some of the benefits of preventative HVAC maintenance:

1. Energy Consumption and System Efficiency

When components wear out and filters start clogging up, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep the temperature consistent in your building. A well-maintained HVAC system with new filters and clean components means your system runs more efficiently. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet, too.

2. Extended Lifespan

Regular maintenance involves addressing small problems before they become big (and costly) problems. Replacing smaller components and identifying faults before they happen means you can avoid costly repairs or premature replacements. 

3. Improved Air Quality

Your HVAC system doesn’t just cool and heat your home. It also filters air and provides protection from outdoor air pollution. Regular maintenance ensures that filters are replaced, coils are clean, and ducting is free from dust, allergens, and other nasty pollutants that would otherwise enter the home.

4. Reduce Chances of Catastrophic Failure

Having your HVAC system fail during a cold snap or heatwave can feel like a full-blown crisis. Preventative maintenance helps catch issues before they become breakdowns, meaning you have peace of mind come Summer and Wintertime. 

What Does HVAC Preventative Maintenance Include?

HVAC preventative maintenance isn’t just a quick glance and once-over. It’s a comprehensive process that generally includes:

• Safety Tests – Inspections of all electrical and filtration components. Basically, anything that touches the air you breathe and the safety control systems.
• Inspections and Replacement – HVAC systems are complex, and maintenance involves checking every single component, replacing any consumables such as belts and filters, and ensuring the HVAC is fit for purpose.
• Refrigerant Check – Checking for leaks and re-gassing the system if it requires topping up.
• Thermostat Calibration – Inspection of the thermostat to ensure it is sending the correct reading to the HVAC and is set at the desired temperature.
• Cleaning Coils – Evaporator and condenser coils are cleaned to improve efficiency, prevent system strain, and maintain air quality.
• Filter Replacement – Changing out of filters regardless of contamination to allow proper airflow and keep your occupants safe.
• Identification of Issues – Finding and addressing components that are showing wear and tear before they cause a complete system failure.
• Lubrication – Applying lubricants to moving parts to prevent wear and tear.
• Air Quality and Flow Tests – Using equipment to measure the quality of air generated by the system and also the rate of flow through vents and registers.

How Often Should HVAC Preventative Maintenance Be Carried Out?

Ideally, HVAC preventative maintenance should be carried out before its peak use seasons. This means that every spring and autumn, call your HVAC professionals in to check over your system. 

Maintenance should also be carried out if your system experiences a sudden loss of heating or cooling, higher than expected power consumption, or is struggling to maintain your desired temperature.

Want To Schedule Maintenance for Your HVAC System?

To learn how regular HVAC preventative maintenance can prevent costly system failures and save you thousands of dollars, contact the licensed professionals at Confident Comfort.

We’re here to help you get the most out of your HVAC system and live in comfort all year round.