Your Homeowner's Seasonal HVAC Service And Maintenance Schedule

A hot summer day can be difficult to endure even with the air conditioner running at full speed. However, if your HVAC system is forced to take a vacation in the middle of July, it can be positively harsh. That's why it's important to stick to the annual HVAC maintenance schedule to ensure your home stays cool when the temperatures soar. Here's what a maintenance schedule should look like to keep your cooling and heating system functioning exactly as it should.

Every Year

Renew Your Annual Service Plan

There is a temptation to cut back cash and not have to pay for the services plan your heating and/or cooling company provides each year. However, this could end up being a costly mistake. HVAC service plan members are typically offered benefits such as priority service visits. These can be expensive when scheduled on their own, however they are usually included free or with a substantial discount when an element of the plan. Many customers find that the peace of mind is well worth the cost.

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As you might expect, HVAC technicians are highly sought-after in the summer time. It's the reason it's essential to plan your annual maintenance appointment prior to when you'll require the air conditioning on a regular basis. This not only ensures flexibility in schedule, but gives you more time to order any needed replacement components to be purchased.

Even if you own a brand-new HVAC system regular maintenance guarantees that it will operate smoothly. For older systems, however an HVAC professional can identify the signs of trouble before they become obvious. They can then provide recommendations as to what repairs or replacement parts are required to keep the system running more efficiently. Based on the service plan you have the repairs could be included. But even if not, this is likely cheaper than having to replace a whole system that's been for years without any maintenance.

Here are some of the most common maintenance and troubleshooting assignments that an HVAC professional will complete when they visit:

• Examine refrigerant levels
• Clean ducts, evaporator and condenser coils
• Repair or replace damaged ductwork
• Verify the thermostat
• Examine the drain pan
• Verify the condensate line, and flush the pan as is necessary.
• Examine the components, such as the condenser fan and motor
• Repair or inspect electrical wiring and connections

Monthly or As Needed

While it's recommended that you make an annual AC servicing meeting with an HVAC expert There are a few tasks you can do every month, or whenever you feel it is necessary you'd like to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

Replace or Clean Filters

Based on the United States Department of Energy, swapping out an old filter for one that is clean can decrease the power consumption of your AC by anywhere between 5% and 15%. This is among the simplest tasks homeowners can do for their HVAC system however, it is often overlooked.

During peak AC season, you must check your filter at least every month. If it's a reusable filter then you can clean it out. However, when it's a disposable filter, you'll need change it. If you're in a hot time of the year and you have your AC on all the time, or you have pets living in the household that create more dust because of their fur, it pays to inspect your filters at least at least once per month.

Clean AC Coils

Your air conditioner has an evaporator on the inside, and a condenser coil located on its outside. Both of them like to absorb dust and dirt as they work, but for your HVAC system to perform at its best, you need to keep everything clean. A AC filter is designed to prevent a large amount of the dust and dirt from entering the system, however dirt and grime can end up infiltrating the coils.

Inspect Coil Fins

Both condenser and evaporator coils feature fins, which are usually made from aluminum, that can bend easily. If they do, it means air isn't able to pass through, which isn't good news if you're trying to cool off your home. You can call a service tech or attempt to fix them using what's known as a fin-comb available at an AC wholesaler or hardware store that can arrange those fins and get them back to good working order.

Clean Air Vents

Similar to the coils and filters the air conditioner's air vents can also be clogged with dust and dirt. You won't feel as much cool air because it's struggling to reach your space--and you'll be paying more in energy costs each month because your AC isn't working effectively. Depending on how dirty the vents are, you might be able to wipe them clean with a microfiber towel or use the attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean them clean.

Clear the Area Around the Unit

Just as you wouldn't let anything hinder your AC vents interior, you'll need to make sure that there isn't any obstruction to your HVAC system, particularly the condenser coil, which is located on the exterior of your house. This involves keeping your unit clean by getting rid of dead leaves, or other debris from the dryer vent. Dirt and grass kickback from a lawn mower is an additional risk to your HVAC's outside unit, so be certain to inspect it frequently following any lawn work completed.

Additional Maintenance for Individual AC Units

Air conditioners that are individually cooled, whether placed in the wall or window, can also benefit from some of the above maintenance tasks and the following:

Inspect the Seal

You should only be feeling cool air, not hot air emanating from your air conditioner. If the room you're in isn't as cool as it should be, check your unit's seal. If there is a gap in the wall or window, it's best to seal it, or call an expert to repair the air conditioning unit. Otherwise, you'll be forcing your AC to work double-time to cool your space. And you may be paying twice (or more) for cooling expenses as well.

Clean and Store Window Units

If you own windows AC unit that you remove after the summer, it's important to wash the unit prior to storing it for the off-season. Clean and remove the filter by using soapy water that is warm. Then, wipe or vacuum the vents and coils, or make use of a can or canister of air compressed to reach difficult areas. It's also possible to make use of a hose, not an air pressure washer to clean it after removing it from your window. But, make sure to allow it to fully dry prior to storing it in order to keep out mildew.

Store It Properly

Always ensure that you store an AC unit in a upright position, not on its side, to prevent harm caused to its compressor. If you do not have the original box the unit came in, cover the unit with a tarp, or other type of cover to shield the vents and wires from any damage by insects.

Although it's best to leave things such as electrical and refrigerant issues up the hands of an HVAC professional home owners can ensure continual operation of their air conditioner with some light maintenance tasks that are completed at the time of the season or on an as necessary basis.