Make sure the efficiency and longevity of your home’s HVAC system don’t just contribute to your comfort—it’s a vital part of responsible homeownership.
This guide will help you keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round, whether you’re looking to save on energy costs, improve indoor air quality, or avoid unexpected repair bills.
For all your HVAC needs and more tips on keeping your system in top shape, check out the Responsible Homeowner’s Guide to Routine HVAC Maintenance at https://www.rivervalleyac.com/.
Monthly tasks
Inspect air filters
Inspecting your air filters is one of the most simple yet essential tasks in maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency. Clogged or dirty filters not only strain your system, leading to increased energy usage and higher utility bills, but also significantly degrade indoor air quality.
Regular checks ensure that air flows freely, enhancing system efficiency and longevity while also safeguarding the health of your household by minimizing airborne pollutants. Replace or clean filters as necessary to maintain optimal performance and air quality in your home.
Quarterly tasks
Inspect outdoor units
Inspecting your HVAC system’s outdoor units every quarter is critical to ensuring their overall health and efficacy. Start by removing debris like leaves, pollen, or twigs that could obstruct airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency.
It’s also vital to check for any signs of wear or damage on the insulation around refrigerant lines and to ensure that all connections are secure. Clearing the area around the unit to maintain unimpeded airflow and visually inspecting for any structural issues can avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your system.
Test thermostat settings
Quarterly (every three months), test and verify the accuracy of your HVAC system’s thermostat. This task ensures that your system operates at optimal efficiency, maintaining the desired temperature in your home efficiently without overworking.
To test the settings, first, note the current room temperature. Then, adjust your thermostat to a few degrees cooler (for testing cooling) or warmer (for testing heating) and observe if the system engages and reaches the new setting within a reasonable time.
If your HVAC system doesn’t respond as expected, it might indicate issues with the thermostat or the system itself, requiring further investigation or professional assistance.
Bi-annual tasks
Professional inspections
Scheduling professional inspections for your HVAC system every six months is an indispensable part of its maintenance routine. These bi-annual check-ups, conducted by certified technicians, can uncover hidden issues and ensure that every component functions correctly and efficiently.
Professionals can also perform tasks beyond basic homeowner maintenance, such as checking the system’s refrigerant levels, ensuring electrical connections are tight, and confirming the functionality of the blower motor and its components.
Clean vents and ducts
Homeowners should prioritize the cleaning of vents and ducts within their HVAC maintenance routine bi-annually. This process involves removing dust, debris, and potential blockages from air vents and ductwork to ensure seamless airflow and improved system efficiency.
Begin by vacuuming the vents using a brush attachment to dislodge any accumulated dust. For deeper cleaning, consider hiring professionals who can perform a comprehensive duct cleaning, removing hidden dirt and microbial growth that can affect air quality and system performance.
Annual tasks
Check refrigerant levels
An annual check of your HVAC system’s refrigerant levels is crucial to ensure that it operates at peak efficiency. Low refrigerant levels can lead to higher energy consumption and reduce the lifespan of your system by forcing it to work harder than necessary.
To check the refrigerant, locate the refrigerant line on your unit. It’s typically a large copper line with insulation. While homeowners can visually inspect this line for signs of damage or leaks, only a qualified HVAC technician should check the refrigerant levels.
Inspect electrical connections
Annually inspecting the electrical connections of your HVAC system is a safety measure that cannot be overstated. Loose or corroded connections can pose a significant fire risk, impair system efficiency, and result in costly damages.
Begin by ensuring the power to the unit is completely shut off. Visually inspect all electrical wires and connections for signs of wear, corrosion, or looseness. While homeowners can perform a basic visual check, it’s paramount to have a qualified electrician or HVAC technician tighten connections, measure voltage and current on motors, and apply non-conductive coatings if necessary.
This annual check safeguards your home from electrical hazards while ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently.
