HVAC Maintenance – A Seasonal Checklist

When it comes to servicing your HVAC equipment, most of it should be left to a professional. You’re dealing with one of the most important systems in your home; servicing it the wrong way could cost you money, and possibly impact your health.

Still, there are certain things you can watch for in between maintenance visits. If you notice differences in the way your equipment performs, it could be a reason for concern Calling in a professional before their scheduled time can make a difference. Here are a few things you can do.

Check and replace the air filter

The reason you see this again and again on home maintenance checklists is because it works. Nothing keeps your furnace operating more efficiently, and your home safer and cleaner, then replacing the air filter on a regular basis. While this should be a part of your regular service when a professional comes into your home each year, you should check and replace the air filter more frequently, depending on your lifestyle. Check with your technician, or with the manufacturer of your equipment, to determine the optimal schedule for your home.

Check thermostat settings

If you haven’t already installed a programmable thermostat, now is the time. Or consider upgrading to smart technology for even more control. Programmable settings make it easy to have your home warmed and cooled based on your needs. By upgrading and having your system available through an app, you can take further control of your temperature controls for when your schedule changes. All of this provides an effective way to save as much on your energy every month as possible.

Inspect connections and system components

While we don’t recommend getting into your HVAC system and adjusting the parts, sometimes a quick look can tell you where problems might lie. Do you see broken, loose, or disconnected parts? Do certain parts look like they’re no longer capable of doing their jobs? It’s time to call in your technician and have him replace and upgrade the necessary parts.

Inspect the condensate drain

Every HVAC system has a drain to allow moisture and condensation from your home’s air conditioner and furnace to drain. If this becomes clogged, it can cause water damage or have biological growth form throughout the system. A quick peek can tell you everything is operating the way it should be.

Check start up and stop modes

Have you ever stopped to listen to the cycle your HVAC equipment makes? Do you hear noises when it starts up? Does it clunk or clang when turning off? While every system will make some noises when cycling, if you hear out of the ordinary sounds, it’s time to call in a professional.