How Often Should You Service Your Ac

To keep your HVAC in proper working status and avoid any issues that may come along, you demand to maintain information technology correctly. However, no i is built-in knowing how often we should practice this, so we've decided to write up a guide to make sure you're well-versed in the matter.

We look at the issues that ordinarily occur in many air conditioners and look at how to diagnose and treat these with ease.

Why HVAC Regular Maintenance Matters?

Salve Free energy and Money

With regular maintenance, you'll be able to avoid expensive issues upward to a whopping 95%. Not just that, just you'll exist cutting energy costs downward by around a third, which will salve you money on future bills.

Meliorate Air Quality

No one wants to exist breathing in dirty, unhealthy air. Even the EPA states that indoor air pollution is "among the meridian 5 ecology risks to public health", causing issues like coughing, eye irritation, headaches, asthma, and much more. Preventative maintenance can help make sure that your HVAC is pushing through only clean air.

Improve Habitation Comfort

To keep your HVAC unit distributing your air just as warm or cool as you lot'd like it, you demand to exist consistent with maintenance. Plus, information technology will reduce the risk of information technology freezing over or overheating!

Extend the Life of HVAC Unit of measurement

Wouldn't you lot be willing to spend more than money on a unit that lasted you longer? Regular maintenance volition hands lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC, simply like with most appliances.

Not only that, but you lot'll notice that near manufacturers will but cover your unit under their warranty if you provide proof of almanac maintenance. Don't just think you tin can't provide maintenance because the warranty will take care of it! It takes only a few minutes to practise and is more than worth it!

Help the Environment

Not only will a salubrious HVAC system prevent carbon monoxide leaks (which tin upshot in serious injury or fifty-fifty expiry), but it consumes a significantly smaller amount of fuel. This is not bad for the environment and the wallet.

Signs That Your HVAC System May Demand Maintenance

Unexpected and unexplained increases on electricity bills

If you're really putting a lot of employ into your AC during the summertime, then it's perfectly normal to run into that beak go upwardly. Nevertheless, if you start seeing a significant/unexplained increase on your bill, then there'south a good chance that you demand to prepare an appointment for it to be checked out.

Loud noises coming from heater or AC

Occasionally, you may find the odd banging noise or clanking coming from your organisation. However, it shouldn't be consequent or happen regularly. It'south always better to go alee and become it looked at.

Lowered energy efficiency

If your free energy bills are higher than they used to be, paired with more extensive run times and more than cycling. For example, do you feel similar you have to keep your heater running for hours upon hours merely to warm up your abode similar it was able to exercise with xxx minutes of operation before?

If so, this is a telltale sign that your HVAC unit has lowered energy efficiency and should go a checkup.

HVAC is above 10 years sometime

This depends on the model, but typically afterwards 10 years of employ, you may need to replace or get a serious melody-up on yours. Of course, with proper maintenance, it's probable that your HVAC works just fine after this length of fourth dimension!

Last maintenance was completed over a yr ago

How often should HVAC be serviced? Well, if it'southward been a year or more since your HVAC unit'due south last maintenance service, you need to schedule an appointment for a melody upwardly.

How Often Should You Service Your HVAC System?

It varies a fleck, depending on the component.

In full general, yous will desire to accept your HVAC serviced every 6 months to keep things in tip-height shape.

Let's take a look at each component so you know exactly what kind of schedule to go on them on.

Refrigerant Levels
This volition often be washed maybe once ever, fifty-fifty if the unit cracks a refrigerant leak. Of grade, this will depend on where the leak is.
Calibration of Thermostat
You'll desire to exercise this once a year, by and large in the fall.
Mechanical Components
This should be done at least one time at the beginning of each new heating/cooling flavour (every six months).
Clean the Indoor and Outdoor Coils
This is some other in one case-yearly process or more if it ends up being actually dirty.
Air Filters
This should be done, at well-nigh, every 90 days. If you're using information technology more frequently, if you live in a heavy-traffic city center, or if you/someone else in your home has allergies or other breathing sensitivities, then make certain to practise it even more regularly.
Inspecting the Electrical Components Including Connections, Terminals, and Fuses
This volition be done during routine maintenance as the usual causes for these issues are rodents similar chewing through the wires or a fuse/breaker issue.

What is Included in HVAC Servicing?

Checking Refrigerant Levels and Testing for Leaks
If there'southward a leak in the system, then you'll probably observe yourself having to keep refrigerant levels topped upward often. This shouldn't be necessary given that AC units are a airtight loop. However, fifty-fifty if this isn't the case, it's essential that you're checking for leaks at least once a year.
Calibration of Thermostat
This test will assist you effigy out if your thermostat is providing the right temperature and turning off/on at proper readings every bit well. This volition keep it running safely simply also salvage you money on bills and create more efficient operation.
Checking and Oiling Mechanical Components including the Belts and Motors
All moving parts should exist oiled if not moving as they should and should be visually inspected for any possible damage.
Clean the Indoor and Outdoor Coils
Both coils present should exist checked out to ensure in that location are no potential leaks. On top of that, they should be cleaned completely free of clay and crud to make certain information technology's operating every bit efficiently as possible.
Measuring the Airflow
Your technician should be able to do this without a hitch, ensuring there are no serious problems restricting your AC from working correctly.
Inspecting the Electrical Components including Connections, Terminals, and Fuses
These should be checked at least in one case annually to make sure all wires/fuses/breakers are in good working condition. Not but that, but electrical connections should be tightened, tested, and replaced if necessary.
Providing Tips and Recommendations to Homeowners
Each one of these safety checks is essential to a properly-operating, salubrious, rubber, and long-lasting arrangement. Simply similar an auto vehicle, this will keep the unit working correctly, extend the lifespan, and go on anybody around it safe.

What Tin I Do to Maintain My HVAC Organization? (DIY Tips)

. Change the air filter
This is pretty straightforward. All y'all have to practice is locate the filter slot, slide out the old filter, and insert the new. Merely make certain you identify the correct side out, referring to the unit's manufacturer'due south instructions/user manual for the correct size and procedure.
. Clear debris around exterior units to eliminate clogs
Ensure you lot're revising the outdoor unit regularly, ensuring at minimum 2 feet of space around the unabridged unit/HVAC heat pump. Get rid of any potential blockages, twigs, pollen, dust, leaves, so on.
. Check refrigerant lines monthly
These lines can potentially become worn out, develop leaks, or detach, so information technology'southward crucial that you're checking these a scrap more regularly, at least once monthly.
. Keep the HVAC unit of measurement leveled correctly
Brand certain that the unit isn't crooked or tilted to i side. Keeping the unit level is very important, then proceed aware of the HVAC system'due south placement besides. This tin be done by using quality condenser pads.
. Inspect fan blades and exist aware of odors and noises
Inspecting fan blades is crucial in keeping your HVAC unit running properly. Visually review the blades every other month or so, both when they're moving and stopped. Check for signs of use, impairment, and full general wearable-and-tear. If indoors, you should also pay attention to any weird noises or odors as it could be a sign of more than serious potential problems.

People Besides Ask (FAQ)

How much does it toll to accept my HVAC serviced?

Typically, it will toll you anywhere from $75 to $200, though most appointments will be around $100.

How long does HVAC servicing take?

Once the issue (if there is one) has been figured out, information technology should take no more than than 60-xc minutes.

Is it necessary to service Air conditioning every twelvemonth?

No, it'south non 100% required though information technology is heavily recommended.

What are the iv phases of planned maintenance HVAC?

Routine maintenance, pre-start inspection, operational checks, and troubleshooting.

Are recurring HVAC service plans worth it?

Honestly, aye, they are. Instead of paying for private maintenance checkups, you tin just get a service contract that will take you covered if you need any assistance.

Conclusion

Now that you know just how often you should get your HVAC serviced, you're in business and ready to go! Brand sure to regularly follow this guide for the most efficient results and maximum levels of comfort possible.

Last Updated on July 16, 2021

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My proper name is Josh and I am obsessed with the HVAC manufacture. I created this website to help HVAC techs of all levels go the best out of their heating & cooling systems. I have spent thousands of hours studying air conditioners, heaters and habitation air products and then you tin can learn & purchase with confidence. Acquire more about the team here.