How to Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance
How to Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance
Keeping up with HVAC maintenance is one of the simplest ways to save money on your energy bills and increase system longevity. But how do you know if your maintenance is doing its job?
It’s important to recognize signs of potential issues like odd noises or higher energy costs. A thorough inspection by an experienced HVAC professional is crucial for identifying problems before they become serious.
Preventative Maintenance
HVAC systems are a crucial part of any building. They help maintain a consistent temperature in the facility while also keeping people comfortable.
Performing HVAC preventative maintenance on a regular basis helps mitigate the chance of failure. This is especially true as we continue to face extreme temperatures on a more frequent basis.
In addition, implementing HVAC maintenance reduces costs in the long run. It decreases wear and tear on the equipment, reducing energy use.
It also improves safety for employees and equipment users, which helps avoid potential lawsuits and issues with workers’ comp.
Establishing an effective PM schedule requires the right resources and tools. For example, a CMMS can help you plan and manage your HVAC maintenance tasks.
Inspections
Inspections can help you identify issues with your heating and cooling systems before they become bigger problems. They can also save you money by preventing costly repairs.
During an HVAC inspection, an experienced technician will thoroughly examine your heating and cooling system. This will include the furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork.
An inspection is also a good time to check your filters. Dust and debris can clog your filters, reduce airflow, and make your system less efficient.
Another benefit of an HVAC inspection is that it can help you determine how old your heating and cooling system is. This will give you an idea of when you may need to replace it.
HVAC inspections are typically scheduled during the spring for your AC and in the fall for your heater. If you use your heating as well as your air conditioning, you might want to schedule both inspections at once. This could prevent your technician from having to spend extra time inspecting your AC when it’s hot and your heater when it’s cold.
Cleaning
The HVAC system in your home is an integral part of keeping you comfortable throughout the year. However, like any other mechanical system, it needs routine maintenance to stay in good working order.
One of the most overlooked aspects of this maintenance is cleaning, which can make a huge difference in how your system performs and how efficiently it uses energy. Regularly changing your air filter is a must to keep harmful allergens and dust out of the air and help your system work more efficiently, all while saving you money on energy bills.
It’s also worth taking some time to clean your ductwork and vents. These parts of your system are responsible for transporting conditioned air from the HVAC unit to every room in your house and back again.
Replacement
Some HVAC parts need to be replaced in order to keep the system running. These can include air filters, evaporator coils, and blower motors.
During an HVAC maintenance tune-up, your technician can spot signs of wear and tear before they become major breakdowns. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
For example, a flame sensor in your furnace protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning by shutting off the fuel when it’s not burning properly. Sometimes these sensors just need a cleaning, but others rust or corrode and need to be replaced.
Another common replacement part for heating and cooling systems is the contactor, which switches 220-volt power from the outdoor unit to lower voltage for the condenser fan motor. This electrical work is a dangerous task, so it should only be done by trained professionals.
During your HVAC maintenance, your technician will check all electrical components and replace any that are worn out or damaged. This will help your system run at peak efficiency and keep energy bills low.