HVAC maintenance boosts your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. When you have your system services every quarter or before major seasonal changes, you’re setting yourself up for HVAC success.
Maintaining your heating and cooling system prevents potential problems and unwanted costs, make sure it operates at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups.
Why HVAC Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of HVAC systems.
Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. These complex systems require attention to ensure they operate efficiently and reliably over time. During maintenance checks, technicians can identify and address minor issues like loose components, worn-out parts, or dirty filters before they escalate. By catching these issues early, homeowners can avoid costly repairs down the line and prevent their HVAC systems from breaking down unexpectedly.
Neglected systems can lead to costly repairs and decreased efficiency.
Neglected HVAC systems can also suffer from decreased efficiency. When components are dirty or worn, the system has to work harder to achieve the same level of heating or cooling. This increased workload not only leads to higher energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on the system, leading to accelerated wear and tear.
Maintaining indoor air quality through frequent HVAC upkeep.
Maintaining indoor air quality is another critical aspect of HVAC upkeep. Over time, dust, dirt, and other pollutants can accumulate within the system and ductwork, circulating contaminated air throughout the home. Regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing filters and ductwork inspections, helps ensure that the air being circulated is clean and healthy, benefiting the health and comfort of occupants.
Ensuring consistent indoor temperatures & detecting gas leaks or carbon monoxide.
By keeping components clean and in good condition, homeowners can avoid fluctuations in temperature and ensure consistent comfort throughout their living spaces. Moreover, HVAC inspections are crucial for detecting safety hazards. Gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions can pose serious risks to occupants if left undetected. Regular maintenance appointments provide opportunities for technicians to inspect gas lines, combustion components, and ventilation systems, ensuring they are functioning safely and efficiently.
HVAC Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
At Sunny Services, our comprehensive HVAC maintenance checklist is too long to include all on one page, but here are some highlights of what you can expect a technician to focus on in each season.
Spring
Check and Replace Air Filters.
We will check and replace all of your HVAC air filters to ensure the best indoor air quality. If you haven’t gotten to it yet or need assistance, schedule an HVAC maintenance with us—we do this every visit.
Inspect and Clean Outdoor Condenser Coils.
We will clean the evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
Test Thermostat Settings.
Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
Summer
Clear Debris Around Outdoor Units for Proper Airflow.
We make sure to clear out any debris around your outdoor unit that can be sucked into your HVAC system, disrupting airflow and causing poor air quality and temperatures.
Check Refrigerant Levels and Recharge If Necessary.
We will check your central air conditioner’s refrigerant level and adjust it if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
Ensure Proper Drainage for Condensation.
Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A clogged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
Fall
Inspect and Clean Indoor Blower Components.
Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels
Airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.
Test Safety Controls and Electrical Connections.
Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to ensure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
Check Ductwork for Leaks and Sealing.
By checking your ductwork and sealing, we’re able to detect any air leaks or drafts that increase your monthly energy bill.
Winter
Lubricate Moving Parts to Prevent Friction.
Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increase the amount of electricity you use.
Test Heating Elements for Proper Operation.
Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchangers. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.
Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Safety.
We will make sure that your carbon monoxide detector is working properly and that all gas connections are tight and secure.
How to Maintain Your HVAC System
DIY Maintenance Tips
If you want to take HVAC maintenance into your own hands, then the best thing you can do yourself is inspect, clean, or change the air filters in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump at least once a month. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure. Additionally, our team can help recommend optimal thermostat settings so that your HVAC system operates efficiently and saves you money on utility costs.
Know When To Call a Professional
Signs that indicate a need for professional HVAC maintenance:
- Unexplained increase on your energy bill
- Little to no airflow
- Loud, unusual noises coming from your heater or AC
Frequent, recurring problems, & Repairs - Reduced HVAC efficiency
- Your HVAC system is more than 10 years old
- It’s been a year or longer since you had your last tune-up
Sunny Services’s Top 3 HVAC Tips & Tricks
- Utilizing Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are essential tools for optimizing energy usage in HVAC systems. By allowing homeowners to set temperature schedules based on their daily routines, programmable thermostats ensure that heating or cooling is only used when needed, reducing energy waste. For example, homeowners can program the thermostat to lower the temperature during the night or when they’re away at work, then raise it again before returning home. This way, energy is not wasted on heating or cooling an empty house. Tips for setting temperature schedules include:
- Set a higher temperature in summer and a lower temperature in winter when the house is unoccupied to save energy.
- Program the thermostat to adjust temperatures according to the family’s schedule, such as lowering the temperature at bedtime and raising it before waking up.
- Take advantage of vacation settings to adjust temperatures when away from home for extended periods.
- Improving Airflow
Proper ventilation and airflow are crucial for the efficiency of HVAC systems. Restricted airflow can lead to reduced system performance, uneven heating or cooling, and increased energy consumption. Homeowners can optimize airflow through vents and registers by:
- Ensuring vents and registers are clean and unobstructed by furniture, curtains, or other objects.
- Regularly changing HVAC filters to prevent blockages and maintain airflow.
- Investing in Energy-Efficient Equipment
Upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems offers numerous benefits, including lower energy bills, reduced environmental impact, and improved comfort. ENERGY STAR-rated appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to standard models. Investing in energy-efficient equipment not only saves money in the long run but also contributes to a more sustainable and comfortable home environment.
Check the Facts: The Importance of Annual HVAC Maintenance
Did you know you can avoid costly and inconvenient breakdowns through preventive maintenance. Take Sunny Service’s quick HVAC quiz to test your knowledge of the importance of routine maintenance:
| True or False? | The cost and inconvenience of most breakdowns can be avoided with proper maintenance. |
| True or False? | Every equipment manufacturer recommends annual maintenance to ensure proper operation. |
| True or False? | Every ten minutes that your gas furnace runs it unleashes the equivalent energy of 3.5 sticks of dynamite. |
| True or False? | If you drove your car for as many hours as a typical furnace runs, your car would have had enough time to drive almost 100,000 miles. |
If you answered, “True” to all the statements above, then you would be correct—that’s why we put such a big emphasis on our annual preventive maintenance services. The precision tune-up specialist who maintains your equipment will thoroughly check it for safety and operational efficiency, tune it up for maximum fuel efficiency, and inspect it for potential faults. This saves you money by reducing your fuel bill, by avoiding costly breakdowns, and by prolonging the life of your equipment.
Contact Sunny Service for All Your AC, Heating, and Air Purification Needs
At Sunny Service, we understand the crucial role that HVAC maintenance plays in ensuring efficiency, comfort, and safety within your home. Regular maintenance is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity to keep your systems running smoothly and effectively.
By investing in HVAC maintenance, you’re investing in the longevity of your equipment and the comfort of your living environment. Efficient HVAC systems not only save you money on energy bills but also provide consistent temperatures and improved indoor air quality for you and your family to enjoy. Whether it’s routine maintenance, repairs, or upgrades, you can count on us to keep your home comfortable and safe all year round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the Sunny Service difference!