How to Prevent Costly HVAC Repairs with These Maintenance Tips

Your HVAC works round the year. It cools your home in summer and heats it in winter to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. HVACs can develop problems over time. A malfunctioning HVAC fails to heat or cool properly or could stop working altogether.

A malfunctioning HVAC is an inconvenience. Not only will it fail to meet your household’s heating or cooling needs, it will use more energy than usual. An unaddressed problem can snowball into a major issue, and you might end up with a costly repair.

Why wait for HVAC issues to surface and then address them when you could stop them from occurring in the first place with preventive maintenance? Regular maintenance prevents problems before they occur and improves cooling and heating efficiency.

Periodic maintenance will add years to the service life of your HVAC. A well-maintained HVAC unit is less susceptible to breakdowns than a poorly maintained one.

Here are some HVAC maintenance tips.

Periodically Replace Air Filters  

HVAC air filters trap dust, dander, pollen, and other contaminants. Over time, they become clogged with these contaminants and should be replaced. Clogged filters can cause your HVAC to overheat. Dirty filters will force your system to work harder and longer, causing your electricity bill to shoot up.

Replace your air filters every 90 days. If you have pets, older adults, or kids at home, change your HVAC filters more frequently. Choose HEPA filters over the traditional ones.

Maintain the Outside Unit 

Maintaining your HVAC’s outside unit is as important as caring for the indoor unit. Keep the area around the condenser free of any obstructions. Cut back foliage. Gently hose off the outdoor unit to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating. Repair or replace bent fins.

Schedule Biannual Tune-ups

Have an HVAC company near you in Rohnert Park inspect and maintain your heating system before the heating season and your cooling system before the cooling season.

During a tune-up, your HVAC contractor will test different parts to see if they’re functioning properly. They will lubricate different HVAC components to reduce friction between them and repair or replace faulty parts. They will treat existing and potential problems, preventing them from occurring.

What’s Included in an HVAC Tune-up?

During an HVAC tune-up, your contractor will:

• Inspect filters and replace them, if necessary
• Examine electrical connections
• Check and adjust belts and the blower motor
• Test the thermostat and recalibrate it, if necessary
• Check vents and ducts for leaks
• Test the burner to see if it is functioning properly
• Check the heat exchanger for cracks
• Check the condenser coil and evaporator coil and clean them
• Inspect the condensate drain and clean it

John Owens Services is a leading HVAC company near you in Rohnert Park. We are your go-to team for HVAC maintenance, repair, installation, and repair. To schedule a tune-up, call 707-452-3464.