Proactive and preventative maintenance calls twice a year are the most important determining factors for your HVAC’s duration. However, you should complete a few tasks every two to three months to get the most out of your system. 

Replacing the air filters is simple; it is just a matter of having filters on hand and remembering to change them out. This is where your maintenance checklist comes in handy. It will help you track when you changed them and remind you it is time to do it again.

To keep your system in tip-top condition, you should change them every two to three months depending on what is floating in your air, such as pet dander or allergens.

A good HVAC unit is three separate systems working harmoniously to control the air quality in your space, so you can imagine those systems are made of vital components that always need to be operating at 100%. When one part of a system doesn’t work efficiently, another piece has to pick up the slack putting tension on the entire unit. This leads to increased utility bills, a decreased life expectancy, and more repairs or part replacements.

Included in your checklist and with our HVAC maintenance tips is to keep a careful ear and eye out while changing the filter. Listen for unusual noises like grinding, screeching, or thudding. A component could be coming loose or need a simple replacement. It doesn’t often become an issue until you let the problem linger so it’s important to understand what signs indicate that it’s time to consider an HVAC replacement.

Look closely for parts that are moving differently, small cracks, and leaks that could point to more significant problems down the road. The more you look and listen to your HVAC equipment, the easier it will be to notice irregularities– plus, if you ever have any questions, you can contact our professionals at Terry’s American for support.

This may seem simple but you would be shocked to know how many calls we get for HVAC malfunctions that are actually just caused by dead batteries or incorrect thermostat calibrations. The thermostat acts as the brain of your HVAC system, and when it is not sending out the right signals– or any at all– the rest of the unit doesn’t know how to operate.

*Pro Tip* Note what settings are optimal at different points in the year so you can more efficiently manage your utilities.

Both the indoor and outdoor HVAC components need frequent cleaning. Although they have different duties, both portions of the HVAC units need plenty of space and fresh air to operate optimally.

Regarding the outdoor unit, add a section that checks the foliage growing around it to your checklist. Grass, plants, trees, and other kinds of outdoor growth create different types of debris that can get trapped inside, cause blockages, or provide comfortable places for pests to nest. Keeping all foliage at least 4 feet away minimizes your risk of these nuisances. You should also remove any dust or debris buildup from outside the unit anytime you change the filters.

Complete similar tasks for the indoor unit. Always keep the indoor unit and vents clear of dust and debris because it causes clogs, leading to compressor failure and increased utility bills. It would also help if you also treated furniture like foliage. Furniture encourages dust accumulation, so keeping it 4 feet away from the indoor unit and any vents will minimize how much debris cleanup you have.

An important HVAC maintenance tip to remember is checking for spikes in energy/utility bills. How much you spend on electricity should vary seasonally depending on outside air conditions and which air handler you rely on- heating or cooling. However, prices should remain relative from summer to summer and winter to winter. 

If you notice a spike in costs from the previous year, you could have a problem that needs professional attention. Whether a refrigerant leak or a failing part, something is causing your HVAC unit to pick up the extra slack.

*Pro tip* Record a benchmark utility cost for each season that you can compare to your current bills so you have a clear idea of how much change is taking place.

No matter how well you care for your HVAC system, some repairs are better suited for total unit replacement. When that time comes, you want to have a reliable, meticulous, and honest HVAC replacement team on your side. At Terry’s American, we prioritize your needs and ensure you have what you need.

*Pro Tip* Keeping track of your needs with our HVAC servicing checklist will help you more clearly define your needs when it is finally time to replace your old system.