Roger Morph 
Owning a home is a huge responsibility. It could mean paying your bills or maintaining your home, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. You should ensure everything in your home is properly functional to avoid expenses on unnecessary repairs and replacements. That said, getting your HVAC system checked regularly for proper maintenance is essential.
Like your pipe systems, your HVAC system needs annual checkups and maintenance. This is to prevent issues from arising. Many things could go wrong with your HVAC system such as corrosion, heat and cold distribution problems, or leaks.
Clogged filters and dirty coils may cause these problems. Because of this, it’s essential to conduct proper maintenance. This way, you can get the coils and filters or the whole HVAC system cleaned instead of getting replaced because of damage. Preventing this or prolonging the time before it needs to be replaced means preparing a checkup and maintenance plan.
If you are looking for ways to maintain your HVAC system properly, this article will have you covered. Here are seven tips every homeowner should know about HVAC system maintenance:
Hire A Professional HVAC Company
Hiring an HVAC company is ideal if you want professionals to do everything for you—from installation to repairs and maintenance. Say your HVAC system broke down during summer. In this case, you can call the HVAC company Ashburn or a local company in your area to identify which component was causing the issue. This will allow them to do the repair or replacement as needed.
Change Filters Regularly
Replacing your filters at least once a month is crucial to keep the air clean. Dirty filters cause inefficiency in the system by blocking airflow, so regularly changing them will help make sure your HVAC system is working at optimum levels. In addition, it can lower your utility bills and extend your system’s lifespan.
Allow Your HVAC Unit To Have Proper Airflow
Airflow is essential to an HVAC system’s functionality. When the HVAC system has obstructions, like blocked vents, it may struggle to take in air, making it inefficient. With this said, don’t put anything around or in front of the HVAC unit.
Furniture, plants, and other decors may look good in front of the HVAC unit. But if it restricts airflow, moving them somewhere else is best to ensure the system’s efficiency and prevent overheating.
In addition, if the system accumulates dirt, it may block the airflow and cause overheating. Be sure to sweep any leaves, sticks, and regular dirt from the exterior of the HVAC unit.
Monitor Your Energy Bill
You might be wondering how monitoring your energy bills is relevant to HVAC maintenance, but it is. If you notice that your energy bills have spiked at any point and you haven’t done anything requiring extra energy, then something is wrong with your HVAC system.
Typically, the energy bill you can save when using air conditioners is around 10% – 30%. But with clogged filters, your HVAC system may need to work more to heat or cool down a room. This increases your electricity consumption and utility bills.
Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you keep your HVAC system in good order. A programmable thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature in any way you want. It enables you to set the temperature differently for various times of the day.
For instance, if you go to work, you may ensure that it consumes less electricity while you’re away and only adjust to your choice when you’re about to go home. This can save you a great deal on energy bills. Furthermore, it can help you avoid wear and tear on your HVAC system because the thermostat makes work easier for it.
HVAC Checkup And Maintenance Cost
While the new HVAC system might range from USD$5,000 to USD$10,000, depending on the model you want to purchase, it seems more prudent to invest in yearly inspections. However, this would depend on whether the specialist discovers any issues with the system that necessitate additional cash to replace or fix. Generally, an annual check-up can cost anywhere from USD$75 to USD$200.
Signs To Replace Your HVAC System
The best course of action may be to have annual inspections and maintenance, but there are instances when a complete HVAC system replacement is all that’s required. Below are signs you might need to replace your HVAC system:
- Your HVAC System Is More Than 10 Years Old
Most systems are designed to last at least ten years, and after that, the rising costs and inadequate indoor air quality make the HVAC system more of a burden than a help. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a technician to determine whether your model needs replacement.
- There’s Excess Dust In Your Home
Damaged ducts may cause dust in your home. When damaged ducts cease working and can no longer keep dust from entering the home’s interior, you may consider installing a new HVAC system.
- The Cost Of Repairs Exceeds The Price Of A New System
Say you have your HVAC system tested, and the cost of repairs is slightly more than half the price of a new one.
In this case, it’s best to consider purchasing a new system rather than renewing the same old one that could break at any time. A new system won’t need to be fixed every few years. Also, a new system needs fewer repairs, so you’d have made a better investment.
Conclusion
As a homeowner, you might have realized that your HVAC system is one of the essential parts of your comfort; therefore, you should take good care of it. So you should have an annual checkup and maintenance plan that helps you regulate it and avoid significant problems. To prevent filter clogging and dirty coils, you must be attentive to the system. However, hiring an HVAC company to do all the work for you is one of the best maintenance plans because you’ll work with professionals.
