No one wants to hear strange sounds coming from their HVAC unit or wake up in the middle of the night either very cold or extremely hot. To ensure that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units are ready when you need them, an annual HVAC service performed by a qualified technician is essential.
In addition, there are preventative steps that homeowners can take to prevent issues with their HVAC systems. Read more for ideas on what to include on your HVAC preventative maintenance checklist.
Complete a Visual Inspection
Each time you change the filters in your HVAC system, you should perform a visual review of your units. The first step, after you install the new filter, is to make sure that the door closes easily and securely.
Include with that inspection, your thermostat. If your thermostat has batteries, be sure to change them at least once a year. For those of you with a Smart thermostat, check your settings. Be sure that you have adjusted your temperatures for the upcoming month or two. If you will not be home for any length of time, tweak your settings as appropriate. Clean the area around your HVAC units.
Checklist for Outside
For your outside units, you should already be removing debris and vegetation growth on a regular basis. Now, check inside the unit and clean out any dirt or obstructions that you see. Look at the fan blades and motor for any abnormal or irregular wear and tear or damage.
Place a level on the unit. Adjust the unit so that it is even. If necessary, place shims underneath the HVAC system to make it level. Any shims need to be made from a material that will not rot, or your unit could quickly become uneven again.
Look at the base pan on the unit. Check for any obstructions that would block the drains. Remove any obstacles that would impede the flow.
Any outside control panels that power the HVAC system should be inspected as well. Check all the wires for any signs of animals gnawing them.
Maintenance Steps for your Indoor Unit
Back inside, let’s start with the electrical plan. Perform the same check that you did outside. Look for worn or frayed wires.
Inspect the flue system. Here you are looking to see if it is tightly attached. Reattach or secure any loose sections. While you are checking the flue, note any signs of corrosion.
Now, let’s move along to the ductwork in your HVAC system. Air conditioning systems blow cooler air through the ductwork and ducts throughout your house. Here you are looking for any signs of mold. The humidity of the summer months and the flow of air can cause mold. You want to clean the mold and let your technician know of it. Then they can troubleshoot any causes.
On a regular basis, you should be ensuring that the returns and registers are not blocked. When you complete your more thorough preventative maintenance checklist, inspect these areas for mold too.
Any questions or concerns that you find, share with your licensed HVAC technician.
