Important Annual HVAC Maintenance Guide

If you’re looking for ways to boost your home’s value, certain renovations and upgrades may come to mind. However, while things like an updated shower enclosure are sure to increase interest in your home once you put it on the market, basic home maintenance should be at the top of your list.

Annual HVAC maintenance is the key to maximizing performance for optimal home comfort and energy efficiency. Here’s a guide to maintaining HVAC equipment, whether you’re planning to list your home soon or not.

Maintain the Air Ducts & Filter

If you have forced-air heating and cooling, conditioned air passes through a filter and is distributed throughout your home via air ducts. These components need attention once a year. Here’s an HVAC maintenance guide for ductwork and air filters:

• Inspect the ducts for air leaks and missing insulation. Make improvements to correct these problems if necessary.
• Decide if you should clean the air ducts. You may not need to perform this task every year, but dust, mold, dirt, and pet dander eventually build up and necessitate a good cleaning.
• Check the air filter to make sure it fits properly and provides the right amount of filtration for your needs.
• Replace the air filter when it starts to appear dirty and clogged with debris.

Maintain the Air Conditioner

Every spring, your air conditioner needs attention to help it prepare for the upcoming cooling season. If you want to lower your cooling bills and avoid breakdowns this summer, complete these important AC maintenance tasks:

• Clean the evaporator coils to optimize heat transfer.
• Clean the condensate drain with water and bleach to ensure it drains smoothly.
• Remove debris and cut back vegetation from around the AC unit to ensure adequate airflow.
• Check the refrigerant charge and inspect for leaks if the charge is low.
• Check for loose electrical connections that could cause poor functionality or dangerous sparks.

Maintain the Furnace

Before you turn on the furnace for the first time each fall, complete a few maintenance tasks to ensure it’s ready for another heating season. Keep your home warm for many winters to come by performing these furnace maintenance tasks once a year:

• Inspect and clean all heating components, including the burners, heat exchanger block, and blower assembly.
• Inspect the ignition and burners for proper operation.
• Lubricate all moving parts, including motors and bearings.
• Inspect exhaust outlets to ensure no bird nests or other debris are blocking the ventilation.
• Check the heat exchanger for cracks, rust, or corrosion.
• Perform a safety check to ensure safe and reliable furnace operation.

Maintain the Thermostat

The brain of your HVAC system needs a little attention, too. After all, it works hard to keep your home comfortable in every season. Here’s how to maintain your thermostat:

• Upgrade to a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one.
• Check the programming as the seasons change to make sure they match your schedule.
• Replace the batteries once a year. Some thermostats have low-battery warning lights to ensure you don’t forget.

Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance with Aire Serv®

Many of the tasks listed here require help from a professional. The heating and cooling experts at Aire Serv offer annual services for air ducts, furnaces, air conditioners, thermostats, and other components to meet all your HVAC maintenance needs. The best way to maximize your results is to sign up for the Aire Serv Advantage Plan™. This way, you enjoy priority pricing, scheduled performance tune-ups, and preferred customer status, along with all the other benefits of routine HVAC maintenance.

To learn more, or to sign up, please call Aire Serv today.