Save Yourself from Headaches with Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

The HVAC system is a homeowner’s lifeline when it comes to heating and cooling the home. When the system shuts down or has problems, it can put a damper on your quality of life. That’s why we recommend regular upkeep for your system — to avoid major repair bills or having it shutting down when you need it the most. 

With that being said, it can still be tricky trying to know when is the best time to perform HVAC maintenance, what it includes, or how much it’s going to cost you. Don’t waste time asking yourself, “do I need annual HVAC maintenance?” Read on to learn more about seasonal HVAC maintenance for your home.

How Professional Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Benefits You

Do-it-yourself methods of HVAC maintenance can lead to serious injuries and further damage to your HVAC appliances. When you hire a professional HVAC company, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that your system is in the right hands. 

Inefficient and aged HVAC systems use more energy than needed to keep your home at the desired temperature. Professional HVAC maintenance can reduce your energy usage by increasing your home’s energy efficiency, saving you money on repairs and energy bills over time. 

When HVAC systems break down or have serious issues, the repair bills can be astronomical. By having your system inspected and maintained by a professional each season, you can effectively reduce the chance of major breakdowns and save yourself time and money. 

You can’t predict when or if your HVAC system will break down, but you can be proactive by performing seasonal HVAC maintenance. 

What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?

If you have never performed HVAC maintenance, you may be wondering what all is included. The truth is, the components of HVAC systems can vary, and some maintenance activities may be specific to the make and model of the system you have. 

However, your technician will perform the same type of inspections for the most part. When you have HVAC maintenance, you can expect: 

• A thermostat assessment 
• An electrical connection check
• Lubrication of moving parts
• A test of the system controls
• An outdoor unit inspection
• The examination of your condensate drain 
• Air filter replacement
• A fan assessment

Additional checks are specific to air conditioning units and should be a part of your air conditioner maintenance schedule, including: 

• A refrigerant check 
• Blower maintenance
• Inspection of the heating elements
• Coil cleaning

These professional air conditioner preventative maintenance services may also be referred to as tune-ups. Either way, they involve thorough inspections of your HVAC system to ensure that everything is working as it should. These services provide that you’re prepared in case of bad weather and should always be performed by a licensed technician.

A licensed technician will have in-depth knowledge of these systems, help you identify your specific needs, and make recommendations accordingly.

How Often Does HVAC Need Maintenance?

The general answer to the question “how often does HVAC need to be serviced?” is to have your unit serviced once per year. In addition to preventative measures that you take during the year, annual HVAC maintenance can increase the longevity of your system and save you money over time.

Your HVAC system is a huge investment in your home. By scheduling your annual maintenance, you can ensure you get the biggest return on that investment.

The best times to schedule these maintenance activities are around the fall or spring months. During the winter and summer months, your HVAC technicians are more likely to be busy providing emergency services. In spring and fall, they experience a slowdown and may offer discounted prices for HVAC inspections and other services.

How to Know if You Need HVAC Maintenance

While HVAC maintenance should be completed annually, there are some instances where you may need it sooner. Identifying the signs early on can prevent you from incurring significant repair expenses. Some of the best indicators that you need HVAC maintenance soon include:

Increasing Energy Bills

Regular fluctuations in energy bills can be expected as the seasons change. However, if you see drastic changes in your expenses over a short time, this can be a sign that your HVAC system needs inspection. Malfunctioning units expend more energy trying to keep your home at the desired temperature, driving your energy bills up. 

Strange Noises

Clanking, banging or any other loud noises coming from your HVAC system are not normal. Other than the sounds you may hear when turning the system on or off, anything else should be cause for concern. 

Reduced Air Quality 

A buildup of moisture or excess dust in the home may point to issues with your HVAC system. It could mean that your ducts need to be cleaned and properly sealed. 

When your system performs correctly, it helps eliminate the air pollution in the home by filtering it out, improving the air you breathe. When this doesn’t happen, the opposite is true, and it presents a situation that needs to be addressed immediately.

Recurring Issues

Do you find yourself having the same issues with your HVAC system each year? If you experience frequent problems with your system that seem to resolve themselves only to show up later, you should consider hiring HVAC maintenance services. 

HVAC system breakdowns rarely happen all at once; instead, they slowly decrease efficiency and hint at larger problems. By keeping an eye out for these telltale signs, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with replacing your system.

How Much Does HVAC Seasonal Maintenance Cost?

HVAC maintenance prices can range from $100 to $200 in most areas but depend greatly on the services included in the maintenance. Extended service contracts can increase the cost to upwards of $500 but include the entire HVAC system, not just air conditioning.

However, the preventative nature of HVAC maintenance ends up saving you thousands of dollars in repair costs and energy bills by creating a safer, more efficient system. The average repair costs of HVAC systems are several hundred dollars, while replacements can reach the tens of thousands.

HVAC Fall Maintenance Tips

While in-depth HVAC maintenance is best left up to professionals, there are some preventative fall maintenance steps that you can perform independently. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, feel free to ask your HVAC technician at your next HVAC maintenance appointment.

To keep your HVAC in tip-top shape throughout the year, perform the following maintenance checks: 

• Check for leaks
• Perform a visual inspection of the outdoor unit
• Listen for weird noises or vibrations

The more you perform these basic tasks on your HVAC system, the more familiar you will become with it and the easier it will be to identify any concerns. Contact a reputable HVAC technician immediately if you identify a faulty component or something you’re generally unsure about.

HVAC Seasonal Maintenance Near Me

At TSS Home Comfort, we take pride in offering our clients high-grade HVAC maintenance services. Keeping you comfortable is our top priority. 

We have decades of experience servicing residential and commercial HVAC systems in our local communities, so you can be sure that when you trust us with your system, it’s in good hands. 

Our commitment to excellence and passion for providing exceptional customer experiences has earned us an accreditation and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. When you hire us for HVAC seasonal maintenance, you’ll benefit from: 

• On-time, professional service
• Friendly staff members
• A customer-centered approach
• Licensed technicians
• Hassle-free quotes

If you’re looking for HVAC seasonal maintenance for your home or office, competitors can’t beat our team at TSS Home Comfort! Don’t waste time searching the web for “HVAC seasonal maintenance near me.” Contact us today for more information.