The end of the year is the perfect time to perform specific maintenance tasks that can help keep your HVAC system operating safely and effectively. HVAC maintenance also protects your HVAC system’s lifespan. Environmental Heating & Air Solutions in Roseville, CA wants you to know how to approach HVAC maintenance and when to seek professional intervention. An organized HVAC maintenance checklist can help you stay on task and ensure your system receives the attention it needs.
Inspect and Clean or Change Your Air Filters
Your HVAC system needs clean filters to allow for proper airflow. Dirty, clogged filters can lead to overheating and dirt and grime buildup inside your system. Most manufacturers recommend changing or cleaning air filters every 90 days, but the frequency will depend on the filter type, use, and climate.
Washable Filters
Washable filters should be cleaned every one to three months using distilled water and mild dishwashing soap. You should replace your washable filter if it becomes overly dirty or damaged.
Disposable Filters
Check your disposable filter once a month and replace it every three months. You may need to replace the filter sooner if you have pets or live in a dusty climate.
Media Filters
Media filters last much longer than traditional disposable ones and must be changed twice a year. The end of the year is the ideal time to change your media filter to combat allergens and pollutants during the winter.
Check Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It maintains your home’s temperature and system efficiency. To keep the thermostat working correctly, you should change the thermostat’s batteries at the end of the year.
It is also essential to have a professional HVAC technician test your thermostat to see if it needs calibration. Skilled technicians use specialized equipment to calibrate the thermostat and ensure it works correctly. Yearly calibration can help lower your electricity costs.
Inspect and Clean Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser can become clogged with limbs, leaves, and dirt during the fall. Technicians will inspect and clean the outdoor condenser unit to ensure that there aren’t any repair issues.
Trimming plants or weeds growing too close to the condenser will ensure proper airflow. Keeping this area clean and free of debris and blockages will keep your condenser working correctly.
HVAC technicians perform condenser cleaning as part of a yearly maintenance plan. They use tools like compressed air, coil cleaning solutions, fin combs, and special vacuums to remove dirt and grime for improved airflow and efficiency.
Compressor and Evaporator Coil Inspection and Cleaning
An essential part of HVAC maintenance is inspecting and cleaning the evaporator and compressor coils. According to the EPA, dirty coils can increase energy expenditure by up to 35%. Dirty coils can also increase home humidity and mold and mildew growth. You may also experience compressor damage and failure. Compressor and evaporator coils can become dirty over time, requiring yearly professional cleaning.
Check Refrigerant Levels and Lines
You should also inspect your refrigerant lines and levels to check for leaks. Technicians use specialized tools, such as electronic leak detectors, to find refrigerant leaks and pressure gauges to ensure the proper refrigerant pressure. Your air conditioning system can only cool your home when it functions with appropriate refrigerant levels and pressure.
Low refrigerant levels strain your HVAC system and can decrease its lifespan. You should never operate an HVAC system with low refrigerant levels because it could cause compressor overheating and premature failure. Signs of low refrigerant levels include frozen refrigerant lines, hissing or bubbling noises, and warm air from the vents.
Inspect and Clean the Blower Motor and Fan
Professional technicians need to inspect and clean these vital parts. The technician will use a voltage meter to check for electrical continuity in the motor and wiring. They will also clean the blower assembly, fan blades, and squirrel cage to remove dust and debris that could prevent their normal functions. Ideally, you should have these parts cleaned once a year. Dust and debris buildup can put the blower motor under strain and lead to overheating and premature damage.
Technicians also lubricate the moving parts of the blower motor to prevent excessive friction, which can lead to overheating. We need to lubricate the moving parts at least once a year.
Examine and Test the Electrical System
Your HVAC system cannot operate without a safe and effective electrical system. However, the electrical connection in your system can loosen over time due to vibrations from the machinery. A complete electrical inspection involves looking for frayed or loose wiring.
The signs of loose or damaged wiring include frequently tripped breakers and burning smells during operation. Checking and tightening the electrical connections is essential to a year-end HVAC inspection.
Inspect and Clean the Heat Exchanger
Heat exchangers transfer heat from the combustion process to the air inside your home. Overheating can cause the heat exchanger to develop cracks, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide releases into your home. The heat exchanger needs cleaning at least once a year to remove grime from the combustion process. Inspecting and cleaning the heat exchanger ensures your heater works safely and effectively.
Ductwork Inspection and Cleaning
Your year-end maintenance tasks should include a ductwork inspection. Consider ductwork insulation to prevent energy loss, depending on your home and climate.
The EPA warns that damaged or improperly insulated ductwork can lose up to 60% of energy. Technicians will check to ensure that there’s no damage and that the seals are intact. Properly sealed ductwork helps prevent energy loss and ensures even heating and cooling throughout your home. Completing a year-end maintenance checklist can help you save on energy costs all year.
Evaluate Your System’s Airflow
Consistent airflow ensures greater comfort and helps minimize energy waste in your HVAC system. HVAC technicians test your system’s airflow using specialized tools, including anemometers, flow meters, and static pressure tips.
You should check the registers and vents to ensure no obstruction blocks them. Professional AC and heating maintenance services are essential to ensure your HVAC system’s airflow is uncompromised.
Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Environmental Heating & Air Solutions recommends checking your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors as a part of your year-end HVAC maintenance check, especially if you have a fuel-driven heating system. These detectors help keep your family safe. Replace the batteries or unit if they cease working correctly.
Complete Operational Check
After inspecting and cleaning your HVAC components, HVAC technicians will perform a complete operational check. They will test the system in heating and cooling operations to ensure there are no issues with performance.
Running a complete operational check at the end of the year ensures your system can handle the immense heating demands in the winter months. It will also help you discover minor problems before they become significant repair issues.
An End-of-the-Year Maintenance Checklist Protects Your HVAC System
While you can handle some tasks alone, most require professional HVAC technicians. A year-end check is an investment in your HVAC system, keeping it running safely and efficiently. A well-maintained HVAC system also ensures better indoor air quality and a more comfortable environment for you and your family. Using an HVAC maintenance membership club plan makes it easier not to forget your annual inspections tune-ups.
Environmental Heating & Air Solutions offers heating, cooling, and plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair services in Roseville, CA and the surrounding areas. We perform inspections, ductwork services, air ventilation, and carbon monoxide detectors. Our team also provides installation, maintenance, and repair plumbing services for water heaters. We offer 24/7 emergency repair services.
Call our expert HVAC technicians at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions if you need year-end HVAC maintenance services.
