It is a huge responsibility to be a homeowner. Not only do you need to make sure your mortgage payment on time, but you also need to manage the functions of your house and make sure everything works efficiently. HVAC maintenance isn’t glamorous but it’s necessary to keep your home running well.
HVAC is HVAC. It stands for “heating ventilation and air conditioning” and is responsible for keeping your home comfortable. It plays a part in maintaining optimal air quality .
You can do most of your HVAC maintenance as a homeowner proactive and preventative. This means you’re doing work that will prevent future problems. There are many things that could go wrong with your HVAC. Everything from clogged filters to dirty wires could cause a problem. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure you maintain your HVAC system year after year.
An HVAC maintenance plan is the best way. You should follow it every year. We will be covering the essentials of HVAC maintenance. What you need to know about proper maintenance, when it should be done, and how much.
Common HVAC Problems
As you can see, there are many possible problems with your HVAC system. Knowing the causes of these problems can be helpful. As you consider your maintenance options and schedule, here are three HVAC problems you need to be aware.
- LeaksAll HVAC connectors and drains have the potential to leak. These leaks can cause your system’s performance to be less than it should. This could lead to having to replace one or several components. Be on the lookout for refrigerant leaks (more info under monthly HVAC maintenance tasks), along with leaks from AC condensate and heat exchanger lines.
- CorrosionThere is a risk of corrosion when you mix wiring and moisture. You can get corrosion on wires or terminals in your HVAC system. This can cause your heating or cooling system not to turn on by itself. As with leaks, this corrosion can cause your HVAC system’s to work harder and lead to a break down.
- Dirty and soiled itemsCleanliness is essential for all components of your HVAC system. This includes the filters, electric panel, and everything else. Not only will it make your system work slower, but dusty filters can also trap allergens and dirt in your home. This could cause a decrease in air flow and quality as well as reduce the efficiency of your system.
Types HVAC maintenance tasks
If you don’t know what you should do, you won’t be able to create an HVAC checklist. These are the HVAC maintenance tasks you want to do every year, excluding any unexpected problems. These maintenance tasks are broken down into specific timelines to make it easy for you to differentiate between what needs doing now and what only once a calendar year.
This checklist will help you maintain your HVAC’s efficiency and ensure you get it fixed as soon as possible.
This will reduce the chance of HVAC system problems.
- Check to make sure the areas around the HVAC units (AC units and heating units), are clear of any debris.
- Make sure that there are at least two feet of clear space around HVAC system components.
- Purchase high-efficiency air filter if you haven’t yet. If you don’t have a high efficiency filter, get one.
- Leakages in the refrigerant lines of your air conditioner should be checked. These two copper lines connect your outdoor unit’s outdoor evaporator coil to the refrigerant line. What and where to look.
Once per season
- Replace the air filter once every 90 days.
- In summer, turn off the furnace humidifier.
- Change the filter in the humidifier and turn on the water again in the fall.
- Check your home for carbon monoxide detectors and make sure to replace them.
- If the fan belt is worn, oil it.
- Your AC condensation line can be cleaned with bleach. Get the instructions.
- Look at your AC unit outdoors and ensure it is clean.
You can expect your HVAC system to last a long while if you adhere to this checklist and perform the correct tasks at the appropriate times. The lifespan of an HVAC system ranges from 10 to 25years. Preventative maintenance can extend its life expectancy to closer to 25.
Hire an HVAC technician.
You might be able handle most HVAC maintenance tasks, but your cooling and heating system is complex. Some issues may not be obvious to you. It is also important to check the functioning of electric components as well as ductwork periodically.
It’s a good idea that you have a professional HVAC technician visit your home every so often. A pro can come only once a year for new systems. You should schedule professional maintenance twice a calendar year for older systems. One in spring, and one in fall.
HVAC repair and maintenance costs
It won’t cost too much to maintain your HVAC system. Budget for high-efficiency air filter costs, which cost each (four per year) and bleach for drain cleaning, which costs .
will spend approximately to 0 to hire a technician to perform maintenance. Ask about any discounts. There are some HVAC maintenance companies that offer annual contracts. This means you only pay one time per year.
Repairs are where it gets expensive. According to HVAC.com, these are typical HVAC repair costs.
Repair blower motor: $150
Repair blower motors: $450
Replacement of thermostats: $50-200+
For $300 to $400, replace your ignition switch
Repair flame sensor: $80
Replacement flame sensor: $250
Repair heat exchanger: $100
Alternative heat exchangers available from $500 to $1,200
Repair pressure sensor/circuit board: $50
Replacement pressure sensor/circuit board: $350
Replace gas valve: $150
Replacement smart valve: $750
Alternative draft inducer: $150 – $450
Keep in mind that these average costs do not reflect the actual cost of your HVAC system. They will vary depending on its age and type. The cost to install a completely new HVAC system is? That’s from $6,000 to $12,000. That’s enough to make sure you stay on top your maintenance list.
Signs to let you know that you might need to have your HVAC system replaced
HVAC maintenance’s purpose is to maintain your system at its best for as long time as possible. Even if your HVAC maintenance is excellent, each component still needs to be maintained. If you stay in your house for too long, chances are that some parts may need to be replaced.
You might need to replace something, but sometimes it is not. Here are some warning signs that you might need a professional sooner or later.
- Your system is only blowing hot air.
- Your system toggles between off and on periodically.
- You feel an imbalance in the temperature of your home’s air. It may be warm upstairs, but cold downstairs.
- Your system is making strange noises or is operating at a louder level than normal.
- Unexpectedly your energy bills are rising.
- You may notice poor air flow.
For any of these reasons, it is best to call in a technician. You don’t want to do the repair yourself unless you are an expert in HVAC maintenance.
HVAC maintenance is important to prevent costly repairs. When in doubt, get a professional.
The detailed costs provided in this article are very useful in understanding the potential expenses involved in HVAC repair and maintenance. It made me really consider the importance of hiring a professional technician to avoid these costs down the line.
I don’t agree with the comment about how hiring a professional technician will help avoid these costs. I’ve had terrible experiences with technicians performing unnecessary repairs that weren’t a problem in the first place.
I completely agree with the importance of following an HVAC maintenance plan, as an owner and homeowner, it has brought me peace of mind and saved me a lot of money in both repairs and energy bills.
I found the article very informative and helpful. I truly believe that it is worth investing time and effort in a regular maintenance plan for any homeowner.
I really enjoyed the way the article lays out every detail of the common HVAC problems and the maintenance tasks. It’s a good refresher for someone like me who’s been repairing and maintaining HVAC systems for years.
I would have liked to see a bit more detail and advice for those of us with older HVAC systems that might be needing more frequent maintenance checks.
I never thought about the importance of cleaning the AC unit outdoors and the carbon monoxide detectors. Good point!
The information on signs that indicate that your HVAC system may need replacement is very important. It’s useful to know what to look out for to avoid waiting too long for repairs.