It is estimated that 47% of the total energy you spend in your house goes into cooling and heating spaces while another 14% goes into water heating! When your HVAC system is using up that much energy, it should be operating at optimal condition to reduce chances of even more energy expenditure.
No matter what kind of HVAC system you have, it should be regularly inspected, serviced and cleaned to keep it functioning properly. But the question remains: how often do you need to get your system checked for maintenance?
Self-maintenance tasks:
It is not always necessary to call in an HVAC expert to conduct routine maintenance. There are a few things you can DIY to keep your unit in optimum condition between scheduled maintenance visits. These are:
Changing Filters
HVAC air filters should be cleaned or changed every month, depending on the model. When air filters become clogged, the efficiency of your HVAC unit may go down, resulting in higher electricity bills, longer duration to heat or cool rooms, or even loss of ability of the system to maintain the required temperature.
Regular Cleaning
When dirt begins to accumulate on the outdoor unit of your HVAC unit, you know it is time for some much-needed cleaning. Simply hose down the unit to get rid of any dirt or debris.
Professional Maintenance:
These are some tasks you should leave to professionals to avoid damaging the system:
Checking the thermostat
The thermostat needs to be properly calibrated to ensure your unit is reaching the temperatures you want.
Lubrication
All moving parts of your HVAC system need to be regularly lubricated to prevent them from rubbing against each other and wearing down, causing a spike in electricity bills and decreased efficiency.
Check System Controls
A technician will check all possible functions of your HVAC unit to ensure everything is working as it should.
Tighten Electrical Connections
If the electrical components of your HVAC unit are loose or faulty, they could potentially cause a short circuit and may cause overheating that can significantly reduce your equipment’s lifespan.
How Often Do I Need to Call In a Professional?
It is recommended that you call in an HVAC expert to thoroughly inspect your system at least once a year. However, depending on your usage, you may need to conduct more frequent checkups, as the more use an HVAC unit gets, the faster it starts to wear out.
For example, if your HVAC is on full blast at all times of the day, it is going to take a toll on the system and parts may start to breakdown sooner than you expected. It might then be recommended to ask a HVAC technician to conduct an inspection twice a year; in the Fall for your heating system and in Spring for your AC system.
Florida Breeze, the HVAC experts
Florida Breeze offers round the clock, seven days a week HVAC maintenance services in areas across Brevard County. Offering everything from cheap AC installation to heating and cooling systems supply, Florida Breeze has the expertise needed to ensure a seamless repair and maintenance job.
