How Often Should You Maintain Your HVAC System?

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system works year-round to keep you comfortable. Every homeowner uses their HVAC system, but it’s easy to forget that it needs maintenance. Like any other home appliance, you need to maintain your HVAC system to prevent breakdowns and high energy bills. Let’s break down HVAC care to help you keep your system working at its best.

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How Often Should Your HVAC Be Serviced?

You need a professional HVAC maintenance appointment at least twice a year — once in the spring for the air conditioning and once in the fall to check the heat. This timing ensures your system is ready to handle the more extreme temperatures winter and summer bring. Professionals will provide seasonal tuneups, checking for smooth operation. With maintenance twice a year, you’ll catch minor issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

Why Do You Need Regular HVAC Maintenance?

HVAC systems are built to last at least 10 years, so do you really need to get it checked twice a year? Skipping routine maintenance might not seem like a big deal until your system breaks down during a heat wave. Regular service isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly — it’s about preventing expensive repairs, reducing energy bills, and ensuring your system lasts as long as possible.

Here’s what can happen if you ignore the importance of HVAC maintenance:

1. Higher Energy Bills

An HVAC system that doesn’t receive regular maintenance can lose efficiency over time. Dust, dirt, and debris will build up on coils and filters, forcing your system to work harder to maintain temperatures. The harder it works and the longer it runs, the more energy your HVAC uses. More energy means higher utility bills, eating into your budget.

2. Expensive Repairs

Maintenance involves having a professional inspect all your HVAC components. Without scheduled inspections, small issues can quickly become expensive breakdowns. Something as simple as a worn-out belt or a clogged filter can strain the entire system, leading to overheating and even failure. Routine tuneups catch these issues early, saving you from expensive emergency repairs.

3. Shorter System Life

An HVAC system is a major investment for many homeowners. Once you’ve invested in your HVAC system, you want to make sure it lasts years to come. Without maintenance, your system is more likely to wear out faster. Dirty parts, poor airflow, and worn-out components can lead to premature failures. You might have to replace your system years earlier than expected.

4. Poor Air Quality

HVAC systems do more than just heat and cool your home. They also help filter and circulate the air. Your air filters and coils need regular cleaning to remove dust, allergens, and contaminants. If they build up, they can push all these irritants out into your home, affecting the indoor air quality. Keep your home comfortable and healthy with a scheduled maintenance routine.

5. System Failure

While most HVAC systems are durable, they can fail with enough neglect. Skipping maintenance can lead to major component failures, like a broken compressor or blower motor. In some cases, repairs might be so expensive that replacing the entire system is the only option. Avoid sitting through a heat wave or cold snap with a broken system by taking a little time to organize a maintenance visit.

Signs Your HVAC Needs Maintenance

While you should stick to a seasonal maintenance plan, your HVAC can develop issues in between visits. You need to recognize the early warning signs to save you from a full system breakdown or expensive repairs. If you see the following signs, it’s time to call in a professional:

Weak airflow: If you feel little to no air coming from the vents, your system might be struggling. A clogged filter, failing blower motor, or another issue could be restricting airflow, making your HVAC work harder than needed.
Unusual noises: Banging, rattling, or screeching sounds aren’t normal. These noises could indicate loose components, a worn-out belt, or motor problems that need immediate attention.
Temperature changes: Is your thermostat set to a comfortable temperature, but your home still feels too hot or cold? Your system might need recalibrating.
Higher energy bills: Higher-than-normal energy bills without changing your usage usually mean your HVAC system is losing efficiency. Dirty coils, clogged filters, or failing components can all cause your system to overwork and use more energy, increasing your utility bills.
Frequent cycling: If you hear your HVAC system turning on and off often, it might be dirty components or a blower motor issue. Frequent cycling strains your system, shortening its life span.
Bad smells: Musty or burning smells coming from your vents are a sign that something is wrong. It could be mold, electrical issues, or dirty components.
Extra dust: If you’re seeing more dust around the house or allergy flare-ups, your HVAC could need an inspection. Poor filtering or another issue could lead to extra dust and allergens floating through your vents, making it harder to breathe.

What’s Included in a Professional HVAC Maintenance Service?

While you can do some HVAC maintenance yourself, like replacing air filters, it’s safer and more effective to leave the rest of the maintenance to the experts. HVAC maintenance goes beyond checking the thermostat. A technician will thoroughly inspect and clean your system, getting it back in top condition. During a maintenance visit, your technician will:

Inspect and clean coils.
Check refrigerant levels.
Lubricate moving parts.
Test electrical connections.
Check the thermostat.
Replace or clean filters.
Assess system performance.
Troubleshoot existing issues.

If your technician finds any problems with the system, they’ll let you know. After the inspection, they can tell you what’s causing the problem and what they recommend you do to fix it. If it’s a simple repair, they may be able to make it for you that day. If it’s a more complex repair or replacement, they might schedule a follow-up appointment to get your HVAC running again.

Schedule Your HVAC Service With Meeks Heating & Air

Keeping your HVAC system in top shape starts with good maintenance. At Meeks Heating & Air, we take pride in delivering top-quality services to keep your home comfortable year-round. We offer servicing for your air conditioner and home heating systems, ensuring your system is working efficiently. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a commitment to customer satisfaction, you can count on us for expert care.

Want to save money and get priority scheduling? Join the Meeks Comfort Club and enjoy exclusive perks. Members receive 10% off repairs plus front-of-the-line service when they need HVAC care. Trust our team to provide you with the quality your home deserves. Plus, we offer a three-year labor warranty with any HVAC system we install.

Don’t wait for a breakdown — schedule your HVAC maintenance online or call us at (470) 622-8901 today!

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