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No matter where we live, we rely on our HVAC system to keep us cool and comfortable or warm and comfortable. But sometimes, the maintenance cost of HVAC will prohibit us.
This is especially true when the system is inevitably interrupted on the coldest or hottest day of the year. Or on weekends, service call rates for HVAC technicians soar.
Maintaining your system helps prevent some expensive emergency repairs.
But what really needs to be done and how much should it cost?
Basic knowledge of HVAC
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. There are several different types of HVAC systems, but a split system with one internal component and another external component is the most popular in homes.
The components vary depending on the climate you live in.
- Stove and air conditioner: These are most popular in extreme temperature climates, from cold winters to hot summers. Most stoves are gas-fired, but some use heating oil. The condensing device of the air conditioner is on the outside, and the evaporator coil is on the inside. The evaporator coil absorbs heat and sends it to the refrigerant through copper wires.
- Air handler and heat pump: In temperate climates, heat pumps are a good choice. The heat pump can be heated and cooled by only reversing the operation. The blower motor in the air handler delivers hot air.
- Furnace and heat pump: In very cold places, one heating system is not enough. If the temperature drops too low, the dual fuel or hybrid system will automatically switch from the heat pump to the furnace.
All types of systems require maintenance.
“If there is a problem that causes the system to become dirty or clogged, it may have a negative impact on system performance and equipment wear,” said Wes Davis, Director of Technical Services. American Air Conditioning Contractor (ACCA). “This has a very practical impact on the life of the equipment and how well it keeps your house cool or warm.”
Reasons for preventive maintenance
Treat your HVAC like a car. You change the oil regularly to keep the engine running smoothly and want to prevent you from being trapped on the side of the road. The same is true for HVAC systems.
Being proactive rather than passive can save you money as well as:
- Prevent malfunction.
- Improve indoor air quality.
- Reduce energy costs.
- Extend the service life of the system.
- Provide proof of maintenance to maintain warranty coverage.
- Prevent dangerous carbon monoxide from entering the home through cracks or leaks.
The frequency of maintenance depends on several factors.
“A relatively new system may not need to be checked as often as a mature system,” Davis said. “It also depends on the region of the country and where the equipment is installed. If it is in a hot attic in the south, where the temperature will really rise, then the equipment will experience more wear and tear than in a fairly dry basement, and the basement The equipment will last longer.”
In the end, Davis said that it is up to you and your HVAC specialist to determine the maintenance plan based on your system and climate.
Preventive maintenance of HVAC
Some regular HVAC maintenance is easy for any homeowner. Other tasks require well-trained professionals.
Replacing the air filter is one of the simple tasks and should be done every one to three months. Before the airflow enters the equipment, the filter is usually located in the air return area.
More expensive high-efficiency filters, such as HEPA, are not always better.
“If your system is designed for an inefficient filter, so air can easily pass through it, then pull it out and replace it with a very efficient filter, they are more restrictive, so air cannot pass through the system, and It does have dire consequences,” Davis explained. Low airflow can cause components to overheat and shut down the system.
But letting more air through may also mean more garbage enters the coils, causing them to become dirty.
If you have allergies, keep pets, or use equipment frequently, replace these filters more frequently.
A 20 x 20 inch air filter is priced from US$2 to US$12 depending on the quality. This is a popular size, but make sure you know what size your device needs. There are dozens of them.
Davis said the following points are also important:
- Clean up the space around the outdoor unit: Make sure there is at least 2 feet of space around the compressor. Remove leaves and vegetation that are too close. Trim trees that may drop leaves and seeds on the device.
- Clean the condensing device: The metal fins on the top are clogged with dust, pollen and other things. Use ordinary garden hoses to do this instead of an electric washing machine that can damage delicate fins. Use a fin comb to gently bend back any curved fins that obstruct airflow through the coil.
- Ensure equipment level: Otherwise the compressor may malfunction.
- Remove the drain pipe and drain pan: Blocking can cause leakage or backup.
If you have a stove, turn off the water in the humidifier when it is not operating in summer. Before it gets cold, replace the filter in the humidifier and turn on the water again.
For window installations, make sure that the air conditioner and the window are tightly sealed and contact the metal casing of the air conditioner. Moisture can damage the seals and allow cold air to flow out of the house.
Although some tasks are easy to complete, there are other tasks that should be entrusted to professionals. Depending on where you live, the cost of maintenance inspections may range from a special price of approximately $30 to over $100.
Davis stated that the difference between the services provided by the company and its charges prompted ACCA to establish national standards. The standard creates a set of minimum tasks that should occur during HVAC maintenance inspections.
The technician should:
- Flush the coil.
- Check the drainage.
- Vacuum blower compartment.
- Check voltage and all connections.
- Check the refrigerant level.
- Look for any leaks that may cause the system to run faster than expected.
- Lubricate the motor.
- Clean the condenser pipe.
- Measure the air flow through the evaporator coil.
- Check all accessible piping systems for areas of moisture accumulation or biological growth.
- Check the safety device.
Some HVAC companies have annual maintenance plans, which may include priority services, so ask the company you use about the possible benefits of developing these plans.
Davis recommends asking HVAC companies what tasks they will perform during maintenance calls, adding that some lower-cost companies are looking for potential customers and new customers, rather than preventing problems. In addition, he suggested asking whether the company follows the ACCA standard or whether it belongs to an industry association.
“Such things tend to point out that the contractor is doing better,” he said.
Signs of HVAC problems
Even if you maintain your HVAC system, problems will definitely still occur.
Signs of possible problems include:
- When the air conditioner is turned on, hot air is exhausted from the vent.
- The system will shut itself down intermittently.
- The temperature around your home is not balanced.
- When the equipment is running, the noise is louder than usual.
- Energy costs are higher than usual
At the very least, if you don’t remember when you last called, Davis recommends that you schedule a maintenance service call.
Tiffani Sherman is a freelance journalist based in Florida with more than 25 years of experience writing on finance, health, tourism, and other topics.
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