We all understand that keeping mechanical devices properly maintained is a critical step to longevity and ensuring they work properly. But when it comes to HVAC systems, routine maintenance also helps you save money, helps improve your indoor air quality and can even help prevent common colds and flu from spreading inside your home. This is why creating a solid HVAC maintenance checklist that you can do at home with very little effort is a smart program that any homeowner should undertake each year.
Four Easy Tasks To Include In Your Annual HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Step #1 – Replace the Air Filters inside the Home Every Three Months
The air filters of any HVAC system are the lungs that help them breathe efficiently and easy. And believe it or not, these indoor filters can become clogged very easily. In fact, it’s not uncommon in Phoenix homes for these filters to become over 50% filled in less than 30 days due to the extreme dusty conditions in The Valley of the Sun. This is why the first item on our checklist is to replace your indoor air filters at least every three months.
Doing this will help your heating system and AC unit operate much more efficiently, reduce debris from entering the unit and reduce the amount of dust and harmful particles from circulating through the house, which improves indoor air quality.
Step #2 – Have the Thermostat Calibrated Annually
The second item on any HVAC maintenance checklist is to have the thermostat calibrated at least once per year. A leading reason why most Heating and AC units don’t function properly is due to malfunctioning thermostats that are either set wrong by manual controls or due to improper calibration. In truth, a thermostat can easily fall out of calibration by simply being hit accidently by a passer-by or due to a build-up of dust and debris internally. It’s also quite possible for inexperienced occupants of a home to adjust the thermostat to fit their individual needs, but make a mistake by setting it wrong.
Step #3 – Dust the Indoor Vents Frequently
Just like the first step of replacing air filters, making sure your indoor vents are free of dust and debris is another simple step that any HVAC maintenance checklist should include. The best way to complete this is with those cool ‘Swiffer Sweepers’ that have extended control arms for hard to reach places. Simply brush the vents inside your home off with these dry mops and you’ll vastly improve the indoor air quality. Plus, you’ll remove tons of dust and dirt that would otherwise potentially contaminate your HVAC system causing premature wear and tear of these expensive units.
Step #4 – Have a Professional Company Inspect HVAC Systems Twice per Year
Finally, it’s advised that any homeowner should have a reliable and trustworthy HVAC service company physically inspect your complete HVAC system at least every six months. During this check they will complete many routine functions that most homeowners don’t know how or shouldn’t complete themselves including:
- Filling and checking all lubricants and fluids inside the units
- Tightening and inspecting all belts, hoses and bolts
- Inspecting internal parts for wear and tear
- Inspecting the ductwork for leaks, dirty and clean if needed
The simple truth is that many homeowners can reduce their monthly energy bills by up to 30% by instigating a proper routine maintenance program. And if you follow these top four steps in this HVAC maintenance checklist, you’ll quickly discover how much more comfortable your home will be and how much money you’ll save on your monthly energy bill.