Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors often recommend two yearly HVAC maintenance services. Your HVAC system works continuously to keep your home comfortable. However, homeowners often ask, “Shouldn’t one annual maintenance visit be enough?”
The answer to this question lies in understanding how your HVAC system works. It provides heating during the colder months and air conditioning during the summer. This means your furnace will do the heavy lifting all winter. Meanwhile, the AC will kick in and provide the refreshing cool air you need for relief from the heat.
Do I Really Need Two HVAC Maintenance Services Every Year?
The general recommendation is to schedule two maintenance visits by a local HVAC technician. These include the following:
- Spring AC Maintenance: If your air conditioner hasn’t been on in a few months, you can’t expect it to run at peak efficiency. Nor can you be sure it’ll be reliable all season and won’t break down during a heat wave. This is when technicians are busiest and call-out fees are highest. Contractors are most flexible early in the spring, so it’s easier to request an appointment that fits your schedule.
- Fall Furnace Maintenance: Despite your furnace seemingly at rest during the warm months, this doesn’t stop wear and tear or corrosion. Without maintenance, you could be in for a surprise when you try to turn it on. Or, a hidden issue may not surface until later in the season. Scheduling maintenance long before the winter chill sets in can prevent many hassles and protect your comfort and safety.
Whether you should stick to these guidelines depends on the system’s age. If it’s relatively new, an annual HVAC maintenance may be fine. Your heating and cooling system hasn’t experienced much wear yet. Two maintenance services per year should be scheduled when your HVAC system reaches the five-year mark.
However, follow the manufacturer’s and installer’s recommendations. Maintenance requirements can vary based on the type of system and how frequently you use it.
Should I Get an AC and Furnace Maintenance Service at the Same Time?
We’ve encountered homeowners considering having their AC and furnace tuned up simultaneously. Fewer service calls can save money. However, the units should be serviced six months apart. A contractor can check for issues with both, as bi-annual maintenance enable them to conduct inspections and adjustments before and after their respective seasons (damage can happen during peak use, which can be fixed more easily and less expensively than waiting another year).
While they may share ductwork, wiring, and other components, each HVAC unit has its peak season. Two HVAC maintenance services a year let a technician check your AC or furnace before it’s in full use. They can also find and resolve problems with shared components used throughout the year.
However, scheduling maintenance too soon may not be beneficial. For example, a furnace maintenance check in warm weather can be less effective. Diagnostic tests could be inaccurate, so it’s best to wait until the weather is cooler but not cold enough to require heating. The same goes for your AC system. System tests and responses may not reflect its overall health if the ambient temperature is still cool.
Basic Steps of HVAC Maintenance
An experienced technician follows a checklist when performing AC or furnace maintenance. Generally, the process involves these important tasks:
- Inspection: The contractor checks the system’s motors, fans, belts, and electrical connections. The outdoor unit is checked for leveling and grass, leaves, and other obstructions are cleared away at least two feet on all sides.
- Cleaning: Evaporator coils, fans, burners, and other components must be cleaned to ensure they operate properly. The technician takes the steps necessary to remove dirt and grime. They also check the condensate line for clogs and clear it if needed.
- Filter Replacement: Your HVAC filter should be changed at least every 90 days. However, a technician usually replaces it during maintenance to optimize performance and efficiency. They may also recommend a higher-efficiency air filter.
- Lubrication: The motor and other moving parts are lubricated to help them run smoothly and to reduce wear. An HVAC technician has the proper oil and knows what parts of the system need it.
- Calibration: The thermostat’s reading is checked against the actual air temperature, and the technician ensures it responds accordingly. Adjusting the thermostat can improve temperature control and energy efficiency.
- Refrigerant Check: A contractor can test refrigerant levels and pressure. They can recharge the system and check for leaks if the readings are lower than normal. If a leak is caught early, minor fixes can avoid a costly repair or system replacement.
What Happens If I Skip Maintenance?
If you’re a few months or a year past due for HVAC maintenance, your AC or heater won’t suddenly stop working. The disadvantages may be seen over time. Most HVAC issues start small and lead to more wear.
Skipping maintenance prevents a technician from spotting minor problems, leading to reductions in heating or cooling performance, efficiency, and comfort. Ultimately, your air conditioner or furnace can break down, requiring emergency service, major repairs, or premature system replacement.
Why Schedule Maintenance When Recommended
One HVAC tune-up a year is typically not enough. By scheduling maintenance in the fall and spring, you give your heating or cooling unit a head start. Investing more upfront can help save money over time. An AC or furnace tune-up six months apart can also:
- Improve Comfort: A well-maintained system reliably produces warm or cool air and distributes it evenly throughout your home. The temperature should also be more consistent.
- Prevent Major Repairs: Regular maintenance now can avoid expensive repairs in the future. Whether a unit has a faulty capacitor, clogged drain line, or faulty burner, it can be fixed before the entire system is affected.
- Reduce Energy Costs: When your HVAC system runs more smoothly, it uses less energy to heat or cool your home. It may not need to run as often. Less energy consumption and fuel use can lower your monthly utility bills.
- Increase System Lifespan: Keeping up with routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. A poorly maintained one may not last 10 years, but if properly cared for, it can last 20 years or longer.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality: Regularly changing the filter and performing other maintenance tasks can prevent dust, dander, and other particles from building up. Therefore, HVAC maintenance can help reduce allergies and prevent dirt from wearing out your AC or heater.
- Keep Your Warranty Valid: If you encounter a problem and have skipped maintenance, this can void the warranty. Any repair claim may be denied unless you prove the system has been professionally maintained.
- Protect Your Safety: A maintenance check can find serious problems, such as a refrigerant leak. This can be a health hazard. Meanwhile, a faulty heater can lead to burst pipes or a deadly carbon monoxide leak. Therefore, an AC or heater maintenance service keeps you safe.
Schedule Your Seasonal Maintenance Today
Sky Heating & Air Conditioning is Portland’s leading heating and cooling services contractor. Our technicians are fully trained, licensed, and certified to install, repair, or maintain any HVAC component. Air conditioner and furnace maintenance are included as part of our Sky Signature Protection Plan. We’re committed to helping you stay comfortable and save energy and money. To learn more or schedule a visit, call (888) 927-3943 today.