HVAC systems provide some of the essential services in the home, from heating and cooling the space to removing contaminants and odors, so it’s essential to keep your system running smoothly year-round.
Even if you live in a climate that doesn’t have very extreme temperatures, you still need to consider maintenance as you don’t want to over-service it and pay money for unnecessary repairs.
Read on to learn more about how often you should service your HVAC.
You should ensure you clean your HVAC system at least once a year and more often if they are in a dusty environment. If you have pets, you may need to clean them more frequently. You can clean them yourself with a vacuum cleaner and a brush attachment, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
How Often Should I Tune-up My HVAC?
It’s a good idea to have your HVAC serviced at least once a year; your HVAC system is essential to your home, and it’s important to keep it running smoothly.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have it serviced regularly. But, of course, how often you should have it serviced depends on a few factors, including the type of system you have and how often you use it.
If you use your system frequently, you may need to have it serviced more often.
On the other hand, if you only turn it on when guests are coming over or during particularly hot or cold spells, you could probably get by with service once every few years.
If you live in a particularly hot or cold region, you may want to have your HVAC serviced more often.
It is because heat and air conditioning are harder on your system than moderate temperatures, so it will need to work harder. Having it serviced annually can help ensure it’s working at its best.
Due to these factors, you may need to service your HVAC more often if you live in a place with extreme temperatures.
If you don’t use your HVAC very much, but it’s still several years old, it’s a good idea to have it serviced regularly.
That’s because systems lose efficiency over time; regular tune-ups can help keep them running smoothly.
How Often Should HVAC Ducts Be Cleaned?
It would be best to clean your HVAC ductwork every three to five years to keep the system running efficiently.
However, if you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to clean your ducts more often.
Inspect your ductwork regularly for signs of build-up, such as dust or debris around the vents. If you notice any build-up, it’s time to clean your ducts.
Duct cleaning does not have to be done often but can be helpful for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
In addition, having your ducts cleaned regularly can help improve your air quality and lower utility bills. It will free them from contaminants that might otherwise spread throughout your home.
The time between cleaning will depend on how often you use your system and how dirty it gets.
For example, someone who runs the air conditioning year-round will need to have the ducts cleaned more often than someone who only uses it seasonally.
If you notice a drop in air quality, I’d recommend cleaning your ducts sooner. Cleaning your ducts can help you reduce energy costs.
However, running your system with dirty ducts costs more to operate, increasing your overall utility bill.
Over time, cleaning or replacing your ductwork may also extend its life and save you money on costly repairs.
Here are some factors that affect how often you should clean your duct:
- Is your house brand-new?
- How many people do you live with?
- Have you made any changes or improvements to your home in the past few years?
- Is your home clean? Are there clutter and unclean spaces in your house?
- Do you have animals at home? If so, do they shed?
It would be best to have your ducts cleaned before selling your home. It will help make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its value by several thousand dollars.
What Does It Mean to Service an HVAC?
A problem with your HVAC system that requires service indicates that you have a problem that needs attention.
Servicing an HVAC means cleaning and inspecting it to ensure it is running correctly.
You need to service most HVACs at least once a year, but some may need more or less depending on the type of system and how often you use it.
Servicing an HVAC can help extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Before servicing an HVAC, please turn it off and unplug it.
The purpose of servicing an HVAC is to inspect its components for wear and tear or damage.
HVAC servicing will allow you to fix problems before they become severe and cost you time and money.
If any repairs are needed, save receipts for your insurance company that you are properly maintaining your HVAC.
Is It Necessary to Service HVAC Annually?
Many believe it is necessary to service their HVAC system annually to keep it running correctly, and HVAC experts support this.
However, there are a few things that you can do to help prolong the life of your HVAC system and avoid the need for annual servicing.
One of these ways is to ensure that your air filters are changed regularly. You can also run a home energy audit if you haven’t done so in a while.
These two simple steps can help extend your system’s life and prevent many problems before they occur.
You only need to service your system annually if it has a problem that needs to be taken care of quickly.
If you keep up with maintenance, it may not need a full annual service for years.
For example, if you live in a location where you get a lot of dust and pollen, you may want to service your system annually to keep it clean and running smoothly.
However, suppose your system is regularly maintained. In that case, it shouldn’t need any servicing for years.
Still, if you live in a dirty environment, it may be worthwhile to service your unit more frequently.
For everyone else, however, annual service probably isn’t necessary. So it can save you money on service fees each year!
How Often Should HVAC Vent Be Cleaned?
Experts say you should clean your air vents at least once every three to five years.
If you take care of your vents and change the filters at least twice a year, you can go eight years without having a professional clean them.
Depending on your HVAC system type, you may need to clean your vents more or less often. But, again, be sure to check your owner’s manual for recommendations.
HVAC vents can also become clogged with dust and dirt, and this can restrict airflow and cause your home to feel drafty or stuffy.
Cleaning them will help reduce utility bills by making your system more efficient.
Sometimes, it may even allow you to turn down your thermostat for a comfortable room temperature without becoming uncomfortable yourself.
Clogged vents may also increase your carbon footprint and contribute to smog. That can harm your home’s air quality, posing a health risk over time.
In addition, if you have pets or children in your home, a clogged vent might allow them access to areas they’re not supposed to enter.
When cleaning your HVAC vents, it’s essential to use only a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. Do not spray anything into your vents, including water.
It can cause damage that professional repair services can’t fix. Also, don’t clean vents from ladders or roofs; it’s too dangerous.
Can I Service HVAC Myself?
You can service your HVAC yourself or with the help of a technician. However, homeowners should have their HVAC systems serviced at least once a year by a professional contractor.
While some people may save money by servicing their HVAC system, it’s best to leave this task to the professionals.
They have the knowledge and experience to service an HVAC system properly. In addition, the annual servicing of your HVAC system can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs.
However, there are some maintenance tasks that you can perform yourself to keep your system running smoothly.
Checking and changing the air filter is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your HVAC system.
You should check the air filter monthly and change it as needed. A homeowner can also do other tasks like cleaning the coils and drains and lubricating moving parts.
Below are some things you can do to maintain your HVAC.
Conclusion
You should do the servicing of your HVAC system once a year. Although, you can do it more than once a year depending on factors like where you live, the condition of your place, and if you live alone.
Utilizing a professional’s help is best to ensure you get the best out of your system.
