Maintenance is critical if you hope to get the full expected service life from your HVAC system and reduce your repair and utility costs. The overly simple answer to the question of frequency is once annually for each unit in your system. This means that you’ll need annual maintenance for your air conditioner and separate maintenance for your furnace.
However, that is the overly simple answer that needs some nuance if you’re going to properly maintain your system. Use this guide to learn what maintenance each unit needs, how often it’s needed, and the ideal time to conduct that maintenance.
Air Filters For Your HVAC System
Air filters are critically important to the overall maintenance of your HVAC system. It’s also the one part of maintenance that you can easily do without the help of an HVAC technician.
How frequently you’ll need to change your air filter depends on three factors: the filter size, your indoor air quality, and how you use your system. If you run your circulating fan continuously, your filter will need more frequent changes. As long as you have average air quality, and run the circulating fan only during heating and cooling cycles, the following is a good guide.
- 1- and 2-inch filters: 30-90 days
- 3- and 4-inch filters: 6 to 9 months
- 5- and 6-inch filters: 9 to 12 months
Pleated filters will last longer than flat filters. Plan to check your filter every month, regardless of the size. This routine will ensure that you catch it as soon as it’s dirty before it can strain your system or increase your utility expenses. Give the system a boost by vacuuming the intake side gently to remove surface contaminants.
If you have a ductless mini-split system, each indoor air handler will have its own washable air filter. You’ll want to wash these on schedule at least every 30 days. Once they’re thoroughly cleaned, make sure you give them enough time to dry before reinstalling them.
Air Conditioning Maintenance
Your air conditioner needs maintenance every year and is best done in the spring before the summer heat arrives. This maintenance includes cleaning the circulating fan motor, evaporator coil, and outside condensing coil. It also includes testing the refrigerant level, the compressor, the contactor, and the electrical system. The technician will check to ensure that the mounting hardware and electrical connections are tight and will balance and lubricate the circulating fan motor. Finally, they’ll do a full cooling cycle test to ensure that it cycles through the process properly and make sure the temperature drop at the supply vents is appropriate.
Furnace Maintenance
Like an air conditioner, furnaces need annual maintenance, though ideally in the fall before you’re most likely to be running the unit daily. Furnace maintenance includes the same testing, cleaning, balancing and lubricating of the circulating fan and blower motor. The rest of it focuses on the furnace unit and making sure that it runs efficiently. It starts with a visual inspection, including checking the heat exchanger for cracks. The technician will clean the heat exchanger and will open up the combustion chamber to inspect the burner and ignition system.
While in there, they’ll clean the thermocouple and burner, and adjust the burner and fuel supply to achieve optimal heat production. They’ll also check the furnace’s electrical connections and mounting hardware, tightening those when needed. Finally, they’ll run the full heating cycle to ensure each part initializes properly and that it’s producing the appropriate rise in temperature as air comes from the vents.
Heat Pumps, Geothermal Systems and Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Heat pump maintenance is similar to the maintenance needed for air conditioner systems. There is some debate on how often your system needs professional maintenance, with the minimum being once annually. However, some heat pump manufacturers recommend having both spring and fall maintenance. Double-check your system’s warranty information to make sure you’re getting maintenance as often as needed to maintain the factory warranty.
The major difference between air conditioners and heat pumps is the reversing valve, which allows it to function for both heating and cooling. Once the system switches to cooling, it’ll likely work properly all summer. However, it can get stuck in cooling mode if the solenoid fails, so this is a key test during routine maintenance.
Hy-Mark has been the provider of choice for homeowners around Guelph when they need help keeping their homes safe and comfortable for more than 18 years. Our experts provide heating and air conditioning maintenance, installation and repair together with a wide range of residential plumbing services. Call to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment with one of our trusted technicians.
