An Expert’s HVAC Checklist for Preventive Maintenance
I recently went out and bought myself a cool new pair of white shoes. As I was paying for them, the clerk gave me a hard sell on one of those sneaker protection kits. It included a spray to keep my sneakers all white and shiny and free of stains. Quite honestly, he really didn’t have to try so hard to persuade me; I’m a man who just so happens to believe in taking preventative measures. After all, I’ve spent years working on HVAC heating and air systems in Sacramento. I know how important (and cost-saving) preventative maintenance can be.
That brings me to our topic today: an HVAC checklist for preventative maintenance that you can use to protect your heating, cooling, and air system from breaking down, just like I’m currently using that spray to protect my speakers and keep them like new. Let’s discuss replacing filters, checking the condition of belts and pulleys within your HVAC, cleaning its condenser and evaporator coils, and checking electrical connections, among other measures.
It sounds like a lot of work, and it kind of is, but it’s all worth it to not have your furnace or AC shut down unexpectedly—especially when you enlist help from your friendly neighborhood HVAC experts.
The Expert HVAC Checklist for Preventative Maintenance
- Change your filter
- Check the condition of the HVAC parts
- Call in the professionals
#1: Change Your HVAC Filter for Preventative Maintenance
As I’ve worked hard to impress upon everyone in previous posts, the filter is really the MVP of the HVAC system. Regularly replacing your air filter is the simplest, most efficient way to make sure you’ve done your due diligence when it comes to preventative HVAC maintenance. The filter affects the quality of the air in your home; picking the right one can make a huge difference, especially if you suffer from allergies or have a pet that’s prone to dander.
…the simplest, most efficient way to make sure you’ve done your due diligence when it comes to preventative HVAC maintenance.
Another important benefit to making sure you get a properly-sized filter and replace it regularly is an increase in the life expectancy of your furnace or air conditioner. A dirty filter can lead to restricted airflow in your ducts, which can then lead to your HVAC system becoming overworked. When airflow gets restricted, your system has to work much harder to get enough air through it to properly condition your home. When your system works too hard for sustained periods of time, it can lead to parts breaking down or giving out unexpectedly.
Now, remembering to change your filter can be a hassle, but don’t worry—your local HVAC service company should have a program where they can schedule themselves to take care of it for you.
# 2: Check the Condition of the HVAC Parts
Once you’ve replaced your old filter with a clean one, the next item on your checklist should be checking the conditions of the parts of your HVAC system that are most likely to wear out. These parts typically include belts and pulleys, which are components that can be easily replaced once they start to show signs of wear and tear. And, having them replaced isn’t all that costly.
I’ve seen more than a few homeowners attempt to replace a belt or pulley within their air conditioner and end up causing more damage than they prevent.
The bad news, though, is that it’s a tricky job to do yourself. In fact, I’ve seen more than a few homeowners attempt to replace a belt or pulley within their air conditioner and end up causing more damage than they prevent. That’s why I highly recommend leaving this job to a trained HVAC professional.
#3: Call in the Professionals for HVAC Preventative Maintenance
In addition to the steps above, it’s also a good idea to make sure that other components like the evaporator and condenser are in good working order. These are complex pieces of equipment, as are the electrical components like the thermostat and other circuit boards, and can often benefit from a professional inspection.
With that in mind, my last (and likely most valuable) advice would be to schedule an appointment with a local HVAC tech who can inspect your belts and pulleys as well as clean your evaporator and condenser. This step alone can go a long way to preventing a far costlier equipment breakdown in the future.
The great thing about having preventative work done on your home’s HVAC system is that it can extend the life of your furnace and AC, as well as give you peace of mind.
The great thing about having preventative work done on your home’s HVAC system is that it can extend the life of your furnace and AC, as well as give you peace of mind. You can rest easy all summer or winter long knowing that the preventative measures you took have greatly reduced the chances of a costly and uncomfortable HVAC emergency.
Just make sure you call in trained HVAC professionals to take care of this type of work for you. Here at Bell Brothers, our technicians have years of experience helping homeowners go down their seasonal HVAC checklists for preventative maintenance. We’re just waiting for your call!
At Bell Brothers, our trained HVAC professionals would be delighted to help you go over the expert’s HVAC checklist for preventive maintenance so you can keep your heater and AC functioning all year long. We can also help make your home more energy-efficient by cleaning and sealing up your leaky ductwork. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Wondering how to finance a new HVAC—or even a furnace or window upgrade? HERO is a unique financing option that helps California homeowners afford energy efficient upgrades to their home. Contact Bell Brothers, a HERO-approved contractor, to learn more. Our local HVAC, plumbing, and window specialists will walk you through the entire process, from applications to installation.
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