Routine HVAC inspections are a must if you want to keep your HVAC system in good working condition. How often should these inspections be?
When to Schedule an Inspection
Air conditioning experts recommend that HVAC systems undergo inspection twice each year—ideally in spring and fall to prepare for hot summers and frigid winters—while air conditioners should be inspected in late winter or early spring. Furnaces also need to be inspected at least once a year, preferably in later summer or early fall.
Monthly HVAC Maintenance Tasks
HVAC and air conditioner maintenance, on the other hand, needs to be done every month. Here’s a checklist to help keep your HVAC system or air conditioner working efficiently:
Indoor HVAC Maintenance:
- Replace the air filters. Standard air filters usually last 30 days while more expensive varieties can last up to six months. However, the filter’s size, the frequency of HVAC usage, as well as the level of indoor air pollution can shorten the filter’s lifespan. As such, it’s best to check your filters every month and replace them as needed.
- Keep a nose and an ear out for any unusual smells or noises when you start your HVAC system—these may be a sign HVAC repair is needed. If you hear or smell anything unusual, call an HVAC contractor right away. Make sure to keep an eye out for leaks in the ductwork as well.
- For outdoor units, clear bushes or any vegetation within 18 inches of each side of the HVAC unit.
- Remove any debris from the compressor to ensure indoor airflow isn’t disrupted.
One more thing: HVAC systems are complex machines, which is why only a qualified contractor should inspect and maintain them. Here’s a vetting tip: The number of years a contractor has been working in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise.
Broom Heating and Air Conditioning, a family-owned company with over 50 years’ worth of experience, offers a wide range of professional HVAC services, including air conditioning and heating repair services. To request a quote, call us at (803) 754-5466 or leave us a message here.