Here’s How to Maintain and Keep Your HVAC System Running All Year Long

Find out how to maintain and keep your HVAC system running smoothly all year long!

Photo: HH Hovey

Can you imagine driving your car for 50,000 miles and never changing the oil? Neither can I – you need to ensure that your car is always in tip-top shape. The same holds true for your HVAC/furnace system. Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure that your furnace keeps working and at peak performance. If you haven’t checked out our article on “4 Important Things to Check Before Winter Takes Hold“, you might want to read that first before reading on. With some precautions, a few regular check ups on your HVAC system, and some expert maintenance you can easily keep your system running smoothly to avoid an unnecessary break down in the middle of a cold winter or a scorching summer.

Use A Certified Technician

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is best done by certified technicians. Many reputable companies not only specialize in air conditioning repair, they are certified to do regular maintenance on your HVAC unit.

Get it Fixed Right, the First Time

I always tell my readers to pay once and have the job done the right way, the first time. Hire a professional to install your furnace and maintain it for a hassle free HVAC system. Hire a professional to do your HVAC maintenance decreases the likelihood that something will get missed. Most companies have been around for so long that something a homeowner might miss is blatantly obvious to a trained technician. Chances are they have heard it all and know exactly how to fix it.

Save Money in the Long Run

Sure, you could try maintaining you HVAC on your own, but one mistake could end up costing you a lot of money. Consequently, any savings from doing it yourself are thrown out the window once you bring in someone to repair your HVAC. Also keep in mind that having a smooth running furnace can actually waste less energy and cut your winter heating bills in half.

Photo: Master Tech Plumbing

Keep Your Warranty 

For many HVAC providers, doing your own maintenance or not doing regular checks at all, will void your HVAC’s warranty. Ensure you keep all records of maintenance (invoices, work order, etc.). In the case of a breakdown, you can show the provider that you have done regular maintenance and that a defect is likely what is causing the breakdown.

Why You Need to Maintain Your HVAC System Regularly

Keeps Your Air Clean and Safe

Without proper maintenance, even a small problem can cause leaks or rising carbon monoxide level in your home. Regular cleaning can also prevent other dangerous occurrences such as mould. Thankfully, mould is an issue that is easily solved provided you get rid of it right away.

Ensures Proper Airflow

Airflow that is restricted, limited, or lost—20 to 30 percent of air passing through improperly sealed ducts is lost —in any way can put a strain on your HVAC system that will lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, and a short lifespan.

Photo: The Toronto Star

Improves Efficiency

Your HVAC system will run more efficiently if you ensure you keep up the maintenance. Not only will an overworked HVAC system breakdown more often, it will expend more energy increasing the damage done to you local and global environment.

Saves you Money

If you maintain your HVAC or furnace regularly, you will avoid high energy bills and costly repairs and replacements. Potentially, you could save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Keeps you Warm or Cool

The worst possible time for a breakdown of your HVAC system is when you need it most, like in the middle of a heatwave or the dead of winter. Keep yourself and those you love comfortable.

Photo: Heartland Heating and Air 

What You Can do to Ensure Peak Performance 

There are some simple, but important tasks that you can do to ensure you HVAC is always running at peak performance and as safely as possible:

·  Do not store flammable items next to your furnace.

·  Dust outside of your furnace regularly.

·  Change your filter monthly, especially if you have allergies or
pets.

·  Install and regularly test a carbon monoxide detector.

·  Do not set your thermostat too high or too low.

Remember, it is vital to keep your HVAC maintained to ensure peak performance. The last thing you need is for it break down in the middle of the winter, possibly costing you thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Spending a little bit of time and money towards regular tune-ups will keep you safe and save you money in the long run.