How Often Should HVAC Be Serviced?

Ah, the joys of homeownership: mowing the lawn, fixing the leaky faucet, and scheduling HVAC service. Wait, is scheduling HVAC service supposed to be a joy? Well, maybe not, but it is necessary. Neglecting regular HVAC maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even the need to replace your system entirely. And trust us, nobody wants that kind of expense, unless of course you’re a billionaire who gets a kick out of spending money. In which case, carry on.

So, how often should you schedule HVAC service?

The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. There are several factors to consider, including your system type, usage, and age. But don't worry, we've got you covered with some tips on how to avoid having to sell your left kidney to pay for an HVAC replacement.

What Is HVAC Service?

Before we dive into how often you should schedule HVAC service, let's first define what it is. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the systems that control your home's temperature and air quality. And let's be real, who doesn't want to control the temperature of their own home? It's like being your own personal weatherman, but better. With a touch of a button, you can make it rain indoors. Okay, maybe not rain, but you get the point.

HVAC service involves routine maintenance performed by a licensed HVAC technician. This includes a visual inspection of your system, cleaning or replacing air filters, checking the condensate pump, and ensuring your system is running efficiently. Basically, it's like giving your HVAC unit a well-deserved spa day.

The Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

Why is regular HVAC maintenance so important? Well, for one, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. A well-maintained HVAC system is more energy-efficient, which can lead to lower utility bills each month, and that means more money in your pocket. Plus, catching small issues before they become big problems can prevent repair costs from getting seriously out of hand (Fun Fact: did you know the average cost to replace an HVAC unit is around $15,000?!). And let's face it, no one wants to spend $15,000 on anything, except maybe a trip to space. But that's a different story.

Beyond just the financial benefits, regular HVAC maintenance can also improve the air quality in your home, which is especially important if you or someone you love suffers from allergies or asthma. Clean air filters and a well-maintained system can help reduce the amount of dust, pollen, and other allergens in your home. So basically, regular HVAC maintenance is like a win-win-win situation.

How Often Should You Schedule HVAC Service?

Now, let's get to the million-dollar question: how often should you schedule HVAC service? As we mentioned earlier, it depends on several factors.

System Type: If you have a central air conditioning and heating system, you should schedule service twice a year to correspond with the major changes in seasons - once in the spring and once in the fall. This will help ensure that your unit is properly calibrated and functioning at peak efficiency before the temperature changes become too extreme. Think of it like a bi-annual checkup for your HVAC unit. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good checkup?
Usage: If you use your HVAC system frequently, you may need to schedule service more often. For example, if you live in a hot and humid climate and use your air conditioner daily, you may need to schedule service more than twice a year. Especially if you notice any weird sounds coming
Your budget: Let’s face it, A/C service appointments aren’t free. If you’re on a tight budget, you might be tempted to skip a year or two. However, keep in mind that neglecting your A/C’s maintenance can lead to bigger, more expensive issues down the road. In the long run, investing in regular service appointments can save you money by preventing serious repairs.
The age of your unit: If your A/C is on the newer side, you might be able to get away with a bi-annual service appointment. However, if your unit is older, you should aim to get it serviced annually, if not more frequently.

What Happens During HVAC Service?

So…. What can you actually expect from an HVAC appointment? Well, during a typical HVAC service appointment, a licensed technician will perform several tasks, including:

A visual inspection of your system
Cleaning or replacing air filters
Checking the condensate pump
Checking the heat exchanger
Lubricating moving parts
Checking refrigerant levels
Testing thermostat accuracy

If any issues are found during the inspection, your technician will make recommendations for repairs or replacements.

A word on this….

Investing in a good relationship with your HVAC service provider by properly vetting the company you choose to work with is one of the wisest things you can do to help increase the life of your unit.

At Climate Care, we take a service-first approach, not a sales one. We do this because well… nobody likes sleazy sales people. If we make a recommendation for a repair, we want our customers to know that it's truly with their best interests in mind. We’re not here to sell you things you don’t need; we are here to safeguard your home against uncomfortable air quality issues. If you don’t feel that you can trust the recommendations of your HVAC service provider, we strongly recommend you find another to work with.

On that note, if your trusted tech does find issues in your HVAC system or recommends performing additional services, it’s best to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In that way, it’s sort of like going to the dentist; sure it’s not exactly a great time, but a little money now can save you some serious headaches (or toothaches) later down the road.

HVAC Maintenance Recap

By now, we hope that you understand the importance of why regular HVAC maintenance is essential for keeping your system running efficiently and preventing costly repairs.

So, how often should you schedule service? While it does depend on several factors (your system type, usage, and age), in general, you should aim to schedule service twice a year for your central heating and air conditioning system. This will allow you to stay ahead of major system breakdowns and keep your home comfortable all year long!

Not sure where to start? Connect with one of our HVAC techs today, and we’d be happy to get an appointment scheduled for you ASAP.