The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home represents a costly investment. Maintaining it can help to ensure your Victorville, CA, home remains as comfortable as possible.
Routine care can also help the system to operate as efficiently as possible. It can prolong the life of the unit since regular maintenance can help to identify components that are wearing out.
What Is an Ideal HVAC Maintenance Schedule?
The ideal HVAC maintenance schedule is twice pear year. Autumn is a great time to inspect the heating system to ensure it’s ready for the cooler winter months. Even though winters aren’t frigid in Victorville, the heating system is comforting at night when the air is crisp.
Spring is ideal for inspecting the cooling system to ensure it’s ready to handle the demands of summer. This is particularly important because of the hot weather that’s common in this area during those months.
It’s sometimes necessary to add maintenance appointments between those two primary ones. These should occur if the system is under constant or extreme load. For example, after you experience dust storms or extreme temperatures, maintenance can help to find any problems resulting from those events.
Considering the temperature highs and lows in our area, some homeowners turn to Aace's Heating, Air Conditioning & Swamp Coolers for quarterly HVAC maintenance. Our trained professionals take the time to check out the entire system to ensure it can function efficiently.
What Happens During HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC maintenance includes several components. Our team handles every step carefully to preserve the equipment.
Inspect and Replace the Filter
Inspecting and replacing the air filter is the first step of HVAC maintenance. Filters trap debris, including dust and dirt, that are circulating around your home. Restricted airflow from a clogged filter can make the system work harder, which can cause it to be inefficient.
You should change the filter every one to three months, so you will need to change it between appointments. More frequent changes may be necessary if you have pets or anyone who lives with you has allergies.
Clean the Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils are critical components of the HVAC system. Dust and other grime can accumulate on these, which reduces their ability to function properly. Cleaning these helps to ensure the system is as efficient as possible.
Check and Tighten Electrical Components
Several electrical connections ensure the HVAC operates smoothly. Loose or damaged wires can lead to safety hazards, so it’s critical for the technician to tighten those connections or replace them as needed.
Lubricate Moving Parts
HVAC systems have a lot of moving parts, including fans and motors. Lubrication helps them to function properly. Improper lubrication increases friction, which can cause wear and tear on the components. Lubricating these moving parts properly can reduce overall strain on the system.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant can cause the unit to produce air that’s warmer than what you have the thermostat set to. Loss of refrigerant can occur over time, but it can also develop because of a leak in the system. Checking the refrigerant during a maintenance appointment can help to find refrigerant issues as quickly as possible.
Calibrate the Thermostat
Calibrating the thermostat ensures the HVAC system produces air at the intended temperature. The calibration can change over time, which can lead to inadequate temperature control.
Inspect the Ductwork
Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system. It can cause air leaks, which means the system has to work harder than usual. Ensuring the ducts are clean is critical. During maintenance, technicians can clean out ducts and seal potential leaks.
Test System Controls
HVAC systems depend on a specific cycle to work properly. Ensuring the system responds to the thermostat’s commands is critical. This includes the start cycle, operation, and shutdown process.
Examine Blower Motor and Fans
Dirt and regular wear can weaken the blower motor and fans. Cleaning these off and checking for proper operation enhance the likelihood of the unit operating properly.
Our team may find components that are wearing out. They’ll discuss those with you and help you determine the best course of action. Getting the HVAC system repaired as quickly as possible can help ensure your home stays comfortable.
What are the Risks of Lax HVAC Maintenance?
It may be tempting to skip regular maintenance, but doing so can be costly. These are some of the risks.
Higher Energy Bills
An inefficiently operating HVAC system can put a strain on the electrical system. This means that your home’s utility bills may increase. It may not be easily evident at first, but it can become increasingly obvious as time progresses and the problems get worse.
Frequent Breakdowns
HVAC units can fail without proper maintenance. These issues can be more costly to repair than what would happen if the problem was caught before the failure of the unit. Emergency repair calls can be costly, but the need typically arises during temperature extremes.
Shorter System Lifespan
Replacing an HVAC system is costly, but maintaining the system can help to prolong the time until you have to replace it. Proper maintenance of the HVAC system is also important for its warranty. When specific components need replacement, the warranty company may need maintenance records.
Poor Air Quality
Air quality can diminish if you don’t maintain the unit. Contaminants, including mold, dust, and pollen can build up in the system. They can then circulate through your home, having a negative impact on its occupants. This is especially true for those who have asthma, allergies, and other health conditions.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Maintenance can lead to inconsistent temperatures throughout your home. This is one of the signs that may signal something is amiss. You may notice the temperature variations as you walk through the home.
Potential Safety and Health Risks
HVAC maintenance directly impacts safety. When certain components break, carbon monoxide can leak into your home. This is dangerous and is also a reason why homeowners should ensure they have carbon monoxide alarms throughout the home. A carbon monoxide leak is an emergency because it can be fatal and doesn’t have any warning signs. When you consider these risks, it’s easy to understand why proper HVAC maintenance is critical for all homeowners.
Contact Aace's Heating, Air Conditioning & Swamp Coolers for HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance of your home’s HVAC system is a crucial part of keeping the system in the best shape possible. This can prolong the life of your investment to prevent having to replace it prematurely.
Aace's Heating, Air Conditioning & Swamp Coolers offers a full range of services for heating and cooling systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We offer the same services for heat pumps, swamp coolers, and whole house fans. Our dedicated team also evaluates indoor air quality and sets plans into motion to improve it. Your home’s indoor comfort is a priority for our team at Aace's Heating, Air Conditioning & Swamp Coolers.
Contact us for all your Victorville home’s HVAC and climate control needs.
