Your HVAC system is the unsung hero of your home. It silently ensures that you have a comfortable and reliable space to relax inside, no matter the season, climate, or temperature outside.

Whenever an HVAC system is neglected or forgotten about, it can experience a sudden breakdown, disrupting your comfort level. That is where the importance of HVAC maintenance takes center stage. If you want that year-round comfort you rely upon, you need regular preventative care that ensures your system runs smoothly and efficiently.

The primary goal of any HVAC maintenance strategy is to keep your system running at its optimal point throughout the year. Not only does this help with preventing surprise breakdowns, but it lowers your monthly expenses. The quicker you can deal with any minor error before it gets bigger, the less likely you will have to replace a system, which can be a significant expense.

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

Fewer repairs:  When you do regular HVAC maintenance, you can expect a reduced frequency of needed repairs. This means you don’t have to hire a technician to come out for an intervention like replacing a frame belt or dealing with a broken motor.
Safer equipment operation: Anytime an HVAC system is not being adequately maintained, it can pose a severe risk to your safety. For example, if you have a crack in the furnace or heat exchanger, that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. To avoid these issues, you want regular maintenance checks to identify these hazards as quickly as possible.
Extended equipment life: One of the most significant benefits of HVAC maintenance is prolonging the lifespan of your equipment. These are highly efficient modern machines, but I can’t trigger a cascade of significant problems if a single part fails. Avoiding that chain reaction extends the life of your system.
Lower energy bills: An efficient HVAC system uses less energy and costs you fewer dollars every month. Preventative maintenance ensures that you spend less on maintaining your home’s comfort.

DIY HVAC Maintenance Tasks

Before you look at the list of preventative maintenance that you can do on your own, always keep in mind that if you are uncomfortable doing any of these minor repairs, you should hire a professional. It is always better to hire someone who understands the unique subtle nuances of your system than trying to get in there and figure it out on your own. A small error, utterly unintentional on your part, can leave two problems down the road.

That being said, there are a few things you can do on your own:

Regularly check and replace the air filter every month.
Remove any debris from around the outdoor unit to ensure you always have unobstructed airflow.
Regularly clean the outdoor unit with a hose to remove dirt accumulation.
Trim away any foliage to maintain at least 18 inches of clearance around the outdoor unit.
Do spot checks where you walk around indoor or outdoor units to see if anything is leaking or operating at a loud volume.

For anything else, you really should contact our team at CMB HVAC. We have over 20 years of experience operating with household and commercial units and provide a cost-effective HVAC maintenance schedule to ensure you get the most lifespan out of your specific unit. Call us today or schedule a quote, and let’s find a perfect solution for you.