Ultimate Guide to HVAC Maintenance

Heating and cooling problems can cause discomfort and sky-high utility bills on top of inconvenience. Keep you home's HVAC in top shape so you are comfortable and your unit is efficient. While the seasons are changing, check off some of these HVAC to-dos.

The HVAC often runs in the background, which means you likely don’t give it much thought — until it breaks down, that is. And that can happen at the worst times. Forty-two percent of homeowners say they’ve experienced HVAC system issues during heat waves, according to a new survey from Hippo, a home insurance company.

But many costly HVAC disasters can likely be prevented. For example, fewer than half of homeowners, 47%, say they’ve had HVAC servicing within the last year. Yet, experts advise annual HVAC servicing to avoid expensive repairs. Even fewer homeowners, 32%, say they’ve done basic cleaning and HVAC maintenance to help prevent heat-related home damage, according to the Hippo survey. If you have bought a home with me, you know that we look at the "unsexy" things like the systems and mechanicals including the HVAC system as they can be costly systems to replace. They are unsexy but very important.

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

To be fair, many homeowners may not be sure what to do. Refer to this checklist regularly to make sure you’re doing 10 activities that will keep your HVAC humming.

1. Change filters regularly. Swap them out every 30 to 90 days. (If you have indoor allergies especially to dust, swap them out every 30 days).
2. Clean air vents and registers. Use a brush to clear dust and dirt at the top of the registers and the bottom of vents or use a vacuum cleaner.
3. Keep outdoor units clear of debris. Make sure the area around your HVAC unit is free of overgrown plantings, leaves, and dirt.
4. Seal drafts. Weatherstrip doors and caulk around windows to keep your HVAC from overworking.
5. Examine exposed ductwork. Seal any holes or leaks with duct sealant or metal-backed tape.
6. Monitor your thermostat. Consider a programmable thermostat to increase your system’s efficiency and avoid overrunning it.
7. Check the flame. Natural gas furnaces should have a crisp, blue flame; if not, call an HVAC tech immediately.
8. Clean the drain line. Flushing it out regularly will help avoid clogs. (I highly recommend doing this at the beginning of the summer season and why not twice a year to flush out the condensate line.)
9. Check carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a gas fired HVAC, water heater or stove/range, test monitors monthly or regularly. If it has a battery, replace the battery every year. Be safe.
10. Schedule a professional checkup. Have units inspected yearly.
    (I've heard different opinions on this from different HVAC contractors as this is a closed system. It might be worth having your unit checked by a reliable HVAC contractor yearly if your system is older. Some of the larger companies pressure or scare you to replace a unit even if it doesn't need to be replaced as they are paid commission. Get a 2nd opinion and give me a call for a HVAC contractor recommendation.)

Credit: HouseLogic by REALTORS