HVAC Service

Routine upkeep is essential for the satisfaction, functioning, and longevity of an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. The average professional in the HVAC field would suggest and even recommend that a person have their system seen to a couple of times at minimum each year. The ideal time for the first service visit would be just before the sweltering heat of summer arrives. The second visit would be best placed as the weather shifts just before the deep chill of winter sets in—though any time shortly before the cold months arrive would really be alright.

Your HVAC system may need professional help if certain things happen. If it's making strange noises—grinding, squealing, or banging—it's having a mechanical problem. If some rooms in your home feel hot while others are cold—or if the amount of air coming out of your vents seems diminished—your HVAC system isn't functioning correctly. Unexplained increases in your energy bills might also be a sign that your system is working too hard because something in it is broken. When you notice these indicators, it's definitely time to call a pro for a complete diagnostic and tune-up.

An HVAC system generally lasts 10 to 15 years but can serve you longer if you care for it properly, if the conditions under which it operates are favorable, and if it's used in the manner for which it was intended. Of course, even the best systems have a limited life span, and you've probably heard that the age of a system is one of the major factors in determining whether it should be replaced or repaired. In general, though, if an HVAC system is of good quality, if the maintenance plan has been followed with the sort of fidelity one hopes for, and if no unusual conditions have plagued the system, HVAC longevity tends to skew in favor of a high number of years.

The proactive work that is done to help maintain smooth operation and potential problem prevention of the HVAC system is called "HVAC maintenance." It doesn’t just involve calls where an on-site technician looks at the system to see if he can hear, smell, or see signs that something might be wrong. It’s not just a look. It’s also a touch and even a smell: the technician does what is called a “sense check” to see if the system is working as intended. Most maintenance work involves scheduled calls during which the technician does not know ahead of time what he might find. Once the technician arrives, the problem—if there is one—must be identified before it can be repaired.

There are various avenues through which the energy efficiency of your HVAC system can be improved. A first and critical step is to maintain and clean your systems on a regular basis. That includes your thermostat, air filters, and as well, your ducts and other system parts. If any of these parts are dirty or obstructed, the system cannot function anywhere near the level required for efficient operation. And once you have a clean system, next you must make it an intelligent one. On that note, there's no substitute for a smart thermostat.

Choosing the properly sized HVAC system is a complex process reliant on several inputs. These are primarily related to the home or structure that the system will serve and the climate where it will operate. The home's square footage, the height of the ceilings, the quality of insulation, and the number and quality of windows are the main factors tied to the home. Climate also plays a big part; not only in how extreme the temperatures are, either hot or cold, but also how long either warm or cold air tends to linger, or cycle, in a given space. A too-small system will have its work cut out for it. A too-large system will waste energy and might cycle on and off so frequently that it could actually waste some other resources. Either way, you're not winning.

A new home heating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit can run from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Yet, the total cost of the system can vary based on such factors as the type of HVAC system, the size of the home, how efficient the system is, and how complex the installation was. Generally, high-efficiency units with lots of bells and whistles can save a lot of money over the long haul—5 to 10 years—because they use so much less energy. But those units cost more at the outset, so the homeowner should weigh the long-term savings against the short-term expense when considering which system to have installed.

It is essential to replace air filters regularly to ensure that indoor air quality stays high and that heating and air conditioning systems work well. When an air filter becomes dirty or even slightly clogged, it can restrict airflow. Restricted airflow means any heating or cooling system has to work harder, which is not efficient. The recommended change interval for air filters is every 1-3 months, though it is wise to check them more frequently, especially if you are in a house with kids, pets, or a lot of dust. There are a couple of direct means by which regular replacement of air filters can help ensure a healthier indoor environment. One is that an HVAC system with clean filters can circulate air much more effectively. The second is that a system running in a more efficient mode is using less energy.

Homeowners can take care of a few simple HVAC maintenance tasks, but it's crucial to realize when a job is too much for your average DIYer. Changing air filters, ensuring that outdoor units aren't overrun with plants, and making certain that your home's thermostat is functioning properly are all tasks that a reasonably handy person can accomplish. However, anything more complex than that should be left to professionals, and for good reason: many of them have been trained to do what they do for a very long time, and the necessary tools to do the job right are often in their possession.