When Should I Get HVAC Maintenance?

AC TechnicianFor many who own a home or commercial property, an HVAC contractor only comes around when there is a mechanical breakdown. Nevertheless, most people would love to know how they can save money on their heating and cooling bills while reducing their negative impact on the environment.

At [company name], we always emphasize the vital role that regular maintenance plays in keeping our Alpharetta area commercial and residential customers’ HVAC systems performing optimally. Keep reading to learn exactly how often and when you should schedule regular visits from a reliable, licensed HVAC technician.

Schedule an Inspection Before You Move In

When you move into a new space, you inherit the existing HVAC system and its maintenance history or lack thereof. While we always hope the previous owner followed a regular maintenance schedule, the best and most convenient way to find out is to have the HVAC system inspected prior to moving in. Otherwise, you may learn that the system is on the brink of mechanical failure when you need it the most.

Our technicians are available to thoroughly inspect the entirety of your HVAC system. We will also thoroughly clean the system’s components to allow you to breathe freely knowing that your interior air is free of lingering dust and indoor contaminants. We will report any observations that may lead to mechanical issues down the road and recommend the most appropriate solutions.

Follow a Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Similar to your car, your HVAC system requires routine inspections, cleanings, and tune-ups to extend your system’s longevity and efficient performance. The most straightforward approach to creating a maintenance schedule is to plan for each season. We recommend having your system inspected annually. The best time for an inspection is when heating and cooling demands are low.

Transitional seasons like spring and fall are opportune times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected because the weather is generally comfortable. If your spring or fall inspection uncovers a need to have your system repaired, you will likely experience little disruption because most households do not need heating and cooling when the weather is at its mildest during those seasons.

Schedule Quarterly Service

There are certain maintenance services that your system will need on a quarterly basis. Change your filters at least once every three months to promote proper airflow. Consult your system manual or HVAC professional to determine exactly how frequently the manufacturer recommends changing the filter. During extremely cold or hot seasons when your system has an increased workload, you may be required to change your filter more frequently.

Adjusting your thermostat during seasonal changes will prevent your system from becoming overloaded. Your HVAC technician can advise you regarding the best setting for your thermostat each season. You should also have your HVAC technician inspect your heating and cooling appliances for loose connectors. By tightening loose connections and having loose plugs put back in place, your system will run with improved safety and efficiency.

Schedule Fall Maintenance to Prepare for Winter

Many households and businesses schedule their annual inspection to take place during fall. If you request a fall inspection, your technician will check your system’s electrical connections and voltage, fuel lines, burners, condensate drain, and other mechanical components.

In preparation for the cool season with a system that uses natural gas or oil, you should replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector each fall and replace the detector every five years. If your furnace features an attached humidifier, your HVAC technician will replace the humidifier wick and turn on the water supply to your furnace to ensure that all components are ready when you need to heat your home as the temperature continues to drop.

Clear Your Ice Accumulation During Winter

If you remain up to date on your maintenance throughout the year, winter’s tasks will mainly consist of keeping your system free of ice to the best of your ability. If you have winter precipitation, dust off any snow that accumulates on your outdoor HVAC unit. While it is generally okay for a little ice to form, you should contact your HVAC professional if you observe sheets of ice on your outdoor cooling equipment. Avoid attempting to melt the ice manually.

Schedule Spring Maintenance Before the Hot Weather Arrives

As the weather begins to thaw for spring, call your HVAC technician to inspect your air conditioning components. Our technicians will examine your air conditioning coils, connections, refrigerant levels, lines, fins, and pans. We will also lubricate your system’s moving parts, clean dirty components, and calibrate your system’s blower to ensure that you have fresh, cold, and clean air on demand when the weather warms up. In addition to preparing your system for summer, your trusted HVAC professional will also turn off the water supply to the furnace’s humidifier, if there is one.

Keep an Eye on Your System Throughout the Summer

Throughout the cooling season, monitor your system’s lines. Find the larger of the two copper lines that connect to your air conditioner condenser. Visually inspect the line for condensation or touch the line to determine whether it feels cold. If the line no longer feels cold when your system is in operation, or if condensation no longer forms, contact your HVAC professional to inspect your system.

Year-Round DIY Maintenance

There are some steps that you can take to minimize complications with your HVAC system. Keep outdoor HVAC equipment free of debris by keeping your landscaping trimmed at least 3 feet back from your outdoor unit. Regularly inspect your outdoor equipment visually for signs of dirty or frozen coils, damaged fins, or leaks.

Your Partners in HVAC Maintenance and Upkeep

If you are more mechanically inclined, you may feel inspired to complete some of our recommended maintenance tasks yourself. While many people change their own filters and clean the external components of their HVAC equipment, there are certain tasks that are better off when left to the experts.

Whether you would like to take an active role in your HVAC maintenance or would prefer to leave the upkeep to us, we will be your trustworthy partners in maintaining a comfortable, well-ventilated, and energy-efficient home or place of business. You can always count on us to stand by our workmanship and to only recommend the most appropriate solutions to keep your HVAC system running optimally.

Competent, Trustworthy HVAC Contractor in Alpharetta

HVAC maintenance is only one of the services we provide to homes and businesses in Alpharetta and the surrounding areas. Our comprehensive list of services includes:

As a leading provider of HVAC products and services, we are focused on customer service. In 2019, the highly-esteemed HVAC equipment manufacturer Lennox recognized us as a Centurion Award winner.

Our friendly staff is available to schedule your annual or seasonal maintenance service. For new construction projects and renovations, we offer an array of heating and cooling products. Our team will work with you to find the best solution to meet your design specifications while heating and cooling your home efficiently.

Call us today to schedule your appointment. If your HVAC system requires more urgent attention, we also offer emergency services. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.