From inspecting air filters monthly to replacing them as needed and keeping the outdoor unit debris-free, these are some of the key HVAC maintenance tips in Northern Virginia you should adhere to. Just as crucial is to schedule professional pre-season tune-ups.
By following these heating and air conditioning care tips, you can maintain optimal AC and furnace efficiency and performance. Proper HVAC system upkeep can also help cut its risk of failing prematurely, extend its lifespan, and even help you save on energy.
Ensuring your HVAC system performs well and efficiently is now more crucial than ever, given the potential increase in energy bills in Virginia. As reported by FOX 5 DC, Dominion Energy proposed a $21 rate hike that will phase in over the next two years.
The experts at KD Mechanical will share insights into HVAC upkeep to help you get started.
What Is HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC maintenance is a set of preventive measures to help keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems efficient and reliable. Some of the steps involved are easy enough for typical homeowners, such as inspecting or replacing air filters.
Other maintenance tasks are more complex, such as those involving chemical and electrical checks. It’s best to delegate these to professionals by scheduling pre-season HVAC tune-ups.
How Often Should You Have Your HVAC Serviced?
You should get your HVAC serviced by a professional twice a year. Once for your heating system, and the other for your air conditioning unit.
ENERGY STAR, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) joint program for energy efficiency, suggests scheduling these annual pre-season check-ups.
“Pre-season” here means before the peak heating and cooling seasons, so spring for your AC and then fall for your heating system.
What Are Five HVAC Maintenance Tips for Northern VA Homeowners?
Checking and replacing your HVAC filters and inspecting your thermostat are two of the simplest maintenance tasks you can do yourself. Another is ensuring your outdoor HVAC unit is debris-free, and so is paying attention to the sounds and overall performance of your system.
As for the more complex steps, your local HVAC experts can take over for you.
1. Check and Replace HVAC Filters
Take a look at your HVAC filters at least once a month to see if they need changing or washing. If there’s a layer of ash-like residue on them, take it as a sign to replace or clean them.
2. Inspect the Thermostat
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) says that thermostats typically last for 35 years. However, they can run out of power (e.g., battery life) way before that. They can also malfunction due to a lack of calibration.
Ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly by testing its functions and wiping it clean. Replace the batteries once the indicator says it’s running low.
3. Keep the Outdoor Unit Debris-Free
Your outdoor HVAC unit, which houses the condenser coils, is prone to dust and debris accumulation given its location. The U.S. DOE recommends maintaing adequate clearance of at least two feet (e.g., by trimming foliage) to ensure proper airflow.
You should also remove debris, like fallen leaves, before they pile up.
4. Pay Attention to HVAC Sounds and Performance
Part of your HVAC maintenance tasks as a Northern VA homeowner is to monitor your system for peak performance and potential problems. Doing so can help you take prompt, proactive steps to keep it fully functional and prevent bigger emergency HVAC woes.
Listen for weird sounds like:
- Banging
- Hissing
- Buzzing
- Rattling
- Repetitive clicking
All those noises can indicate a malfunction, so don’t wait for them to get louder. Call your local HVAC pros for a more accurate diagnosis and prompt repairs.
5. Schedule Pre-Seasonal HVAC Checks and Tune-ups
Remember: HVAC contractors get busier in the summer and winter, so if you wait until these times to have your HVAC tune-up, you may have to wait for days to get a free slot.
Prevent that by booking professional HVAC maintenance services in spring and fall. It can give you more flexibility with the schedules.
The sooner the pros can check and tune up your system, the sooner they can also determine if there’s any problem that needs addressing ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does an HVAC Tune-up Include?
During your HVAC tune-up service, a well-trained and experienced technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your comfort system.
From the air filters to the thermostat, coils, refrigerant, blower components, and air ducts, these are some of the things they will check. They’ll also clean the parts that need cleaning and tighten electrical connections.
If you haven’t yet, your HVAC technician will likely replace your air filters, too. They’ll also lubricate moving components and calibrate your thermostat, as needed.
Your friendly HVAC techs can also share energy-saving tips. An example is recommending the temperature to set your thermostat for minimal energy consumption, or if you need better insulation.
What Happens If You Keep Skipping HVAC Maintenance Schedules?
An ill-maintained, dirty HVAC system will become less energy-efficient, consuming more energy than necessary to maintain optimal indoor temperature. Your energy bills will then soar as a result.
Dirty comfort systems can also have adverse effects on your Northern VA home’s overall comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ). Sneezes and sniffles will likely become more common, as the system circulates poorly filtered air throughout your abode.
The less maintenance your system sees, the more likely it is to experience early wear and tear. You can expect it to break down more often and ultimately, require premature replacement.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Today
HVAC maintenance is key to optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor air in your Northern VA home. It’s also necessary for ensuring your comfort system lasts as long as it should (or even longer).
With all those benefits, you should make it a habit to schedule professional HVAC maintenance in the spring and fall.
The team at KD Mechanical, our highly reliable and trustworthy HVAC company serving Fairfax and Loudon Counties in Northern VA, is happy to help with all your comfort needs. We’ll use our 50+ years of combined industry expertise to keep your HVAC system efficient and performing at its peak.
Call us today to book your service, and don’t forget to ask about our current specials!