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The Ultimate Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Guide for Homeowners
Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is the heartbeat of your home. It’s the lifeline of comfort, regulating your indoor climate to keep you warm during the winter’s chill and cool during the sweltering heat of summer. However, as you might expect, your system requires regular maintenance to ensure it performs at its best.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and considerations to keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round. From the crisp days of fall to the scorching heat of summer, we’ll delve into the seasonal maintenance tasks that will help you optimize your system’s performance, extend its lifespan, and ensure your indoor air quality is top-notch.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast ready to roll up your sleeves or prefer to leave it to the pros, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your HVAC system’s care!
Seasonal Heating and Cooling Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
What Is HVAC Maintenance and Why Do You Need It?
HVAC maintenance is a proactive service provided by HVAC companies to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It involves a series of inspections, cleaning, adjustments, and repairs to keep HVAC systems running efficiently.
Professional HVAC companies typically offer comprehensive diagnostic testing that consist of a 24-point furnace service plan and/or a 26-point air conditioner service plan. These plans do not usually cover repairs, but the idea behind regular maintenance is to prevent major problems from occurring.
In order to understand why your heating and cooling system requires regular maintenance, let’s look at some examples of what can happen if you neglect to take care of it.
5 Common HVAC Problems Homeowners Encounter
1. Clogged Air Filters
Your system will naturally collect debris such as hair, dust, and dirt. Clogged air filters reduce airflow, strain your HVAC, and degrade air quality. Ultimately, if left untreated, dirty filters can strain motors and lead to burnout, higher electricity bills, and your system overheating. Yikes!
2. Frozen Pipes
This is a common problem with AC systems, often attributed to restricted airflow around the evaporator coil or issues with the refrigerant lines. Frozen HVAC pipes block heat exchange, causing system breakdowns, potential water damage, and costly repairs, especially during the winter.
3. Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Silent and deadly, CO leaks from faulty HVAC systems can lead to severe health risks and even fatalities, emphasizing the need for regular system inspections and maintenance.
4. Tripped Breaker
A tripped breaker happens when a circuit’s internal sensor overheats, shutting off the power immediately to prevent further damage. This common HVAC problem can leave homeowners without heating or cooling, requiring electrical troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues.
5. Uneven Airflow
Uneven airflow results in temperature inconsistencies across rooms, causing discomfort and overworking the system, leading to increased energy bills and potential wear and tear that could have otherwise been avoided with regular maintenance.
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The Benefits of HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for homeowners to ensure efficient operation, lower energy bills, and prolonged system lifespan. By scheduling routine check-ups, homeowners safeguard their comfort, investment, and peace of mind.
1. Better Energy Efficiency
Conducting routine AC and furnace maintenance optimizes system performance, reducing energy consumption, and lowering utility bills, while minimizing your environmental footprint.
2. Prolonged HVAC Life
HVAC components can be expensive—the last thing any homeowner wants to be doing is replacing these parts regularly. Preventative maintenance prolongs the life of an HVAC unit because you’ll spot early signs of wear and tear before it’s too late.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
HVAC filters maintain good air quality indoors by keeping dust, pollutants, and mould spores out of your home. Cleaning and replacing one or more components preserves a pleasant environment free from allergens that can trigger respiratory problems.
4. Increased Home Comfort
Annual HVAC maintenance will keep your home comfortable. This means consistent temperatures, higher-quality air, and just an overall more desirable living experience for you and your family, no matter the season or weather outside.
Fall and Winter HVAC Maintenance Tasks
HVAC maintenance tasks vary by season—this is simply because the demands and stresses placed on the system change with the weather and temperature conditions. In Canada, extreme weather can severely affect the efficiency of your HVAC system, which is why preventative maintenance is key!
Fall and winter bring cold and freezing temperatures, drier indoor air, increased carbon monoxide risks from faulty furnaces, and more. Here are some ways homeowners can prepare their HVAC system for the colder months.
DIY Tasks for Homeowners
Change Air Filters
This is a simple task that homeowners can and should handle regularly, ideally every 1-3 months, depending on filter type and household conditions.
Check the Heating System
You can visually inspect your heating system, clean it (if accessible), and change the thermostat settings. However, leave technical inspections, repairs, and gas-related work to the professionals.
Test and Change Carbon Monoxide Detectors Batteries
Regularly test and change CO detector batteries as part of your home safety routine.
Clean Vents and Registers
Vacuuming or wiping vents and registers is a straightforward DIY task that ensures proper airflow throughout your home.
Tasks Requiring Professional HVAC Services
A Complete System Inspection
Hiring an HVAC technician for a professional inspection during the fall and winter is a critical maintenance step for several reasons.
- Safety Assurance: HVAC systems, especially gas-powered furnaces, can pose safety risks if not properly maintained. Technicians are trained to check for gas leaks, ensuring your system operates without endangering your family.
- Warranty Compliance: Many HVAC manufacturers require professional maintenance to keep warranties valid. Skipping these inspections might void your warranty, potentially leading to expensive out-of-pocket repairs.
- Efficiency Optimization: Professionals have the expertise to fine-tune your HVAC for optimal performance, including calibrating thermostats, cleaning and lubricating components, and more.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: HVAC professionals conduct a thorough examination of your system, inside and out. They can spot issues that homeowners might miss, ensuring your system’s overall health.
Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Proper duct sealing is a precise task that requires the right materials and techniques. While homeowners can visually inspect ducts for visible leaks, sealing and repairing ducts should be done by a professional to ensure a proper, airtight seal.
Complex Repairs
HVAC systems are intricate and can involve electrical, gas, and refrigerant components. Complex repairs, such as fixing malfunctions or addressing strange noises or odours require specialized knowledge and tools that only qualified professionals possess.
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Spring and Summer HVAC Maintenance Tasks
Canadians are well aware of how hot summers can be, that’s why regular maintenance in the spring is vital to address any concerns that may have popped up over the colder months.
From clogged filters and refrigerant leaks, to malfunctioning thermostats—these problems can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, uneven temperature distribution, and increased energy costs. By addressing these issues proactively through seasonal maintenance, you not only enjoy a comfortable and efficient cooling system, but you’ll ultimately save money and ensure a hassle-free summer.
DIY Tasks for Homeowners
Replace Air Filters
Make it a habit to change your filters monthly, regardless of the season. It’s normal for dust debris to compound inside an AC unit over the winter, so expect to clean your air conditioner before booting it up for the summer!
Check and Clean the Outdoor Unit
Make sure your outdoor condenser unit is free from dirt, dried leaves, pools of water, or vegetation. This is an essential component that assists in delivering cool air to your home. Blockages can lead to inefficiency, burnout, and frozen parts.
Clean Vents and Registers
Remove dust and debris from supply and return vents using a vacuum cleaner or brush.
Tasks Requiring Professional HVAC Services
1. A Complete System Inspection
Schedule an appointment with a certified HVAC technician to have them thoroughly inspect your air conditioner. As the temperatures rise, your air conditioner becomes the workhorse of your home. A maintenance expert will complete the following:
- Condenser Unit Maintenance: A technician will clean the condenser coils of your outdoor unit, ensuring optimal heat exchange.
- Evaporator Coil Inspection: This component can collect dust and dirt, so a professional will check and clean it to maximize cooling performance.
- Refrigerant Levels: Adequate refrigerant levels are essential for proper cooling. Techs will verify its levels and check refrigerant lines for leaks.
- Leak Detection and Repair: A professional will use specialized tools to identify and repair refrigerant and ductwork leaks.
- Fan Motor Maintenance: If your AC unit has fan motors, they may require lubrication or adjustments. This task prevents overheating.
- Electrical Components: Technicians will inspect electrical connections, capacitors, and other components that aren’t safe for homeowners to check on their own.
2. Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Like in the cold season, ductwork inspection is necessary to see if leaks are present.
3. Thermostat Troubleshooting
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can result in erratic cooling. Complex repairs may involve diagnosing and fixing wiring issues or even replacing the thermostat.
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Year-Round Maintenance Tips
By tackling the DIY tasks and scheduling a professional inspection, you’ll be well-prepared to keep your HVAC system running smoothly throughout the year. To wrap up this list, it’s important to complete the following steps, regardless of the time of year.
- Regularly clean and inspect your systems.
- Keep outdoor units clear of debris throughout the year.
- Your home envelope experiences wear and tear after some time, so check its condition twice a year and seal any drafts, if necessary.
- Learn as much as you can about your HVAC system!
- Track the performance of your HVAC system with a maintenance log.
- Know the signs of when to call a professional.
DIY vs. Professional HVAC Maintenance
You’re not alone if the idea of completing DIY HVAC maintenance has crossed your mind. Many homeowners have considered this a way to curb extra expenses, but going beyond the steps we outlined for homeowners can be dangerous. Here’s why:
1. They Have the Expertise and Experience
A homeowner performing DIY maintenance is not going to be able to identify subtle issues, potential problems, and safety hazards that a professional technician with extensive training and experience would.
2. You’re Putting Your Safety on the Line
Electrical shocks, gas leaks, and refrigerants—these are all dangerous components that make up your HVAC system. A professional is well-versed in safety protocols, minimizing risks during routine maintenance and repairs.
3. You Run the Risk of Ruining Equipment Efficiency
You may think you’ve fixed a problem with your system, but it’s quite possible you made things worse. Just because it’s pumping air again as intended doesn’t mean it’s running anywhere near peak efficiency.
4. You’re Voiding Your Warranty
Oftentimes, conducting DIY maintenance is a surefire way to have your warranty voided. This could end up costing you thousands of dollars if you later encounter a serious issue that requires extensive repair or replacement.
What Does HVAC Maintenance and Repair Cost?
The cost of HVAC services vary, but a tune-up in Ontario ranges from $70 to $200. Repairs and replacements are more expensive. Depending on the size and nature of the damage, your total bill may range from $150 to over $2,000. This price will increase if you have multiple parts that need to be worked on or swapped out.
When it comes to ongoing professional HVAC maintenance, look for companies that offer affordable monthly payment plans.
With customizable options, homeowners can choose what works for them, on their budget. This includes HVAC maintenance for furnaces, AC units, heat pumps, or a whole-home package. The more comprehensive the plan, the more you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home HVAC system and all of its components are properly maintained year-round.
The best part? You’ll also save money going this route as opposed to one-off tune-ups or costly repairs! Remember: proper maintenance can mitigate these costs by prolonging the life of your equipment.
Furnace and/or AC Tune-Up Plan
Get monthly or year-round furnace maintenance with our 24-point service plan.
Furnace & AC Tune-Up Bundled Plan
Service your furnace and air conditioner with our comprehensive bundled maintenance plan. This plan includes our 24-point furnace and 26-point air conditioner tune-up for one low price. This service is completed over two days.
Premium Whole-Home Package
Receive complete HVAC maintenance with our premium whole-home package. This includes the 24-point furnace and 26-point air conditioner tune-up, water heater preventative maintenance, and inspections of additional HVAC products. This service is completed over two days.
When to Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance is a quintessential part of keeping your home running as it should. Whether you’re gearing up for the colder months or are prepping your air conditioner for long, summer days, there are some telltale signs it’s time to schedule a tune-up.
If any of the following applies, call a trusted HVAC company for preventive maintenance.
| Cool or warm weather is approaching | |
| It’s been a year or longer since your last tune-up | |
| If some rooms are noticeably colder or warmer than others | |
| You smell something burning or notice lingering odours when you turn on the system | |
| You hear strange noises from your heating system, like banging, squealing, or rattling | |
| There’s been a sudden spike in your energy bills | |
| Little to no airflow coming from the vents | |
| Your HVAC is more than 10 years old | |
| You need help addressing thermostat alerts | |
| Your AC unit or furnace won’t turn on | |
| Your breakers are tripping |
When it comes to comprehensive AC and furnace maintenance, LG Home Comfort leads with professionalism, experience, and expertise. At the end of the day, your heating and cooling systems play an integral role in supporting the comfort of your home, and more importantly, your family.
Don’t wait until your air conditioner or heat pump stops working—LG Home Comfort’s team of licensed technicians are highly skilled in diagnosing and preventing costly repairs from happening before its too late.
With a variety of affordable monthly HVAC maintenance plans to choose from, LG Home Comfort makes customizable solutions accessible for every family’s needs.
For more information about professional HVAC servicing and maintenenace, home consultations, or to just get a quote, reach out to one of our representatives or call us at 1-866-438-5442.
We look forward to speaking with you!
1-866-438-5442Terms and Conditions
- Once an initial service has been completed, the customer will be on a one-year commitment
- After the initial 12 months, the contract will be renewed on a month-to-month cadence
- If a service is completed for the next year, it automatically renews the commitment for an additional year
- Customers can cancel at any time after the 12-month initial commitment as long as the following year’s service has not been completed.
- Customers need to provide 30 days written notice in order to cancel their plan