Chapter 3: When to Schedule HVAC Services

Schedule HVAC services and maintenance regularly to keep your system in the best condition possible. Less busy times of the year are better to schedule HVAC services, particularly the spring and fall.

Learn about the best times to schedule HVAC services, why these times are better, how to prepare for your service and ways to stay on top of routine maintenance to keep your HVAC system running smoothly throughout the year.

What Is the Ideal Maintenance Schedule for Your HVAC?

You know annual servicing is essential for your HVAC, but how often should you schedule service? Ideally, you’ll want to schedule your HVAC maintenance twice a year — in the spring and fall. Spring is the best time to service the air conditioning components of your system, and fall is the best time for your heating system.

For most HVAC companies, spring and fall are the off-season. Many businesses offer savings during this time and have more availability. If you wait until summer or winter for maintenance and service, your HVAC technician will likely be busier, and you’ll have more competition for a time slot. Your equipment could fail while you’re waiting for an opening, leaving you without heating or cooling until a technician becomes available to visit your home. Scheduling maintenance in the spring and fall gives you more options for appointment times and helps ensure your system runs properly before extreme weather hits.

Routine HVAC maintenance prepares your system for the upcoming season, improving its efficiency, lowering your energy costs and extending the life span of your equipment. Scheduled maintenance tasks can include the following:

• Replacing filters
• Checking for leaks
• Clearing drains or clogs
• Cleaning condensers or coils
• Inspecting various components
• Ensuring all parts work correctly
• Lubricating moving components
• Inspecting for mold, dust or debris
• Replacing or repairing components
• Changing batteries when necessary

Refer to your HVAC owner’s manual for their recommended HVAC maintenance schedule. If a technician finds a problem with your system, schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible so the issue doesn’t damage your HVAC system or cause it to fail.

How to Prepare for an HVAC Tune-Up

After scheduling your maintenance or tune-up appointment, you’ll want to prepare your HVAC system before the technician arrives. Be careful when handling your equipment to prevent voiding any warranties. Here are some ways to prepare for an HVAC tune-up or maintenance appointment:

• Clean up around your equipment so it’s easily accessible: You can make a technician’s job easier by cleaning up around your HVAC units so it’s easy to access. For example, you’ll want to remove grass, leaves, debris, hoses, lawn equipment, toys and other objects that may be around your external condenser. Inside, be sure your technician has a clear path to your furnace or mini-split equipment. Cleaning around your equipment will save your tech time and ensure they can see all the components of your HVAC system to perform a tune-up properly.
• Inspect your equipment for leaks or damage: Look over your HVAC equipment to determine if there are any noticeable leaks or damage. You should also check your vents and other components of the system for signs of leaks or surrounding water damage. If you notice any leaks or damage, inform your HVAC technician when they arrive so they can inspect your unit and provide a professional assessment. Your inspection can inform their tasks so they can ensure your system works properly.
• Note any strange noises or odors: Listen carefully to your HVAC system, paying special attention to any strange or irregular noises. You should also note any unusual odors since your HVAC system shouldn’t produce any noticeable odors, especially inside your home. If you notice any strange sounds or odors, you should tell your HVAC technician so they can investigate the cause and make a repair.
• Other notable problems: If you notice any other problems with your HVAC system, such as using more energy than usual, be sure to tell your HVAC technician. They can inspect your system and determine the root cause, helping you achieve quick and effective repairs.

Being prepared for your HVAC tune-up helps the process go smoothly and ensures your tech addresses any concerns you may have.

Other Tips for Preventative HVAC Maintenance

You can take a few other steps to ensure your routine HVAC maintenance goes smoothly and that your HVAC system is in the best condition. Some other tips for your HVAC seasonal maintenance include:

1. Investing in an Annual Service Plan

Many heating and cooling companies offer annual service plans to help you stay on top of your maintenance requirements. While it can be tempting to avoid annual service plans to save money, it can be a costly mistake.

HVAC customers who take part in an annual service plan typically have priority with maintenance and emergency service visits. Additionally, individual appointments without the annual service plan can be more expensive since companies may offer discounts or free appointments to customers with a service plan. The peace of mind is worth the cost for many customers.

2. Scheduling Maintenance Before the Busy Season

During the summer and winter, HVAC technicians are in high demand, so it’s essential to schedule your annual maintenance visits before you need your heating or cooling system regularly. Scheduling before the busy season will give you more flexibility and allows plenty of time for your HVAC technician to order and install any needed replacement parts.

Even with a brand-new HVAC system, annual maintenance ensures your system will continue running smoothly. A professional can spot signs of trouble early and recommend the repairs or replacements necessary to keep your system operational. Repairs may even be included in your service plan, and if they’re not, paying for repairs is less expensive than replacing an entire system that fails early due to years without routine maintenance.

3. Changing Your Filters and Cleaning Your Unit

Annual service happens yearly, but there are other maintenance tasks you’ll need to complete quarterly or monthly. For example, you’ll want to change your filters at least once every three months. However, you might change them monthly if someone in your home has asthma or allergies or if you have pets. You’ll also want to keep your HVAC system clean and remove any debris surrounding your exterior unit.

Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance With Shipley Energy

Scheduling maintenance annually keeps your HVAC system running correctly so it can continue providing reliable comfort to your home. It’s best to schedule your maintenance early to ensure your system can be serviced before you need it, and you’ll want to prepare your system so your HVAC technician can work efficiently.

Shipley Energy can perform routine and preventative maintenance to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition. Our skilled technicians will guide you through the process and recommend any necessary maintenance or repairs. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!