What Is the Preventive Maintenance Checklist for HVAC Systems?

Do you really need an HVAC maintenance checklist? Just think…

Of course, yes! You may have a system that is only a year or two old. And yet if your system is several years old, it must be working pretty well. But bear in mind, HVAC systems require maintenance. The way it works between extreme swings of scorching heat and bitter cold can stress the heating and cooling machines. Certainly, HVAC systems are heavy investments, and it's imperative to protect them through a preventative maintenance plan.

Confused??? Don’t be…

Imagine you've just purchased a brand-new vehicle - You spent a significant amount of money on it. Would you ignore routine checks and any essential service maintenance? Most likely, your answer would be no. So, if your vehicle is older and you want it to run on the road smoothly, regular maintenance and repairs are compulsory.

It must be making sense to you... similarly, if you buy a new heating or cooling system, you want to ensure it is working properly and you are reaping maximum benefit out of it. This must be your plan, right? However, if your system is pretty old and you’ve no plans to replace it – get HVAC maintenance regularly.

Well, if you really want to avoid HVAC malfunction just sign preventative maintenance contracts with the best company in town. Better yet, the HVAC maintenance checklist helps you keep an eye on the issues that might arise – so you can identify and solve them before they become big.

Let's dive in deep and explore what is maintenance list and what should be considered under this.

What Is HVAC Checklist for Preventative Maintenance?

Basically, it is an itemized list of discrete maintenance tasks prepared by the manufacturer. To be precise, the list makes it easier for you to keep your HVAC system maintained. Moreover, if you've one unit that both heats and cools down your living space – you should get preventative maintenance twice a year (once in spring and then in fall). Besides, if you have separate systems, you must get it checked in the spring and the best time to get your furnace checked is fall.

Well, that's not it… you will be amazed knowing the wonders an HVAC maintenance plan can do for you

HVAC maintenance checklist keeps your heating and cooling system functioning smoothly, safely, and efficiently. You might also be rest assured that it will be functioning whenever you need it. Not to mention, the preventative maintenance contracts depend on many aspects

including:

• Your unit’s age
• The size of your HVAC system
• The condition of your unit
• How much do you use the unit
• The brand you have opted for
• - And the region, where you live

When a service technician arrives at your home for HVAC preventative maintenance, here's what they'll do:

Remember for all the seasons the maintenance technique would be different.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

• Change all of the filters.
• Clean the condenser and evaporator coils.
• To ensure appropriate flow, clear clogs, and clean drain lines.
• To avoid overflowing, get rid of the stagnant water from drain pans.
• Replace damaged belts and pulleys.
• Look for debris, dust, or mold in the ducts.
• Examine the refrigerant charge and any leaks.
• Check thermostats and associated controls if they’re properly set.
• Replace the batteries if necessary.
• Inspect all electrical connections and the system.
• Check that the fan motor if it is working properly.
• Maintain proper airflow by inspecting the blades and blowers.
• Lubricate the moving parts.
• Identify leaks in the HVAC cabinet.
• Double-check that the HVAC cabinet door is properly closed.
• If the unit is outside, clean up any debris surrounding it.

The above checklist gets your system up and running for warmer weather. However, the winter preventive maintenance can be similar to the spring maintenance checklist or it can be different too. You must be wondering why?

Well, this totally depends on the system you are using… if you're using the same system to heat and cool your living space the preventive maintenance would be the same and if you have different systems… then obviously, it would require different care.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

• Filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days.
• Inspect the burner ignition assembly.
• Inspect the heating components or heat exchanger thoroughly.
• Check the flue system and make sure it's connected to the furnace properly.
• The technician will identify the gas leaks if you have a gas furnace.
• Checking for gas pressure is also mandatory.
• Replace damaged pulleys and belts.
• To avoid overflows, clear pans and drain lines of standing water.
• Check the connections and wiring.
• Keep all moving parts, including motors and bearings.
• Verify that thermostats and controls are set to the proper temperatures.
• Check the heat pump.

The list we have prepared is just for your convenience and depending on your system it might differ. Hence, before opting for preventive maintenance contracts get your units checked by a team of professionals.

HVAC Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself

Obviously, you cannot always opt for a preventive maintenance plan . Sometimes, your system just requires a little care which you can do on your own. By following the below-mentioned procedures your system would perform well until and unless it needs some extra care.

• Remove any rubbles from the area around the outside unit
• spray it off when dirt begins to accumulate
• leave at least 18 inches of foliage between the outside unit and the foliage
• Clear draperies, rugs, and furniture from the supply and return registers.
• Check the filter each month and if you have timer-controlled indicator light would remind you about that.

Wrapping It Up

So, it’s time to bring your systems up to speed… indeed, proper maintenance keeps your unit running longer while lowering the bills with fewer HVAC catastrophes. Not just this, regular maintenance can help in detecting the issues your system might face in the near future.

But you need specialists by your side to keep your units running well in every weather. Besides, there are numerous tasks that regular maintenance staff can carry out – but for certain tasks, your need an HVAC maintenance checklist prepared by the specialists. Such preventive maintenance contracts cover comprehensive maintenance and diagnostics plans.

Calwest suggests having a professional pre-season servicing and maintenance performed every two years. The best time to get them done is before winter and again before summer, since this will ensure that everything is in working order before you enter the peak heating and cooling seasons.

With expert and routine maintenance, you will not only have peace of mind that your system is safe, but you will also benefit from a system that is functioning at maximum efficiency, resulting in significant savings and maintaining optimum comfort all year.

If you need assistance with your HVAC systems, get in touch with experts working at Calwest .