Maintaining your HVAC system is essential to ensuring its efficiency, extending its lifespan, and preventing costly repairs. For homeowners in Wisconsin, where the weather can swing from frigid winters to hot, humid summers, a well-maintained HVAC system is vital for year-round comfort.Â
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There are four main types of HVAC system maintenance that ensure the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC systems: corrective, preventative, predictive, and risk-based. Corrective maintenance addresses problems after they occur, while preventative maintenance prevents issues before they happen with routine maintenance. Predictive maintenance uses monitoring tools to predict when components are likely to fail, while risk-based maintenance prioritizes maintenance based on the likelihood of equipment failure.Â
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Trust the experts at Harker Heating & Cooling to keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round, ensuring low cost and high efficiency.
Routine Maintenance Tips
HVAC system maintenance can vary from home to home. Some homes may have heating units, air conditioning units, heat pumps, or water heaters. Despite the type of system in your household, it is important to perform routine maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently throughout the year, ensuring optimal comfort and energy savings.
Change the Air Filters Regularly
Air filters are crucial in trapping dust, allergens, and debris, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. Clogged or dirty filters can restrict airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy costs. Harker Heating & Cooling recommends checking and replacing air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the presence of pets or allergies.
Schedule Seasonal HVAC Inspections
Biannual maintenance by a licensed HVAC technician from Harker Heating & Cooling is crucial for identifying potential issues before they become major problems. During these inspections, the technician will check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, clean coils, and ensure the system functions optimally.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean
It’s important to perform spring maintenance on your appliance as the weather becomes warmer. The outdoor unit (condenser or heat pump) is exposed to dirt, leaves, and other outdoor debris throughout the year, which can obstruct airflow and reduce efficiency. Regularly inspect the unit for clogged ducts and clear away any debris. Additionally, gently rinse the coils with a garden hose to remove dirt buildup.
Adjust the Thermostat
As warmer temperatures draw near, it’s important to set your thermostat to reflect warmer temperatures and reduce heating use. At the start of spring, we recommend keeping your thermostat around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Because there is a small difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, you will maximize your energy savings.
When to Replace an HVAC System
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years. If your system is approaching or has exceeded this range, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue repairing aging components.
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The “rule of 5,000” in HVAC is a useful tool to help determine if it’s more cost-effective to repair or replace a system. To apply it, you multiply the age of the unit by the estimated repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, it’s generally recommended to replace the unit, rather than repair it.
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If you are noticing inconsistent temperatures throughout rooms, rising energy bills, strange noises or excessive dust, this may all be a sign that your HVAC unit should be replaced.
Trust the experts at Harker Heating & Cooling
The professionals at Harker Heating and Cooling have extensive experience repairing and maintaining air conditioning units throughout the State of Wisconsin. Ensure your HVAC unit is well-maintained for spring and will last you through the summer by contacting Harker Heating and Cooling today.
