Air conditioners generate 6% of all the electricity used in the United States. 

You can reduce your energy use from air conditioning by 20% to 50% through energy-saving actions such as switching to a high-efficiency AC. 

Another action you can take is regular HVAC maintenance. With spring in full bloom and summer right around the corner, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently. 

Your maintenance plan should not just be limited to summer. Keep reading to learn how to have an HVAC maintenance schedule for all the seasons.

Spring and Summer

You know that the heat in the greater Houston area is brutal during the summer. Before the summer hits, you should inspect your cooling system. 

Change Filters

This is something that should be done year-round. At a minimum, you should change the air filters on your HVAC system at least once every 90 days. You can change it before the beginning of each season.

However, you may need to change the filter more often than if anyone in your household has allergies or if you have pets. You might also need to change it more often if you constantly use the air conditioner, which definitely is a possibility during hot Texas summers. 

You should change the filter regularly because it can impede the function of your HVAC system.

When the filter is full of dirt and dust, it can block the airflow of the unit. It can also bring dirt into the evaporator coil of the air conditioner which can affect the performance of the unit. 

Check Outdoor Unit

Another thing you can do before the summer arrives is to inspect your outdoor air conditioner unit. 

If you cover your unit during the winter, you can uncover it and inspect it. Clear away any twigs, dirt, grass, or other debris that could be blocking the unit. Trim any nearby shrubs or grass so that they don’t block the unit.

Check the Thermostat

Check the thermostat and make sure it is set to the right setting for the warmer months. You can also turn on your air conditioner to make sure it is working properly. 

You also might want to upgrade to a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one. You can save up to 10% annually by programming your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from how you normally set it. 

Yearly Air Conditioner Maintenance

In addition to the above, you should have a professional technician come out and do a tune-up of your air conditioner system. You should have a professional check-up of your heating and cooling system at least once a year.

A regular maintenance plan can improve your unit’s efficiency and catch any problems that may affect performance.   

The following are some of the things a technician may check during a routine service appointment:

  • Check refrigerant 
  • Check condensate drain
  • Check evaporator coil and condenser
  • Check electrical components
  • Check blower parts
  • Check belts and motor

Although there are some things you can do yourself when it comes to HVAC maintenance, many parts should be left to a professional technician who has the right training, tools, and expertise in HVAC systems. 

A professional will be able to correctly diagnose any issues you’re having with your heating or cooling system. 

Fall and Winter

You want to set an HVAC maintenance schedule for the cooler months too. The focus for the fall and winter should be the heating system. Here is a checklist to go through before the winter arrives this year. 

Turn on System 

A simple thing you can do is turn on your heater to make sure it’s working properly. This is also something that you can do before each season as a part of your HVAC maintenance. 

 

Clean Vents

Check and clean your vents regularly to make sure there are no obstructions, debris, or dust. If the vents are dirty or blocked, your HVAC system will have to work harder to warm up the house. 

Yearly Heating System Check-Up

Just like with your cooling system, you should schedule an annual check-up of your heating system.

The fall is the best time to do a maintenance check-up because it’s usually less busy than the winter. Also, it’s better to be prepared and make sure your system is running smoothly before the winter begins. 

You don’t want to have to call an emergency service appointment when it’s nearly freezing outside. 

Some of the things a technician may inspect during a service appointment:

  • Inspect heating operation and heating controls
  • Inspect crankcase heater
  • For heat pumps, inspect reversing valves
  • Change air filters if needed

Warning Signs You Need HVAC Repair

You can check for common issues with your heating system such as a strange noise or a banging or clanging sound. Another common issue is a strange odor when your heater is in use. 

You can also make sure there is warm air blowing from the vents and that airflow is not blocked or weak. 

You should also check for leaks or moisture buildup. If you do see a leak, you should call a technician right away to get it checked out. 

Set up a Regular HVAC Maintenance Schedule

The above are some things you can do to make sure your HVAC system remains in good shape. By maintaining your heating and cooling system, you are extending its life, and you can save on your energy bills if your system is running efficiently. 

Ready to set up a maintenance schedule with P & M Air Conditioning and Heating? Contact us today to schedule your first service appointment.