Your HVAC system doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Over time, weather, dirt, and wear can all affect its performance and increase the risk of problems. The majority of the HVAC repairs that technicians are called to make are due to issues that could have been minimized or prevented entirely through regular maintenance.
This guide will help you know what HVAC maintenance is, the benefits of HVAC maintenance, and tips for doing the job right. Call your local ARS/Rescue Rooter at 866-399-2885 or schedule a maintenance visit online.
ON THIS PAGE
- What Is HVAC Maintenance?
- What’s Included in HVAC Maintenance?
- Why HVAC Maintenance Is Important
- How Often Should You Schedule HVAC Maintenance?
- What Happens If You Avoid HVAC Maintenance?
- DIY Tips vs. Professional HVAC Service
- Do You Need HVAC Maintenance?
What Is HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC maintenance is the routine inspection, cleaning, and servicing of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. HVAC maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the life of the equipment, and maintains indoor air quality.
Like getting an oil change and car tune-up, HVAC maintenance should be done regularly to keep your system operating efficiently and reliably. Call ARS at 866-399-2885 to get your maintenance scheduled.
Recommended Reading: The Ultimate HVAC Guide for Homeowners
What’s Included in HVAC Maintenance?
Just because you own an HVAC system doesn’t mean you know what HVAC services are performed during a technician’s visit. A comprehensive HVAC maintenance service typically includes:
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Filter replacement: Changing or cleaning air filters to ensure proper airflow and air quality.
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Thermostat calibration: Ensuring the thermostat accurately controls the temperature.
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Inspecting electrical connections: Checking and tightening electrical connections for safety.
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Lubricating moving parts: Reducing friction in motors and bearings to prevent wear.
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Checking system controls: Verifying the system starts, operates, and shuts off correctly.
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Cleaning coils: Removing dirt from the evaporator and condenser coils to improve efficiency.
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Inspecting ductwork: Checking for leaks or obstructions in the duct system.
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Checking refrigerant levels: Ensuring the system has the correct amount of refrigerant.
ARS professionals follow a detailed checklist to ensure top efficiency and care. HVAC maintenance plans are an easy way to keep an efficient home comfort system by providing two preventative maintenance visits per year, along with other benefits and discounts.
Why HVAC Maintenance Is Important
The bottom line: HVAC maintenance is important because it helps cool and heat your home without the annoyance of breakdowns and extra energy costs. Here are the main benefits you’ll experience:
Improved Efficiency
An efficient HVAC system uses the least amount of energy possible to heat and cool your home. Some of the biggest roadblocks to achieving energy efficiency are related to poor maintenance, including clogged filters, the buildup of dirt and dust inside your HVAC system, and the effects of worn or poorly lubricated moving parts.
Clean filters and tuned-up components reduce energy usage and help systems work smarter. An efficient HVAC system supports better airflow, temperature control, and comfort.
Lower Breakdown Risk
One of the easiest ways to avoid air conditioning repair issues is to maintain your system regularly, which drastically reduces its risk of a breakdown. Regular maintenance reduces the stress experienced by the system, preventing parts such as the blower motor or fan belts from working harder than necessary and risking damage or burnout.
Addressing these issues before they can affect HVAC function will keep your heating and cooling systems in good shape, preventing breakdowns associated with failing parts or strain caused by dirt and dust buildup.
Extend Your HVAC Lifespan
Although no HVAC system will last forever, there are several reasons a heating or cooling appliance may fail before its expected lifetime has been reached. Dirt, wear, and damage are some of the most common reasons that homeowners must consider premature HVAC replacement. All of these reasons can be eliminated with the regular service visits you’ll receive through HVAC maintenance plans.
Investing in regular maintenance is a small present-day cost that will ultimately help you get greater returns from your HVAC system. It will improve performance and ensure you get more years of service out of your current system before you need to consider replacement.
How Often Should You Schedule HVAC Maintenance?
An HVAC system should be checked every 6 months—once in the spring for the cooling system and once in the fall for the heating system. This biannual maintenance will keep every part of your HVAC system in good shape and ensure it operates with the highest efficiency possible every month of the year rather than progressively losing efficiency due to lack of care. Systems that include heat pumps may require more frequent checks due to their year-round operation.
What Happens If You Avoid HVAC Maintenance?
Skipping regular maintenance might seem like a way to save time or money in the short term, but it often leads to more serious and costly problems down the road. Skipping regular maintenance can lead to:
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Lost efficiency
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Reduced airflow
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Unnecessary wear and tear
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Uneven temperatures
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Strange noises
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Unpleasant odors
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Major repairs
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Complete system failure
A well-maintained system can last 15–20 years, but a neglected system might only last 10–12 years. That means you could find yourself facing the expense of a full replacement much sooner than necessary.
Safety and Air Quality
Performance and cost concerns aren’t the only problems you might encounter without regular maintenance. There are also safety risks. Gas furnaces should be inspected regularly to check for carbon monoxide leaks or combustion issues. If left unchecked, electrical problems, clogged drain lines, or overheating components can also become fire hazards.
Your indoor air quality might also suffer without regular HVAC maintenance. Dirty filters and ductwork circulate allergens, dust, and other pollutants through your home. This can aggravate allergies or respiratory conditions, especially in children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
DIY Tips vs. Professional HVAC Service
Some HVAC maintenance tasks are safe for homeowners, while professionals should handle others. Knowing the difference helps protect your system and your safety.
Safe DIY HVAC Tasks
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Replace air filters every 1-3 months to maintain airflow and system efficiency.
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Clear debris around outdoor units, like leaves or grass clippings, to prevent airflow blockages.
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Check thermostat settings and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for energy savings.
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Clean vents and return grilles to reduce dust build-up and improve air circulation.
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Monitor system performance for strange noises, odors, or spikes in your utility bill.
Leave It to the Pros
Tasks like refrigerant leaking, electrical work, internal inspections, duct cleaning, and full-system tune-ups require licensed technicians. DIY attempts can void warranties, damage components, or cause safety risks.
When in doubt, call the experts at ARS at 866-399-2885.
Do You Need HVAC Maintenance?
Yes! Routine maintenance saves money, improves comfort, and helps avoid unwelcome surprises. ARS’s convenient HVAC maintenance plans make it easy to keep your heating and air conditioning appliances in great shape. When you enroll in a Home Service Plan with us, you’ll get your two maintenance visits a year, priority emergency service, preferred pricing, and a one-year warranty on all parts and labor, including HVAC repair and new furnace or AC installation.
Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Keep your HVAC system in peak condition with ARS. Call us at 866-399-2885 or schedule an appointment online.
