The Why, When and How of HVAC Maintenance

When temperatures reach uncomfortable levels in Lake Placid, Florida, an HVAC system is more of a necessity than luxury. One way to ensure that your air conditioner is in good enough condition to keep your home comfortable is to sign up for regular HVAC maintenance. Read on to discover the why, when and how of HVAC maintenance.

Why Do You Need an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

Many homeowners think twice about investing in an HVAC maintenance plan in an attempt to save money. However, proper maintenance is worth the extra cost because it offers many benefits, such as:

Greater Comfort

If your HVAC system is well-maintained, all of its components will operate effectively to create a comfortable environment in your home. It’ll be able to cool or heat air to your desired temperature and generate enough airflow to evenly distribute conditioned air throughout your home.

Lower Utility Bills

An air conditioner accumulates dirt, dust and grime over time. As a result, it has to work harder and use more energy to cool your home, leading to higher utility costs. Professional maintenance can help you save substantially over the long run, which will offset the cost of the service.

Fewer Repairs

Besides performing routine maintenance tasks, service technicians will also inspect your equipment for existing and potential problems. If they detect any issue, they’ll fix it before it develops into a costly problem. As a result, this can greatly reduce your repair costs.

Longer Service Life

A properly maintained HVAC system experiences less strain while it’s operating, which leads to reduced wear and tear. As such, it can remain in good working condition for a longer time, giving you better value for your money.

When Should You Schedule HVAC Maintenance?

The best time to schedule an HVAC maintenance visit is just before you need to use your air conditioner the most. In Florida, the ideal time is spring because it ensures that your HVAC unit will be ready to handle the heavy cooling loads in summer. If you decide to service your equipment in the summer, you may find yourself on a waiting list as many contractors will be busy responding to emergency calls.

Besides scheduling HVAC maintenance at the right time, you also need to know how often you should schedule it. Typically, an air conditioner should undergo professional maintenance once a year. However, you may have to service your system more often under certain circumstances, such as more extensive use, presence of pets and dusty conditions. In these cases, you should schedule maintenance twice a year.

What Happens During an HVAC Maintenance Visit?

The tasks performed during an HVAC maintenance visit may vary from one contractor to another. However, most maintenance plans include the following tasks:

• Inspecting both indoor and outdoor components of your HVAC system, such as motors, fans and belts, to make sure they’re in good condition.
• Measuring coolant levels and topping them up if necessary.
• Checking safety controls, circuits, condensate pump, drain line, valves and caps.
• Inspecting electrical components for wear and tear or damage and replacing them if necessary to prevent sparking or malfunction.
• Replacing the air filter to make sure it isn’t restricting airflow and it’s preventing dirt, dust, and debris from getting into your ductwork.
• Cleaning your ducts, checking them for holes and loose joints that allow conditioned air to escape, and repairing leaks if necessary.
• Cleaning, inspecting and calibrating the thermostat to improve system efficiency.

To make sure your air conditioner is in good condition, sign up for HVAC maintenance with a reputable contractor. With decades of experience, Miller’s Central Air, Inc. has the necessary expertise and equipment to meet all your HVAC maintenance needs. Our maintenance plan has helped numerous homeowners make their homes more comfortable, energy-efficient and healthier. It also comes with a 15-percent discount on repair services. Contact us at 863-699-5455 for more information about our HVAC maintenance plan.

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