No matter what type of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system you have, it is essential to have it inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. Ideally, the heating system should be checked in the fall and the air conditioning in the spring. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't think about their heating or cooling system until something goes wrong. However, regular maintenance is essential for a HVAC system to work properly and be energy efficient. Having an annual set-up twice a year, once for heating and once for cooling, can help you enjoy greater indoor comfort all year round.
All furnace manufacturers recommend that a qualified technician perform annual inspections and maintenance. They also include text in their warranties that says that damage to units caused by improper maintenance is not covered by the warranty. This does not mean that an annual inspection of the oven is actually required or that the warranty is void, but it is recommended. The best analogy is going to the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning; it's probably not necessary, but it's recommended. And if you never do, the only time you'll call an HVAC contractor will be when your air conditioner breaks down, which will cost you a lot more money than a typical maintenance call.
By scheduling a heating or cooling system set-up, you allow a professional technician to analyze your entire air conditioning system and determine the best course of action. Units that receive regular maintenance run smoothly and tend to run longer, so an annual review is vital if you want to enjoy years of uninterrupted service. However (and this may be surprising if done by an HVAC contractor), annual air conditioner maintenance isn't absolutely necessary (if you're at risk). The time-honored tradition of disconnecting and reconnecting it can be a solution if you have problems with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. You'll maintain optimal comfort levels maybe your air conditioning system used to keep every room in your home at a comfortable temperature, but nowadays it makes some rooms colder or warmer than others.
If you have constant problems and you have to do a lot of repairs to the air conditioning system, it's probably a sign that your system is nearing the end of its useful life. Although they may seem minor, unusual noises from the air conditioning system are almost always an indication that there is something wrong with the system. Study the warranty, respect its terms carefully, and keep a record of each time you perform system maintenance. Other than that, all you need is to quickly adjust, inspect, and repair the unit twice a year. Some HVAC contractors recommend checking the newest furnaces every two years, but once they're more than 10 years old, have them checked annually. The most commonly overlooked solution is to clean the air conditioning unit filter; it's the best option for a free solution.
If it's been a long time or you've never set up your air conditioning system, there are a few things you can pay attention to that indicate that the time has come to schedule your maintenance service. However, during a professional review through Sears Home Services, potential problems are identified and resolved before they can lead to major problems that could cause component failure. If you're a tenant and don't want to pay for the service, contact your landlord or management and find out if they'll fix it or if they'll reimburse you.
