In the Houston area, a reliable HVAC system is essential for more than just your comfort. With the extreme heat and humidity during the summer and the occasional dangerously cold spell in the winter, you need to be able to count on your HVAC system to work when you need it.
It’s crucial to your health and safety, and regular HVAC maintenance is one way to ensure your system is prepared for any weather that may hit the Houston area.
When To Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Being proactive with your HVAC maintenance, instead of waiting until there’s a problem, can help you avoid breakdowns while maximizing the service life of your system, minimizing energy costs, and improving the comfort of your home.
Ideally, preventive maintenance should be scheduled twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. This keeps your system working and ready for the heating and cooling season, respectively.
By scheduling HVAC maintenance before the busy summer and winter seasons, you can ensure your HVAC provider has the time to service your system properly.
What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?
In the spring, your HVAC maintenance should focus on your air conditioning system, ensuring it will be ready for summer. Whether you have a central air conditioner or a heat pump, the maintenance requirements will be similar. Typically, a technician will:
- Replace the air filter
- Test the thermostat and zoning controls
- Clean the blower fan, cabinet, and condensate drain
- Measure air temperature and flow
- Check refrigerant levels, pressures, and temperatures
- Test the compressor, start relay, and start/run capacitors
- Inspect condenser and evaporator coils to see if they need to be cleaned
- Make sure wiring, terminals, and contractors are not dirty or scorched
- Lubricate bearings, pulleys, and other moving parts
In the fall, the focus will be on your heating system. If you have a heat pump, the maintenance will be similar to an air conditioning visit. If you have a furnace, your HVAC provider will typically:
- Replace the air filter and clean the blower fan assembly
- Test the thermostat
- Measure airflow and temperatures
- Test the fan limit switch, door switches, and other safety devices
- Clean the burners and flame sensor
- Test the igniter or the pilot light and thermocouple
- Inspect the heat exchanger and flue for leaks or damage
- Measure carbon monoxide and flue gas levels
- Lubricate bearings, pulleys, and other moving parts
- Inspect wiring and controls
Scheduling frequent maintenance visits can help you catch minor problems before they cause a breakdown or major system damage, and it is a cost-effective way to keep your HVAC system protected and ready when you need it.
Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself
Most HVAC maintenance requires an experienced professional, but there are a few things you can do to help keep your system running smoothly. These include:
- Checking the air filter monthly and replacing it when it’s dirty
- Keeping the area around the furnace or indoor AC unit clean
- Keeping a two-foot area around the AC condenser outside free of debris
- Moving any drapes or furniture that block HVAC vents
- Keeping dirt, toys, and debris out of HVAC ducts
Also, be sure to schedule prompt HVAC repairs any time you notice a problem. This can prevent unnecessary system damage and keep your repair costs as low as possible.
Quality HVAC Maintenance in the Houston Metro Area
When you need your HVAC system to be as reliable as possible, trust your heating and cooling maintenance to our team at Horizon Air Solutions. We offer comprehensive air conditioning maintenance, furnace maintenance, and heat pump maintenance, as well as convenient maintenance agreements that make the process easy and affordable.
With our skilled technicians, bilingual service, upfront pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, our company is an excellent choice for all your HVAC needs in the Houston area.
