Regular HVAC maintenance is central to keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently. A lot of people assume you can just wait until a problem pops up and have that issue dealt with, but this is a good way to lose a lot of money on energy bills. Without proper HVAC maintenance, an inefficient system could be running you quite a bit in extra energy costs.
In addition to higher costs over time, neglecting HVAC maintenance can create big problems in the short run too. Whether a catastrophic breakdown means you have to replace everything suddenly, or unaddressed problems make the machines too dangerous to work on, there is a lot at risk when you don’t keep up with HVAC maintenance in the home.
This does not mean you need to have a professional in all the time though. There are many HVAC maintenance and repair projects you can do yourself. This guide is meant to help you determine which is which. If you do need to call in a professional, Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis is here to help. Call us today to schedule heating & air conditioning maintenance for your system.
Regular HVAC Maintenance You Should be Doing
Let’s start with the things you can (and should) be doing on your own to keep up with HVAC maintenance in your home. Some things should be done regularly, while others are as needed. Here is what you should be doing to keep your system up to date:
- Always keep registers unblocked (by rugs, furniture, etc.)
- If you see it getting dirty, hose down the outdoor unit
- Change the HVAC air filter every month
- Clear debris from around the outdoor unit as needed
If you have noticed higher bills or the machine seems to be straining, these are good things to check first. A little bit of dirt or debris can cause a lot of trouble. If none of these seem to be the problem, it may be time to contact a professional to consider other options.
When to Call a Professional for HVAC Maintenance
From regular inspections, to dealing with a particular problem, HVAC maintenance professionals can help you keep your heating & cooling system in good health year-round. One thing you will definitely want to do is schedule regular inspections. Most recommend having your system inspected by a heating & cooling professional twice a year – in both the fall and spring. Though if you choose to do this once a year, fall is the best season. Since there is little weather-related overload during the fall (and not as much rain as in spring), it makes HVAC maintenance a little easier.
Some of the things the service person will be looking for are:
- Loose electrical connections that need to be tightened
- Thermostat calibration
- Blocked condensate drains
- Breaks or leaks in the fuel or refrigerant lines
- Dirty parts like condenser coils which frequently build up grime
From there it can be as simple as cleaning off the dirty components and tightening anything that’s loose, but the professional might also recommend repairing or replacing parts as needed.
Contact Us to Take Care of Your HVAC Maintenance Needs in St. Louis
If you are overdue for HVAC maintenance and service, call Galmiche & Sons to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment today. As a St. Louis HVAC mainstay, we have been helping families with their heating & air conditioning needs for over 60 years, and we look forward to helping you with yours!
