HVAC Maintenance Checklist: What Homeowners Should Know and Expect
Your home’s HVAC system is always working hard behind the scenes to keep you and your loved ones comfortable through hot summers and chilly winters. Like any appliance or equipment, it needs regular care and attention to perform at its best. But what exactly does residential HVAC maintenance involve, and what can you do to keep your system running smoothly between professional visits?
Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve owned your home for years, understanding the basics of HVAC maintenance can help you save money, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and prolong the life of your system. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about residential HVAC maintenance, from professional service expectations to simple tasks you can handle yourself.
Your HVAC Maintenance Checklist
A concerning trend is on the rise, according to recent studies: less than half of homeowners (47%) have had their HVAC system serviced in the past year, and only 32% have performed basic residential HVAC maintenance or cleaning. These statistics are particularly worrying because regular maintenance is crucial for preventing costly repairs and system failures.
The good news? Maintaining your HVAC system doesn’t have to be complicated. While some tasks require professional expertise, there are several important residential HVAC maintenance steps you can take to keep your system running efficiently. Here’s your quick reference guide to essential HVAC care.
1. Regularly Change Filters
Just like we need clean air to breathe, your HVAC system needs a clean filter to work its best— it’s your home’s best defensive mechanism for catching dust and debris and keeping your air healthy. What’s more, when filters become clogged, your system has to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and added wear and tear. For homes without pets, plan to change filters every 90 days. Homes with pets should have a new filter every 60 days. And households with allergy sufferers should replace filters every 30-45 days.
2. Clean Vents and Registers
Keeping your vents, registers, evaporator, and condenser coils clean is an important part of residential HVAC maintenance—just like vacuuming the carpet or dusting your furniture. Dirt buildup can force your system to work overtime and even shorten its lifespan. A quick monthly cleaning with a soft brush or vacuum attachment at the bottom of vents or top of registers can make a big difference in your system’s performance and your home’s air quality. While you’re at it, take a peek at your outdoor unit and make sure it has plenty of breathing room, as keeping shrubs and plants at least two feet away helps your system operate optimally.
3. Seal Any Drafts
Here’s some residential HVAC maintenance that can serve as a money-saving tip: check your home for drafts. Those tiny gaps around windows and doors might seem harmless, but they’re actually letting your cooled or heated air escape. A simple fix like adding weather stripping to doors or caulking around windows can make a surprising difference in your energy bills. Plus, when your treated air stays where it belongs—a.k.a. inside your home—your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s an inexpensive weekend project that can lead to year-round savings.
4. Monitor Your Thermostat
Keep an eye on your thermostat and consider making the switch to a programmable or smart thermostat to improve your system’s efficiency. A smart thermostat can transform how you manage your home’s comfort, allowing you to set automatic weekly schedules, monitor your energy, and control your system remotely from your phone. The result of this small residential HVAC maintenance? Less energy waste and more consistent comfort.
5. Check Your Ductwork
According to Energy Star, 20-30% of the air moving through your system is lost due to holes, leaks, and poorly installed ducts. While you can’t see most of your home’s ducts, you can inspect the exposed sections in your basement, attic, or garage for potential issues. Watch out for warning signs like rooms that never seem to heat (or cool), unusually high energy bills, or stuffy spaces—these could indicate faulty ducts. If you spot any gaps or holes in exposed ducts, they can often be sealed with specialized duct sealant or metal-backed tape. However, for professional sealing and residential HVAC maintenance, our Silver State technicians are just a phone call away.
6. Keep That Drain Line Clear
Your AC’s condensate drain line plays a key role in removing moisture from your home, but it can become clogged with algae and sediment over time. Keep an eye out for warning signs like water pooling around your indoor unit, musty odors when running your AC, or your system unexpectedly shutting down—these could indicate a clogged drain line and the need for residential HVAC maintenance. A simple quarterly cleaning with a bleach solution can prevent these issues and keep your system running smoothly.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
While DIY residential HVAC maintenance is important, nothing beats the expertise of a professional inspection. Think of it this way: the cost of getting annual professional maintenance is a fraction of what you might spend on emergency repairs or a system replacement. Plus, they’re an important part of keeping your warranty coverage active. Regular professional check-ups help catch small issues before they become major problems, optimize your system’s performance, and can even lower your energy bills.
By combining regular DIY checks with residential HVAC maintenance from Silver State, you’re investing in your home’s comfort and your family’s well-being. Ready to give your HVAC system the care it deserves? Our expert technicians are here to help! Contact us at (702) 763-9451 or click the “Book Now” button to schedule your appointment today.
