How Often Should HVAC Systems Be Serviced?

Your HVAC system is a savior that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. So, in order to ensure its effective performance, you must get it serviced, it’s a non-negotiable. 

But how often do you service HVAC? 

An HVAC system should be professionally serviced twice a year. You should opt for its servicing once in the spring for the AC and then once in the fall for the heating system. This ensures an effective performance of your HVAC system during the heavy usage seasons. 

Read for more details! 

How Often Service HVAC- The Bi-annual Rule!

The golden standard is that you should service your HVAC twice a year. 

The spring servicing focuses on your Air Conditioning (AC) unit. The professionals ensure that the system is in place for the high-demand summer months. They clean coils and check refrigerant levels so that your space can beat the heat. 

Servicing in the fall season is primarily focused on the heating system. The technicians do their checks to ensure that the unit can efficiently handle the winter chill. Professionals specifically check the performance of the heat exchangers and ignition systems. 

Why Should You Service Your HVAC Systems Twice a Year? 

An HVAC system is made of two different machines. The AC or the cooling system has a compressor and refrigerant to keep your home cool. 

Similarly, the heating system burners, heat exchangers, or electric strips are used to keep the space warm. 

Both systems follow different principles. Besides, they face varying environments. Therefore, it is important to check for any wear and tear of these two in separate seasons to test their performances. 

HVAC maintenance costs around $250 on average. Depending on the complexity of the task, this can range between $100 and $650 easily. 

When you spend within the range twice a year, you save yourself from a bigger expenditure, the HVAC replacement cost. The latter costs around $7,500 at least and is often a result of a lack of timely servicing of the system. 

3 Factors That May Change the Frequency of Servicing 

Servicing your HVAC system two times in a year is a minimum requirement. But, in some cases, more frequent maintenance may be required to keep the unit working. 

Your System’s Age 

If your HVAC system is more than ten years old, it may have worked for a long time. There might be refrigerant leaks and cracked heat exchangers that you can’t ignore. In that case, you may need a third servicing session in the middle of the year to ensure the system’s smooth performance. 

The Climate of Your Area 

The environment and climate of the area also determine the frequency of the servicing required by your HVAC system. 

If you live in an area of extreme temperatures, your system might have to overwork to provide you with a comfortable environment. In these regions, there might be a need for a proper maintenance schedule. Your system might require three or more servicing sessions to prevent any premature mechanical failure. 

Nature of Use 

Commercial HVAC systems are much larger and more complex than residential ones. They serve hundreds of people and run the entire day at times. That’s why they require quarterly or even monthly servicing to maintain their performance. 

Servicing Requirements By Brands 

Here are some HVAC servicing requirements of some of the most popular brands. 

HVAC System By Brand	Servicing Requirements
Trane	At least once for the AC and once for the heating furnace . Twice a year servicing
Carrier	Residential HVAC maintenance twice a year
Lennox	Experts recommend at least twice a year
Daikin	AC servicing once a year before summer. Heating system once a year before winter.

What Happens During a Professional HVAC Service? 

The process involves deep cleaning and technical calibration. A homeowner may not have the tools and experience to be able to do these tasks themselves. 

For instance, during the spring season, technicians clean evaporator and condenser coils. They also check the capacitors and tighten all the connections to prevent any electrical hazard. 

Servicing of the AC also includes lubricating the fan motors and bearings of the unit to maintain a proper mechanical performance. 

During the fall servicing session, professionals focus on the HVAC’s heating system. They clean the burners and inspect the ignition with safety switches. Plus, they test gas pressure and flue piping. Professionals also perform the carbon monoxide testing as a safety check. 

Signs that Your HVAC System Isn’t Serviced

There are some warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore. 

1. Rattling, squealing, or musty smells coming out of your system are fishy. They often signal a mechanical or air quality issue.
2. If some rooms are too hot or cold, the system may be struggling. This indicates an inconsistent temperature control. 
3. Have you noticed rising energy bills? An unexplained increase often points to reduced efficiency of the HVAC system. 

A Maintenance Plan for Your HVAC System

You should have a proper maintenance plan to benefit from 

• Servicing your system twice a year and then keeping it running properly helps reduce the likelihood of expensive emergency calls. Plus, it keeps the energy bills lower by maintaining system efficiency. Research suggests that a poorly maintained system can increase energy use by 15% or more.
• The average lifespan of an HVAC is 20 years. Some systems can even last for more than 25 years. Regular servicing twice a year helps keep these units running properly. 
• Regular inspections and annual servicing help avoid many issues. These actions reduce temperature swings. Also, they help improve airflow and provide improved indoor air quality. All of this helps contribute to a healthier home environment.
• A serviced system saves you from possible electrical hazards. Technicians use their expertise to check for dangerous issues like cracked heat exchangers. This reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• There are many manufacturer warranties that require valid proof of annual maintenance when replacing or repairing the unit. This helps protect your investment.

Get Your HVAC System Serviced Today with Pros at Expert on Deck! 

You need a well-maintained HVAC system to live in a comfortable home. Get it serviced twice a year so it can serve you in the best possible way. 

Need professionals for the job? Use our platform to find a nearby expert and book an appointment today!

We have excellent technicians on board with the right knowledge and experience to deal with all sorts of HVAC systems. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does a brand-new system actually need service, or is that just for older units? 

Annual professional maintenance is almost always a strict requirement to keep your manufacturer’s 10-year parts warranty from being voided.

Can I skip professional service if I’m diligent about changing my own filters? 

Filters do nothing to prevent the primary cause of mid-summer system shutdowns: algae and slime buildup inside the hidden condensate drain line.

Is it true that heat pumps need twice as much maintenance as standard AC units? 

Since they run 365 days a year for both heating and cooling, they hit mechanical “mileage” milestones and wear-and-tear limits twice as fast as seasonal systems.

Can I just hose down the outside unit myself and call it “serviced”? 

A garden hose doesn’t remove the chemical-grade oxidation and deep-seated grime that requires alkaline cleaners to prevent coil “pitting” and refrigerant leaks.