Your HVAC probably works hard several months of the year. Even when it's idle, the equipment collects dust that can affect how well your HVAC works. That's why it's essential to keep up with HVAC maintenance. Parts need to be checked and serviced so your AC continues to keep you cool and your furnace keeps you nice and cozy. Without maintenance, your equipment will probably break down eventually. Here are two HVAC maintenance practices to keep in mind.

Service The Furnace In the Fall

Schedule a furnace tune-up for autumn before the weather turns cold. Then your furnace will be ready and waiting for the first cold day when your home needs heat to keep you comfortable. An HVAC maintenance technician can check the electric burners in an electric furnace and the combustion area and gas burners in a gas furnace.

The combustion area may also need to be cleaned to get rid of soot and dust. They may also need to turn the gas back on and make sure it's connected properly. The technician will also check for damage since cracks in a gas furnace could be dangerous. This is also a good time for you to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm.

The HVAC maintenance technician checks the blower to make sure it's clean and getting power to spin and push warm air through your house. They may also change the filter for you so you start the heating season with a clean filter and clean furnace.

Have The AC Serviced In The Spring

A good time to have your air conditioner serviced is in the spring before the weather gets warm enough to need the AC. An AC tune-up involves checking the refrigerant, cleaning the condenser, checking that the fins aren't collapsed, and testing the fan, compressor, capacitor, contactor, and wiring to make sure the condenser gets power and starts up properly.

The HVAC maintenance technician will also check the evaporator coil in the air handler since the coil needs to be clean for your refrigerant to work well. They may check the blower again to make sure it's not dusty or in need of service after running all winter.

The HVAC technician may want to check your ducts too. If a duct has a gap in it, your HVAC can't operate efficiently, so they'll seal damaged areas when needed. In addition, they may check the thermostat to make sure it's sending signals to the HVAC control board and is ready to keep your home at the desired temperature during all seasons.

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