Heating and air conditioning equipment, regardless of the type you have, should be inspected, cleaned, and repaired at least once a year. The best scenario is to check the heating system in the fall and the air conditioning in the spring. At the very least, you should try to maintain your air conditioner every year, in early to mid-spring. However, for optimal performance, it would be in your best interest to have your unit serviced in the fall as well. An HVAC contractor will focus on your furnace to prepare your system for dealing with heating demands once temperatures drop.
But more important than scheduling a maintenance session is how often you schedule it. Your air conditioning systems should be checked by a professional annually. So, if you have a standard central air conditioner or oven, each of these units must be serviced every year. If you have a heat pump system that you use year-round, then you'll want to schedule this service every 6 months. Homeowners must repair their HVAC unit at least once a year.
If you have a boiler and an air conditioner, that means you'll have service for each of them (but at different times of the year). The general consensus among HVAC professionals is that customers should repair their air conditioners annually. People who live in colder climates may have some flexibility in this regard. And Texas summers are tough on air conditioners. Just make sure you read the small print and know if you get air conditioning services annually or twice a year, or if the contract includes repairs and emergency calls.
However, it's quite possible that there are faulty components or serious problems with the air conditioning system, and you may have to schedule a subsequent service to repair or replace a component. If you never perform maintenance on your air conditioning system, this could cause the equipment to malfunction, which means that you may not have heating or cooling until you repair it. While the HVAC technician is inspecting the air conditioner or heat pump, he will notice anything that needs to be repaired now or in the future. However, just like maintaining your car, routine air conditioning maintenance is very important to prevent repairs and much more. One way to save money and keep your air conditioning in top condition is to take out an annual air conditioning service plan. You can extend the life of your HVAC system.
Checks include more than just testing to ensure that all HVAC components are working as they should. However, many air conditioning companies offer discounted packages that will save you money and prevent you from missing a service visit by scheduling it in advance. In conclusion, it's essential for homeowners to have their HVAC systems serviced by a professional at least once a year. This will help ensure that all components are functioning properly and that any potential problems can be identified and addressed before they become serious issues.