When to Service Your HVAC System – A Seasonal Guide
Your HVAC system is one of the hardest working appliances in your home. It runs nearly continuously during the hot summer months and cold winter to keep your family comfortable. With all that use, regular maintenance is essential to keep it operating at peak efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns. But when exactly should you have your system serviced? The timing depends on the season.
Spring HVAC Service
Spring is an ideal time to have your HVAC system tuned-up after running nearly non-stop all winter long. During a spring service visit, an HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect and clean the entire system, including:
- Checking all electrical connections and controls
- Lubricating all moving parts
- Cleaning the condensate drain lines
- Inspecting the condition of refrigerant lines
- Testing airflow and making needed adjustments
- Cleaning or replacing air filters
The technician will make any minor repairs, alert you to potential issues, and make sure your system is ready to handle the heavy cooling load of the summer months ahead.
Fall HVAC Service
After your air conditioner runs hard all summer, a fall HVAC tune-up is recommended before switching over to heating mode for the winter. Common fall service tasks include:
- Inspecting the furnace combustion chamber and heat exchanger
- Testing gas connections, burner operation and carbon monoxide levels
- Replacing furnace filters
- Lubricating and tightening all components
- Testing thermostat settings and operation
Getting an professional tune-up in the fall ensures your heating system is safe, clean and optimized for maximum energy efficiency all winter long.
Other Service Intervals
Even if you have your HVAC system serviced in the spring and fall, manufacturers still recommend having a professional inspect and service it at least once per year.
For year-round peak performance, some HVAC companies offer service plans that include multiple tune-ups throughout the year, such as:
- Pre-season tune-ups before summer and winter
- Mid-season safety inspections
- Indoor air quality assessments and duct cleanings
- Annual professional system cleaning and evaluation
No matter which service option you choose, the key is to never let your HVAC system go multiple years without professional maintenance. Skipping service calls leads to a buildup of dust, grime, debris and wear that reduces efficiency, drives up energy bills and can eventually lead to system failures.
By committing to routine HVAC service, you’ll keep your system running reliably, optimize energy usage, prevent surprise breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. For year-round comfort, schedule seasonal tune-ups as recommended.
