Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. Even the best heating and cooling systems can waste energy if not properly maintained. Clogged filters, dirty thermostats, sooty flues, leaky ductwork, and unlubricated fan motors can reduce efficiency by up to 25%.
To prevent these issues, you should have a heating and cooling specialist check your air conditioner at least twice a year. While some HVAC maintenance tasks are simple and can be handled by homeowners, others require the expertise of a trained professional.
In this article, I’ll cover HVAC systems, routine maintenance tips, and key factors to consider when hiring a professional.
Routine HVAC Maintenance
Heat Pump
A heat pump only needs a yearly service call by an HVAC technician. The technician will:
- Check the belts, and replace them if needed.
- Check and replace the filters.
- Oil any moving parts.
- Inspect the wiring.
Gas-Fired Furnace
A gas-fired, forced-air heating system has simple maintenance requirements. You need to change the furnace filter every month or two during heating season, and oil the circulating fan once a year.
Call a HVAC professional every other year to check the:
- Heat exchanger
- Flue
- Ducts
- Adjust the burner
Oil-Fired Boiler
An oil-fired boiler requires annual maintenance by an HVAC technician to:
- Clean the flue
- Change the fuel filter
- Clean and adjust the fuel jets
Air Conditioner
Air conditioning units require less maintenance. At the beginning and end of each cooling season, you should:
- Clean or replace the air filters
- Vacuum out the unit
- Lubricate the motor
- Have the refrigerant pressure checked, if the unit isn’t cooling properly
For the best results, schedule service calls before the heating or cooling season begins. This approach will provide better attention from technicians and greater flexibility in appointment scheduling.
What To Look for When Hiring a HVAC Company
When you’re hiring a professional, look for HVAC companies that design, install, and service the type of system you have. Full-service companies also tend to be up to-date on the latest advancements in the field.
Besides checking for liability insurance and workers’ compensation policies, also ask for recommendations. Also, check with neighbors, friends, and family who have used the company over several years.
Here are important questions to ask:
- How well did the system run under the company’s care?
- Did the technicians leave the working area clean?
- How quickly did the contractor respond to emergencies?
- Were the service people punctual when you called with a problem?
A quality provider will have an emergency number that’s staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and enough technicians to respond when the weather is awful and calls pile up.
Buying a New HVAC System
Heating and cooling equipment should last at least 15 to 20 years. If your system is older than this, you might want to have its condition evaluated.
Replacing HVAC equipment is a major expense, but modern systems operate much more efficiently than the older units they replace.
Most HVAC contractors specialize in designing and installing the systems of a few manufacturers, so no single shop will carry every major brand.
But before you worry about the equipment, you need to find contractors in your area that are knowledgeable and service-oriented.
First, ask neighbors, friends, and family what companies they hired to replace a furnace or air-conditioning system. If they are happy with the installation, contact the contractor for a consultation about heating or cooling your house.
You should meet with at least two contractors, and hire someone who installs products from a minimum of two manufacturers.
Consult with your current HVAC service company, if you have one. Keep in mind that while its technicians have a good understanding of your home, you’re under no obligation to hire the same firm for the new system.
When picking a contractor, remember that sizing an HVAC unit by matching it to the home and existing ductwork requires skill and experience. A poor design typically results in a system that doesn’t deliver a consistent temperature from room to room. It also costs more to operate.
However, it can be even more serious than that. In very tight houses served by ductwork, poor design can lead to backdrafting, a dangerous situation where flue gasses are sucked back into the house.
Most HVAC shops are small, so the owner should be involved with the system design and either participate actively in the installation or inspect it when it’s done. You don’t want your system designed by a salesperson with no field experience.
Any contractor you’re considering should also provide these products and services:
Heat-Loss Calculation
This process estimates the BTU capacity needed to heat or cool your home. The calculation should include:
- The amount and type of insulation in the walls, attic and floors.
- The type, number, and location of windows and doors.
This data is combined with your regional climatic conditions to determine the size of unit you need. Software has made these calculations relatively easy. HVAC technicians who don’t perform them often suggest oversize equipment to be safe. That’s dollars out of your pocket now and each time you get an energy bill.
Energy Advice
When sizing an HVAC unit, a good contractor will advise you of energy upgrades, such as adding another layer of insulation to the attic. These may allow you to buy a smaller HVAC unit. While purchasing the most energy-efficient unit on the market may not always be cost-effective, it’s important to aim for certain minimum standards.
Here’s what a contractor should offer:
- An AC unit (if below five tons) with a 14 SEER or higher.
- A high-efficiency, natural gas heater with an AFUE of around 90 percent.
- A fuel-oil burner with an AFUE of around 85 percent.
- A heat pump with an 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF.
Automatic Controls
Use a programmable or setback thermostat (around $40), which contains a timer, to regulate all HVAC systems.
These thermostats feature timers that enable you to schedule temperature adjustments, and optimize energy efficiency to provide ideal comfort.
Payback Calculations
A quality HVAC contractor will show you payback calculations for the various units they offer. These calculations should give you estimates of seasonal operating costs.
Variables the contractor will use should include:
- Your regional heating or cooling load.
- The heating or cooling capacity of the units you are considering.
- The cost of various types of energy to allow you to compare the costs of electric, gas, and oil.
Once you receive itemized estimates, compare the costs, and research the equipment. Start by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy and Consumer Reports’ websites, or contact your utility company for comparative lists.
Look at operating efficiency and costs as well as consumer-rated reliability. Then compare your knowledge of the contractors involved and make your decision.
Hot & Cold Tech Speak
Confused by HVAC lingo? It’s meant to make understanding and buying the equipment easier. These terms enable you to make direct comparisons between units within the same fuel category.
Here are some common terms that you should know:
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates how many British thermal units (BTUs) an air conditioning unit will remove for each watt of electricity consumed.
The higher the SEER, the less you spend on operating costs. Federal law mandates a minimum SEER of 13 for all new air conditioning units.
Tonnage
An air conditioning ton equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. So, a three-ton air conditioner can remove about 36,000 BTUs of heat per hour from your home.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency estimates how much heat a unit delivers for every dollar spent on fuel. The higher the AFUE, the lower your heating bills.
So, Which HVAC Pro Should You Hire?
When hiring an HVAC professional, it’s essential to choose a company that is knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest advancements. Look for contractors who can perform comprehensive energy assessments and provide detailed payback calculations for various units. This will help you understand the long-term costs and benefits of different heating and cooling options.
A good contractor will also offer advice on energy upgrades, like adding more insulation. This can boost efficiency and may mean you can purchase a smaller, less expensive HVAC unit. By following these tips, you can make sure your HVAC system operates efficiently, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable for years to come.
Further Information
Article Update Log
Leave a Reply