Having an HVAC contractor perform regularly scheduled maintenance on your HVAC system is an excellent way to save money and hassle in the long run. Having a well-serviced system and annual maintenance can improve the efficiency and longevity of your system while significantly reducing your electricity bills. The question, that may be asked, is when is the best time to schedule such maintenance so that it is convenient and is also cost effective. According to most professionals, fall is the ideal time to schedule maintenance on your system. Most HVAC contractors offer an annual maintenance contract, but even if you do not want to commit to an annual agreement, you should have your system serviced every fall for the following reasons. A well serviced HVAC unit improves the efficiency of your heater which in turn, saves you money. With utility costs rising, it helps to find ways of reducing the cost to heat your home. In many cases, you do not need to replace your unit but simply have it serviced regularly to ensure that it is working properly.  Typically, anything you spend servicing it will come back in dividends with lower utility bills throughout the winter. Safety is another reason you should get your system maintained at least once per year. After using the air conditioning all summer, your system may be in need of repair.  Prior to using the heat all of the time, it is important to be sure that nothing is broken, loose or out of place.  Heating units, that are un-serviced, can pose a potential fire hazard so you should do this before the worst part of winter. Additionally regular maintenance by an HVAC contractor can save you money on costly repairs by catching potential problems before they occur. Ultimately, by having your unit serviced, its lifespan will increase.  With proper repairs and a consistent maintenance schedule, an HVAC system should easily last your home at least twenty years. As an HVAC contractor, we will go through an entire checklist of things that need to be checked or fixed during the course of the maintenance visit. We will typically do the following –

• Testing: Testing the thermostat for accuracy and ensuring that you are getting a precise reading is important. A thermostat, that is out of sync, can cost you more money in heating bills. We will also test for carbon monoxide as high levels of this gas can be toxic.
• Lubricate: Finally, as an HVAC contractor, we may lubricate all moving parts to ensure a smooth and quiet performance.
• Cleaning: During maintenance, we will check the heat exchange and ensure that the burners are clean. We may also need to clean the pilot light system.
• Check: There are several parts that will need to be checked, these include:
  • The condenser pan, which should include flushing the pan
  • Checking the entire system for leaks.
  • Checking all the safety features on the unit.
  • Checking the fan speed and also inspecting the belt for wear and tear.