Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Guide

Staying comfortable year-round is constant work for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Your HVAC is built for continuous use, but even the most hardworking system needs regular maintenance to keep it reliable. Homeowners can help out by putting a little time into seasonal maintenance. Here’s what to include in an HVAC maintenance routine to help you protect your home’s comfort.

The Importance of Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Florida’s weather can shift in a second, from high heat and humidity to cooler, rainy weather — and your HVAC system must be able to handle these conditions. That kind of year-round demand puts stress on your cooling and heating equipment. Seasonal maintenance reduces wear and tear, so you can reduce your expenses and stay comfortable.

As the HVAC operates and cools your home, dust and wear start to slow the system down. These issues may seem minor initially, but they eventually reduce system efficiency, making your HVAC work harder to achieve the same temperatures. This means higher utility bills and a risk of expensive breakdowns. Regular maintenance prevents problems from becoming outages and keeps your air cleaner.

The Benefits of Regular Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

The importance of seasonal HVAC inspections cannot be overstated. Caring for your HVAC system is critical for home comfort and avoiding expensive repair bills. Seasonal maintenance keeps your system in good condition so it runs when needed. Regular HVAC care provides:

• Better efficiency: Well-maintained systems don’t have to work as hard to cool your home. That means they use less energy, and you see reduced energy bills. Simple maintenance keeps your system efficient all year.
• Longer system life: HVAC systems are an investment. They typically last between seven to 25 years, depending on the type. You can extend the system’s life by keeping everything in good condition. Replacing and maintaining parts keeps your HVAC running smoothly.
• Reduced costs: Small checkups mean you can catch problems before they become a full breakdown or large-scale repairs that drive up your expenses. Preventive care can save you money in the long run.
• Humidity control: Florida is known for its humidity. Proper cooling system maintenance removes moisture more effectively, which helps prevent mold growth. You can help protect your household’s health and belongings from the high humidity.
• Improved air quality: HVAC maintenance can improve your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can affect your health, making your home uncomfortable. However, cleaning ducts and filters keep the dust and allergens out of your home — a much-needed relief during springtime.

HVAC Maintenance Tips

Creating a seasonal HVAC maintenance checklist that works with your schedule makes caring for your system easier. Here are some seasonal HVAC tips to help you get started.

Spring

Spring in Florida is the perfect time to fix your cooling system before the sweltering summer heat hits. Homeowners should emphasize prevention in the spring. A little prep now can help reduce summer HVAC costs and prevent mid-summer breakdowns.

Focus on these areas in the spring to minimize allergies and make sure everything works correctly:

• Replace or clean air filters: Check your filter monthly and change or wash it as needed. If you have pets or allergies, change it out more frequently and invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to catch particles in the air.
• Clear debris: Springtime means plants are growing. All that new growth leads to leaves, dirt and branches around your HVAC condenser. Clear the exterior unit regularly to maintain proper ventilation.
• Inspect vents: Move furniture, rugs and knickknacks away from vents and registers. If they’re in the way, they block airflow.
• Check your thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is working. Does it switch to cooling mode? Will it hold the set temperature? If there’s an issue with the thermostat, get it fixed early.
• Schedule a tune up: Schedule spring HVAC maintenance with a technician. They’ll catch the small issues and fix them before summer can wear your HVAC down.

Summer

Once summer hits, your HVAC will be working full-time. Summer HVAC maintenance is all about preventing the system from becoming inefficient. 

Here are some of the most important summer maintenance tasks:

• Watch energy bills: A sudden spike in energy bills can mean your system is struggling. Spring maintenance should have restored system efficiency. If you’re seeing high energy bills, you might have a problem that needs to be fixed.
• Change filters: Keep changing out your air filter as needed to improve efficiency and IAQ.
• Stay vigilant: Watch and listen for unusual HVAC activity. Any short cycling, loud sounds or weak airflow could be a warning. If you spot a concern, contact a technician to inspect the unit.
• Use fans: Ceiling fans can circulate cool air more efficiently. They’ll move the air around, cooling the house so your air conditioner can take breaks.
• Close gaps: If you’re noticing drafts, there could be gaps around your windows and doors. These gaps let hot air inside, which makes your HVAC work harder. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and keep the cold inside.

Fall

Fall is milder in Florida than in other states, but you still need to do some maintenance. As the weather cools, it’s a good time to clean off your HVAC system and prepare for colder days. While not all of Florida sees low temperatures, you might still need heating for surprise temperature drops. 

Here are some fall HVAC maintenance tips for your home:

• Inspect air vents: You should get a professional to clean your vents, but you can inspect ventilation for dirt and buildup. If you’re seeing lots of pet hair and debris, it could be affecting airflow.
• Test your heating: Run your heat to make sure it’s working. Does the house heat quickly? Are there unusual sounds or smells? If everything is working properly, you’re ready for winter.
• Seal leaks: If you skipped sealing leaks during summer, it’s time to revisit your home’s drafty areas. Cold will seep into the smallest cracks. Get caulk and weatherstripping to close up those leaks. 
• Schedule an inspection: Have a technician return for a fall inspection. They’ll check electrical components, refrigerant levels and the overall system to ensure everything’s ready for winter. Working all summer long can leave your HVAC system needing a tune up.
• Clean exterior: Clear off your exterior unit to improve efficiency. Debris from fall and summer can make your outdoor unit dirty. 
• Change filters: Swap out your filters again. This needs to be done every month if possible, but some homes may be able to go longer if they don’t have pets or deal with allergies.

Winter

Florida winters are mild, but temperatures can still dip into the 40s. When these cold periods hit, you want your heating system ready. Preparing your HVAC system for winter means focusing on prevention. If you spot an issue, call an expert quickly. The goal is to never go without heating during the colder months.

Here’s what to focus on with winter HVAC maintenance: 

• Run the heat weekly: Run your heating once a week, even if you don’t always need heat. Using your system occasionally keeps it working and prevents mechanical issues that can develop if it sits for a long time. Testing the unit ensures it’s ready at all times.
• Listen for issues: Weird smells, noisy startup and cold air when operating the heat are all warning signs. Watch out for these issues and call a professional to fix any problems you suspect.
• Replace filters: Swap out your filters to avoid dusty air. Preventing filter clogs is essential for reducing system wear.
• Check outdoor units: Even in the winter, debris and dirt will need to be cleared from your heat pump or combo unit.
• Keep thermostats consistent: Avoid major temperature swings. Gradually adjusting your thermostat lets you hit the most comfortable conditions without overworking the system.
• Insulate where needed: Garages, attics and crawl spaces are common heat loss spots. Add insulation to these areas to boost system performance and reduce your energy bills.

Winter is also a good time to start thinking about your HVAC’s future. Is the system older, or does it need frequent repairs? It might be more cost-effective to replace the entire system after the cold snaps are over. This period lets you go without cooling when Florida’s climate is most comfortable. Talk to your HVAC technician about upgrade options to improve energy savings and performance.

When to Schedule HVAC Service

Scheduling preventive HVAC service requires some planning. The beginning of spring and fall are the best times to schedule professional service. These periods are right before your system starts running full-time. Spring and fall dates also avoid the emergency summer backlog — outages are more common when the HVAC is working its hardest. You’ll get in right before the busy season to prep your system for long hours.

A spring check-in gets your cooling system ready for summer. Technicians will clean and inspect the unit. They’ll look at refrigerant levels, tune the components and test the system so it can perform efficiently. If there’s any problem with the cooling, technicians will advise you on the next steps so you can stay cool during the summer.

Fall is the time to focus on heating. Professionals will run a system check to make sure it’s ready to work for Florida’s few cold periods. Getting a tuneup in the fall gives you time to address any issues without emergency costs. 

Always call a professional if you have an HVAC emergency or notice a recurring problem. Waiting until the slow season could leave you without heating or cooling when you need it. Plus, you risk paying for a complete replacement when early attention might have reduced repair costs.

What to Expect During a Seasonal Maintenance Check-In

Once you’ve scheduled a seasonal maintenance appointment, you’re ready for the rest of the year. Technicians will arrive to make sure your system is working at its best. Common professional maintenance includes:

• Drain line clearing: Professionals flush your condensate lines to prevent moisture issues.
• Refrigerant inspection: They’ll measure and top off refrigerant so your cooling stays efficient.
• Electrical check: Technicians inspect wiring and electrical connections. They take voltage readings to ensure everything is safe.
• Air filter replacement: Professionals will replace or clean your air filters to maintain efficient airflow.
• Coil cleaning: Your condenser and evaporator coils need cleaning so your HVAC can cool efficiently. A technician will complete that task. 
• System cycling test: Finally, technicians run the system through a full cycle. This lets them check the unit for startup, operation and shutdown issues.

If technicians find any problems, they’ll recommend your next steps. They’ll repair smaller issues to prepare your system for summer or winter. If there are major problems, they’ll tell you if you need to schedule another appointment for upgrades or repairs this season.

Signs Your System Needs Maintenance

Seasonal care is the best way to prevent HVAC issues, but surprises can still happen. Sometimes, your HVAC system shows signs of problems needing immediate attention. Knowing what to look for helps you decide when to wait for scheduled service and when to seek immediate repairs. Here are some common signs that it’s time to call a professional right away:

• Increased humidity: Your air conditioner should help control indoor humidity. If your home feels sticky or damp, your unit needs a checkup. Too much moisture can lead to mold. 
• Unusual airflow: Cooling systems should blow cold air. Warm or weak airflow are signs of an issue with the ductwork, compressor or air handler.
• High energy bills: Sudden energy bill spikes mean your system is working harder than it should. If you haven’t changed your HVAC use, something is going on.
• Strange noises: Banging, grinding, rattling or clicking sounds are a concern. HVAC systems should operate relatively quietly. The unit could have loose parts or motor issues.
• Short cycling: Short cycling is when your system turns on and off frequently without reaching the correct temperature. This is an HVAC problem that just uses up energy. Get a technician in to diagnose the issue.

Get Year-Round HVAC Services From Strada Air Conditioning & Heating 

Keep your HVAC running efficiently and reliably with seasonal maintenance. Strada Air Conditioning & Heating has the experience to prepare your system to handle Florida’s demanding climate. We offer everything from routine heating tuneups to residential air conditioning system service so you can keep your home comfortable. 

As a family-owned business, we understand how important care and respect are to homeowners. We pride ourselves on professionalism and high quality. With convenient 24/7 online scheduling and our Best Price Guarantee, you can count on us to deliver exceptional service. Choose Strada Air Conditioning & Heating for all your residential service needs. Reach out online to schedule your seasonal maintenance service!