Springtime in Billings, MT brings a major shift from cold temperatures to much warmer conditions. Scheduling spring HVAC maintenance ahead of this change is important. This process can protect the longevity of your equipment while helping prevent unexpected malfunctions.
When to Schedule Spring Maintenance
The best time of year to schedule spring maintenance is before temperatures start to shift and you start using your air conditioning equipment. In Billings, this is usually between late March and early May. You can beat the summer rush when people turn their air conditioning on for the first time, determine it’s not working properly and call for help. Scheduling early will allow you to make an appointment on a day and at a time that works for you.
There may be certain discounts or incentives available when you schedule spring maintenance early. You may want to consider enrolling in a maintenance plan to make this process more affordable and convenient. These plans often provide other benefits, such as a discount on repairs and services and priority scheduling.
The Benefits of Spring Maintenance
You can enjoy a seamless transition between heating and cooling when you schedule spring maintenance. Temperatures can fluctuate over the course of the day and night during Montana’s spring season. You’ll likely use both your furnace and air conditioner until summer arrives and you make the shift to primarily cooling your home.
Efficiency
You want to ensure the efficiency of your system so you’re not wasting money on energy. Allowing a professional to spot issues early on will result in prompt repairs that are affordable to address now.
System Longevity
Heating and cooling equipment should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. This time frame may be much less if you don’t schedule routine maintenance each year. Skipping routine maintenance can also result in more frequent repair needs and catastrophic equipment shutdowns that leave you without heating or cooling.
Peace of Mind
Routine maintenance before each spring provides you with peace of mind, knowing that you will have a comfortable and safe home throughout the spring and the rest of the year.
Indoor Air Quality
Consider allergy season when you’re planning routine HVAC maintenance prior to spring. If you head inside to escape high levels of pollen, you need to ensure your indoor air quality is maintained. Clean HVAC systems that are running properly will help you ensure optimal IAQ. You should also have your whole-house filtration equipment inspected each year to ensure proper purification of your indoor air. Keep up with changing the filters in these units as well. Whole-home humidity-controlling equipment should be inspected and maintained periodically.
HVAC Maintenance Tasks
There are specific parts of your HVAC system that a professional will inspect and service as part of routine maintenance. Parts like the condenser and evaporator coils should be cleaned thoroughly to prevent system strain and ensure efficiency. When these parts become coated with debris, this can impede their ability to absorb and release heat.
Refrigerant Levels
It’s also important to have your refrigerant levels checked. If levels are low, this prevents your air conditioner from cooling efficiently and effectively. If a leak is present in your refrigerant line, this is something that should be repaired prior to having your refrigerant refilled. It can be dangerous to work with refrigerant, which is why you should leave this job to a knowledgeable and experienced AC maintenance services technician.
Thermostat Function
Your thermostat should be properly calibrated to help you achieve a comfortable interior temperature. If you haven’t already upgraded to one, talk to your technician about having a smart thermostat installed. This will provide you with more convenience as well as better control over your HVAC system.
Lubrication
The lubrication of moving parts inside your HVAC equipment will reduce friction. This can protect the lifespan of your equipment and prevent malfunction.
Electrical Connections
Loose or damaged electrical connections can be a safety risk. Corrosion and fraying are common. Capacitors can fail as they age, especially during the summer months when cooling equipment use is at its highest. Avoid fire hazards and electrical shock with routine HVAC maintenance.
Visible Inspection
Spotting any visible signs of damage, rust or corrosion can help alert you to the end of life of your system. You can budget and plan for a replacement. This is a major expense, and it’s ideal to avoid unexpected system shutdowns.
Outdoor Units
Inspection of your outdoor equipment will ensure that there isn’t any debris accumulating around its perimeter. It’s essential that proper airflow can move through your equipment for optimal function and to reduce system strain. There may be debris inside the unit that needs to be cleaned.
Testing
Testing your HVAC system will allow professionals to check airflow and efficiency. Checking temperature output is also beneficial and can help address uneven heating and cooling in your home. It’s also important that a professional ensure your HVAC system is running normal cycles. Short cycling refers to your heating and cooling equipment turning on and off more frequently than is typical. Usually, this occurs before a full cycle is completed. This places unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment, reduces system efficiency and compromises the comfort of your home. Sometimes, short cycling can be caused by something serious like an electrical connection problem. You may also have a simpler issue, like vents being blocked.
Filter Considerations
You should change the filter in your HVAC system once every 30 to 90 days. If this isn’t done, it could lead to system strain and poor indoor air quality.
Upgrading to Ductwork Assistance
In addition to routine maintenance, you may want to consider having your ductwork inspected. If your ducts have damage that is allowing air to leak out, this can compromise the comfort of your home. The leaks could also negatively affect your indoor air quality as contaminants enter your ducts and circulate through your living spaces. You can have your ductwork sealed to prevent leaks.
You should also schedule a duct cleaning every three to five years. This removes particulate matter that has built up in your ductwork. Consider more frequent cleanings if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or you have pets in the home.
Professional HVAC Maintenance Support
Make sure that you’re scheduling your spring maintenance with a knowledgeable HVAC team that has experience with Montana’s climate. They should have a good reputation with organizations like the Better Business Bureau. Customer reviews are a great way to find the best HVAC team in your area.
Make sure that you call an HVAC professional if you notice anything is wrong with your equipment in between routine appointments. This includes odd smells coming from your vents, lack of airflow and a sudden spike in your energy use.
Scheduling spring maintenance for your Billings home is easy with the help of Central Heating & Air Conditioning, especially with our money-saving Preventative Maintenance Plan. Taking care of this process ahead of spring will allow you to reap the benefits of energy efficiency, comfort and reliability. For more information or to schedule an appointment, reach out to our team at Central Heating & Air Conditioning in Billings today.
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