Whether congratulations are in order for your new home or this is another year creating more memories in the place you call home, one crucial aspect of homeownership you shouldn't overlook is maintaining your HVAC system. Regular maintenance doesn’t just ensure your comfort year-round, it can also extend the life of your heating and cooling system and save you money on energy bills.

Let's walk through an essential HVAC maintenance checklist to keep your system running smoothly.

Understanding Your HVAC System

Before diving into maintenance tasks, it's important to familiarize yourself with your HVAC system. Locate the indoor and outdoor units, identify the air filter, and locate the systems power and supply switches as well as gas shut-offs. This information will be necessary for maintenance and potential repairs down the line.

Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As winter approaches, it's crucial to ensure routine maintenance has been performed on your system. When you schedule with our certified technicians, they perform a 47-point tune up including the aspects below:

• Clean and test ignition components
• Test and tune combustion of gas systems
• Inspect and calibrate airflow
• Inspect the heat exchanger condition and performance 
• Verify all electrical components are within specified levels
• Check for any unusual noises or odors during operation
• Test and inspect all venting to ensure safety
• Test the thermostat and replace batteries if necessary
• And much more!

We also recommend replacing your filter regularly and can help check if your duct work needs cleaned!

Fall HVAC Tips

• Change air filters regularly: This is one of the most important and easiest maintenance tasks. Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type.
• Keep the area around outdoor units clear: Remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from around your outdoor unit to ensure proper airflow.
• Monitor your energy bills: A sudden increase in energy consumption could indicate an HVAC issue.
• Listen for unusual noises: Squealing, grinding, or banging sounds may signal a problem that needs professional attention.
• Maintain proper humidity levels. Ideal levels are between 30-50%.
• Seal air leaks: Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any leaks to improve your HVAC system's efficiency.
• Use a programmable thermostat: This can help optimize your HVAC usage and save on energy bills.

When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, many require professional expertise:

• Full system tune-ups
• Refrigerant handling and recharging
• Anything involving electrical components 
• Ductwork cleaning and sealing

Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing major breakdowns and extending the life of your HVAC system. By following this preventative maintenance checklist, you're taking an important step in protecting your home investment and ensuring your family's comfort.

For expert HVAC maintenance, trust the experienced team at Schaal Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. With over 75 years of experience, we've been keeping Iowa homes comfortable through every season. Call Schaal Ya'all at (515) 207-6042 for all your HVAC maintenance needs!