HOW DO HVAC REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES DIFFER?
“HVAC Service” and “HVAC Maintenance” are common terms often used interchangeably. But they’re not the same. Service generally refers to repairs, while maintenance consists of preventative inspections, cleanings, and adjustments. Knowing the differences between HVAC repair and maintenance services in detail can help you better care for your heating and cooling system so it lasts longer, runs more efficiently, and requires fewer repairs, saving you money in the long run.
What Does HVAC Service/Repair Entail?
An HVAC service call is when a technician comes to your home to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair a problem with your system. The company should send a technician experienced in AC, furnace, or heat pump repair. This person will be licensed and trained to perform specific types of repairs and address issues such as:
- The temperature not reaching or staying at the thermostat setting
- Loud, unusual noises when the unit turns on or is running
- Only warm air blows or airflow is weak/nonexistent
- Higher utility bills compared to past years during the same season
- Musty, chemical, or burning odors from your HVAC system
Therefore, HVAC service helps address why your air conditioner isn’t working as it should or how it used to. Prompt repairs can reduce strain on the system and avoid more serious issues or a complete breakdown. However, there is a way to protect your HVAC system and avoid more costly services.
How HVAC Maintenance Differs From HVAC Service
When discussing HVAC maintenance, we’re referring to scheduled visits by a professional to check on the health of the system. The technician inspects the unit to ensure it’s operating effectively. If any issues are discovered, they can often be repaired at a lower cost than if your AC breaks down. A maintenance call generally involves:
- Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils
- Inspecting and, if necessary, clearing out the condensate drain
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction
- Testing refrigerant pressure and levels
- Inspecting electrical connections
- Checking motor and thermostat function
- Performing tests on safety controls
Technicians arrive equipped to diagnose any problem and have the parts and tools on their trucks to make repairs as needed. But this isn’t the primary focus of maintenance. Aside from changing air filters, tightening connections, and removing covers to clean the interior of AC equipment, not much is done to alter the system. However, a tune-up can involve recharging refrigerant, replacing capacitors, or installing new wires).
How Often Should My AC/Heater Be Serviced Or Maintained?
Your HVAC system should have routine maintenance twice a year. An air conditioner should be checked in the spring, and your heating system should be looked at in the fall. The filter should be replaced every one to three months, but this usually doesn’t require a technician. Regular maintenance can reduce the frequency and scope of repairs.
A well-maintained HVAC unit can last 10, 12, or 15 years without a major repair, but the older it gets, the more frequently it might need to be fixed. This is important to consider as it nears the end of its useful lifespan. If a unit costs more to repair than replace or you’ve had three or more repairs in the past year, replacing it is typically more economical.