HVAC Maintenance: HVAC Repair Costs and How to Avoid Them

Everybody needs the right temperature to be comfortable. When people feel uncomfortable with the climate, it affects what they wear and how living things around them thrive. For example, certain houseplants, like snake plants, work well in cold atmospheres, while some tender perennials can’t survive in those conditions. That’s why it’s a non-negotiable to keep your HVAC system working well to prevent problems with uneven temperatures and unwanted odors. 

You can start with regular air filter replacement to ensure your system is clean and properly maintained. Then, you can invest in routine checkups for your unit to see whether or not it’s time to replace it. Doing these things will definitely save you money from unwanted repair costs. And it can also extend the longevity of your equipment, which adds to up to 30% to your savings in the long run. Still confused about what to do? In this post, you’ll learn about HVAC upkeep, different repair costs, and ways you can do to keep your units healthy and in top condition.

Key Takeaways

• Frequent HVAC maintenance can help you save up to 30% from unnecessary repair costs.
• Common HVAC problems include uneven temperatures, annoying odors, and poor airflow.
• Air filter replacement is one way to regularly maintain your units.
• Preventative maintenance like annual duct cleaning is key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. 

What is HVAC Maintenance?

Your HVAC equipment functions as a whole system. Homes with HVAC systems are fitted with equipment to control the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning features inside the house. Your HVAC system has multiple jobs, which means maintenance is never a one-and-done type of task.

HVAC maintenance involves both regular upkeep from the homeowner, as well professional HVAC services. Your local HVAC technician will do the heavy lifting, but there are features in your system that you should check up on once a month, once a season, and once a year. Here are some of the most important items to have on your checklist:

Monthly

• Check your AC refrigerant lines. If these two copper lines show signs of leaks, your air conditioner is working inefficiently.

Seasonally

• In the summertime, turn off the water to your furnace humidifier.
• In the fall, turn the water back on and replace the humidifier filter.
• Change your air filter every 3 months.

Annually

• Use bleach to clean your AC condensation drain line.
• Make sure your outdoor AC unit is free of debris.
• Make sure your blower motor is lubricated and free of dust.
• Replace your fan belt if it is worn or not functioning properly.
• Check your carbon monoxide monitors and replace the batteries.

Why is HVAC Maintenance Necessary?

Unresolved HVAC problems can have a domino effect – it’s important to find the root of the issues in the equipment quickly. If you let maintenance problems go unresolved, you could be racking up a hefty bill when you eventually schedule professional HVAC services. HVAC repair costs can be high in the first place. If you let problems prolong or spread, you could be doubling, or even tripling your bill. This is why we recommend you inspect your HVAC system monthly, quarterly, and yearly.

High HVAC repair costs aren’t the only reason you should be maintaining your HVAC system. A neglected system can cause health hazards that you don’t want your family around. Mold growth, excess dander and allergens, and low air quality can impact your loved ones. Luckily these problems and high HVAC repair costs can be avoided with regular maintenance.

What are the Most Common HVAC Problems?

HVAC systems involve a lot of equipment and moving parts, so there is a massive variety of issues that can arise. Despite this, there are a few common problems that homeowners face regularly.

1. Broken thermostat

A broken thermostat can cause issues like extreme temperatures, delayed cooling and heating, or no response at all. If this happens to you, we recommend changing your batteries, recalibrating your thermostat, reviewing your settings, or cleaning the buttons on the device.

2. Low efficiency

Low efficiency means that heating and cooling have slowed down or that your system is unable to keep up with extreme outside temperatures. The first thing you want to do is check all your air filters. If air is being pumped through your system at a slower rate than normal, you could have a clogged air filter. It’s important to change your filters every 3 months to ensure that your HVAC system isn’t working harder than it needs to. With clogged filters, you’ll end up paying higher energy bills and your indoor air quality will be lower as well.

3. Leaks

HVAC systems generate a substantial amount of moisture. If you’re finding leaks in your home due to HVAC equipment, you need to address this issue immediately. Excess moisture can cause mold, electrical, and structural damage that is extremely expensive to repair. To address a leak, first, check your drain pipes. Make sure you regularly clear them with vinegar or bleach. Also, check for pipe damage and repair minor cracks. Any other issues you may find should be addressed by a professional.

4. Dust build-up in the furnace

This makes your furnace much less efficient because dust usually collects on the cooling coils on the inside, decreasing its ability to transfer heat. This makes your furnace work harder and longer to warm up the air, which reflects in your monthly power bill. In extreme cases of dust build-up, heat can get trapped inside your furnace. This will overheat your furnace equipment and the whole furnace will shut off. You will then have to hire a professional furnace repair service.

These are just a few frequent problems homeowners encounter, there are dozens more issues that could arise. Some of these common HVAC problems can be fixed with a simple flip of a switch or a new air filter. Beyond that though, we advise that you hire professional HVAC services for more complicated maintenance tasks. This will preserve the lifespan of your equipment and ensure all repairs are made correctly.

Is my Air Filter Causing HVAC Problems?

Your HVAC system constantly moves air, which carries dust, dander, allergens, and debris. If these particles aren’t filtered out, they can damage your system. Changing your air filter regularly helps prevent these issues.

Why Air Filters Matter:

• Trap Dust and Debris: Air filters catch particles and stop them from entering sensitive parts of your system.
• Improve Airflow: A clean filter allows air to move freely, helping your furnace or air conditioner work efficiently.
• Prevent Recirculating Dust: A clogged filter pushes dusty air back into your home, lowering indoor air quality.

How a Dirty Filter Impacts Your HVAC:

• Slower Performance: A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system take longer to heat or cool your home.
• Higher Energy Bills: The blower motor has to work harder to push air through clogged filters, using more energy.
• Potential Damage: If the filter is too clogged, the blower motor may overheat and burn out, leading to costly repairs or breakdowns.

Why Filter Size Matters:

• Too Small: Allows dust to bypass the filter and enter the system, causing damage.
• Too Big: Won’t fit properly, creating gaps that let debris through.
• Accurate Sizing: Always measure carefully to avoid wasting money on inefficient filters and repairs.

Pro Tip: Can’t find the right size? Filterbuy offers over 600 filter sizes and custom-made options to fit your needs!

By staying on top of filter changes and using the correct size, you’ll keep your HVAC system running smoothly and save on energy costs and repairs.

How Much Does HVAC Maintenance Cost?

Generally, HVAC repair costs range from $100 to $600. This does not include the service call cost before your repair, which can be around $100 and $250. Then, there are some HVAC service providers who will likely charge an hourly or flat rate for the labor. Take note of how hourly rates typically range from $50 to $100 an hour, depending on the service area.

Aside from those two, here are factors that usually impact HVAC service costs:

• Cost of replacement parts.
• Hours of labor.
• Severity of damages.
• Quality of replacement parts.
• Size of your home.

To give you more idea about the costs, here are typical replacement part and labor prices from various sources:

Keep in mind that these prices are estimates for an average American home. Depending on where you live in the country and the size of your home, these HVAC repair costs could be drastically different.

How to Prevent HVAC Problems

If you want to avoid high HVAC repair costs, you need to regularly maintain and check up on your HVAC system. This involves monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections done by you as well as regularly by a professional. This prevents problems from building up and causing unnecessary damage to your equipment and the rest of your home.

One of the best things you can do for your HVAC system is regularly replace your air filters. Air filters get clogged over time and these clogged filters can cause issues in your HVAC equipment later down the line. Based on the HVAC repair cost estimates mentioned previously, the price for HVAC parts and labor is not cheap. In many cases, you’ll be spending upwards of $1000 just for the parts you need! Keeping a steady supply of clean air filters on hand can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Getting Started with Regular HVAC Maintenance With Filterbuy HVAC Solutions

Frequent HVAC maintenance is vital to keeping your home comfortable. And it doesn’t end there; doing so will improve energy efficiency and avoid costly repairs, too. To simplify things, here’s Filterbuy’s step-by-step guide to keep your system in best shape:

Step 1: Have Monthly Replacements of Your Air Filter: Always remember how air filters should be checked every month, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. If your filter looks dirty, it’s definitely time to replace it. This would lead to better airflow and better unit efficiency.

Step 2: Inspect Your Outdoor Unit For Debris: Keep in mind to keep the outdoor unit free from leaves or branches that can obstruct the airflow. You can do this quarterly or as much as you can. Make sure to trim your plants that are around the unit to keep at least a two-foot clearance to avoid problems in the future.

Step 3: Ensure HVAC Check-Ups: Having tune-ups by an HVAC expert is essential to guarantee your system is functioning as it should. Note how an experienced technician can spot issues early and keep your HVAC running efficiently. So, plan your regular maintenance in advance and do it annually to save you from headaches later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing air filter improve performance HVAC?

Absolutely, regularly changing your air filter can improve HVAC efficiency, reduce energy consumption, extend the life of your system, and enhance indoor air quality. A clean air filter allows your HVAC system to operate at optimal levels, ensuring that it runs efficiently and effectively.

What is the purpose of the air filter in the HVAC system?

The purpose of the HVAC system's air filter is to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. By capturing these particles, the air filter helps to maintain indoor air quality and protect your HVAC system's components from damage caused by debris accumulation.

What is the most expensive part of an HVAC system?

The heat exchanger is often considered the most expensive component of an HVAC system due to its complexity and importance in its operation. It is responsible for transferring heat between the refrigerant and the air, making it a critical component in both heating and cooling processes.

How long does it take to replace an HVAC system?

The time to replace an HVAC system can vary depending on factors like the size of your home, the complexity of the installation, and any additional work required. However, a typical installation can take anywhere from one to three days. Ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, or additional labor can extend the installation timeline.

How much does it cost to install HVAC system with ductwork?

The cost of installing an HVAC system with ductwork varies widely based on factors such as the size of your home, the type of system (e.g., central air conditioning, heat pump), the system's efficiency rating, the installation's complexity, and your geographic location. On average, you can expect to pay several thousand dollars for a new HVAC system with ductwork. It's best to obtain quotes from multiple licensed HVAC contractors to estimate your situation accurately.

How long do HVAC systems last?

Well-maintained HVAC systems can last 15 to 20 years or more. However, usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions can affect their lifespan. Regular maintenance, such as annual tune-ups and air filter replacements, can help extend the life of your HVAC system and ensure it operates at peak efficiency.

Does an HVAC system use a lot of electricity?

Yes, HVAC systems can consume significant electricity, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. However, energy-efficient models can help reduce energy consumption. Factors such as the size of your home, the efficiency rating of your HVAC system, and your thermostat settings can all impact the amount of electricity your HVAC system uses.

Do HVAC systems need to be charged?

No, HVAC systems do not need to be charged. They operate on electricity, which is supplied by your local power grid. However, some HVAC systems, such as refrigerants (e.g., air conditioners and heat pumps), may require periodic refrigerant recharging if a leak is detected. This process should only be performed by a licensed HVAC professional.