Your home’s HVAC system is the backbone of your comfort and well-being throughout the year. Yet many homeowners overlook one critical aspect of maintaining that comfort—seasonal HVAC maintenance. Neglecting this essential upkeep can lead to inefficiencies, unexpected breakdowns, higher energy bills, and potential long-term damage to your system.
While some maintenance tasks—like changing air filters and cleaning vents—are simple enough for homeowners, other critical inspections require a trained professional. Issues such as refrigerant leaks, electrical malfunctions, or failing components can go unnoticed until they cause system breakdowns, which is why scheduling routine professional service is essential.
At IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical, we help keep San Jose homes comfortable every season. Our technicians can assist you whether you need a pre-summer AC tune-up or a winter furnace inspection. Call (669) 322-8182 or contact us online to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.
Spring and Summer Cooling System Maintenance
Without proper AC maintenance, efficiency declines, energy consumption spikes, and unexpected breakdowns become more likely when you need cooling.
To help your air conditioner perform at its best, follow this essential spring and summer maintenance checklist:
- Replace or clean air filters – Air filters catch dust, allergens, and other particles, keeping them from spreading around your home. To maintain good airflow and clean air, check your filters every month and replace them every 1-3 months—or even more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
- Clean vents and registers – Dust and pet hair accumulate in vents, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder. Regularly vacuum and wipe down vents to maintain unobstructed circulation.
- Check the thermostat settings – Optimize comfort and efficiency by adjusting your thermostat for warmer months. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically regulate temperatures, keeping your home cool when occupied and conserving energy when you're away.
- Inspect and clean the outdoor unit – Your condenser unit is exposed to the elements, collecting dirt, leaves, and debris that can obstruct airflow. Carefully remove obstructions and rinse the unit with a gentle hose spray to improve efficiency.
- Check for refrigerant leaks – If your AC isn’t cooling effectively, you notice ice buildup on the coils, or hear hissing sounds, you may have a refrigerant leak. Because handling refrigerant requires specialized training, a professional should perform it.
- Schedule a professional AC tune-up – A seasonal AC inspection helps your system run efficiently. Skilled HVAC technicians will check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, clean and adjust blower components, and confirm that the evaporator and condenser coils function correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to reliable cooling when needed. While you can handle basic upkeep, professional service allows your AC to operate safely and efficiently.
Fall and Winter Heating System Maintenance
A properly cared-for furnace keeps your home cozy and runs more efficiently. It also helps lower energy bills and decreases the chances of breaking down when you need your system most.
For reliable performance all winter, follow these essential furnace maintenance steps:
- Replace or clean air filters – A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your heating system to work harder. Regularly replacing or cleaning filters improves indoor air quality and allows your furnace to distribute warm air efficiently.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors – Carbon monoxide (CO) leaks are a serious safety concern if you use a gas furnace. Test your CO detectors and replace batteries as needed to ensure they function properly throughout the heating season.
- Inspect and clean furnace burners – Dust and debris can accumulate on furnace burners, affecting combustion efficiency and potentially leading to performance issues. Because this involves working with gas components, an HVAC professional should handle it.
- Check and seal ductwork – Leaky ducts can lead to significant heat loss, forcing your furnace to run longer to maintain your desired temperature. Inspect your ductwork for gaps or damage, and seal any leaks to improve efficiency and reduce energy waste.
- Test the thermostat – Switch your thermostat to heat mode before cold weather sets in to ensure it responds correctly. Your furnace may have underlying issues that require attention if your home takes too long to warm up or the system doesn’t turn on as expected.
- Schedule a professional furnace inspection – Preventative maintenance is a great way to avoid mid-season heating failures. An experienced HVAC technician can inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, clean burners, check electrical connections, and verify that your system operates safely and efficiently.
When winter arrives, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning heating system. Avoid potential problems by scheduling a seasonal tune-up.
Why Some HVAC Maintenance Tasks Require Professional Assistance
While you can handle some HVAC maintenance tasks, such as changing air filters or cleaning vents, others require the assistance of a trained professional. Attempting complex maintenance on your own can lead to costly mistakes, safety hazards, and permanent damage to your system.
One of the biggest risks of DIY HVAC work is handling refrigerant. Air conditioners and heat pumps operate efficiently with a precise refrigerant charge. If there’s a leak or an improper refill, your system could experience severe performance issues, increased energy consumption, and potential environmental harm. Licensed technicians have the tools to safely handle refrigerants, detect leaks, and restore system efficiency.
Electrical components also pose serious risks for untrained individuals. A professional technician can safely measure voltage and current on motors, tighten electrical connections, and prevent issues like short circuits or power failures. Loose or faulty wiring reduces efficiency and can create fire hazards if left unaddressed.
Beyond safety, professional maintenance improves long-term system performance. Trained HVAC technicians lubricate moving parts to reduce friction, preventing excessive wear and lowering energy consumption. They also inspect and clear condensate drains to prevent water buildup that could lead to mold growth or system failure.
Additionally, professionals assess the system’s controls to confirm safe and proper operation, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Skipping regular professional maintenance might mean paying more on energy bills, dealing with unexpected breakdowns, and facing the risk of your system wearing out sooner than it should.
Protect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency with Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system works hard year-round to keep your home comfortable, but without regular maintenance, efficiency drops, utility bills rise, and unexpected breakdowns become more likely. Seasonal maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring reliable performance no matter the weather.
You can perform a few maintenance tasks yourself, like swapping out air filters or removing debris from your outdoor units. However, more complex and safety-related jobs require a professional touch. An HVAC technician will have the tools, skills, and know-how to handle these intricate processes, providing peace of mind and restoring your system to peak performance.
Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up in San Jose with IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical. Call (669) 322-8182 or contact us online to book a service.