The most telltale sign that your HVAC system needs maintenance is when it doesn’t heat or cool your home. Most HVAC complaints are related to comfort, but other signs such as noise, leaks, and high energy bills could signal that it’s time for a tune-up.
10 Signs You Need HVAC Maintenance in Suffolk County
From comfort problems to grinding noises and odors, these are the signs that you need professional HVAC maintenance on Long Island.
- You Aren’t Comfortable (Temperature Problems) – Do you feel hot in the summer even when your AC is on? Are some rooms uncomfortably cold when you run your heating during winter? Temperature problems are often the first sign that it’s time for HVAC maintenance.
- Excessive Humidity – Excessively high or low humidity affects how comfortable you feel in your home.
- Your System is Running Constantly – If your system is on 24/7, it could be undersized for your home, or might need cleaning or other maintenance to restore its performance.
- Your System Frequently Cycles – A frequently cycling system affects comfort and increases energy consumption. Maintenance can resolve most common short-cycling issues.
- There are Odors from Your Vents or Split Systems – Burning odors can indicate component problems, while musty odors are a sign that your equipment needs cleaning.
- Weak Air Flow – Weak airflow affects comfort and efficiency. Regular maintenance can address and prevent this problem from occurring.
- Strange Sounds from Your HVAC System – Squealing and grinding noises are common in systems that aren’t frequently serviced and lubricated.
- Indoor Units are Leaking – Leaking could indicate a refrigerant problem, a fan and airflow issue, or it could simply suggest that the drainage system is clogged. Maintenance helps prevent leaks.
- Your Thermostat Doesn’t Work – If your thermostat doesn’t work or if the settings don’t reflect how your HVAC feels, then it’s time for maintenance with a trusted local technician.
- Your Energy Bills Have Spiked – High energy bills are often linked to an inefficient air conditioner or furnace. Regular maintenance keeps everything optimized to keep your bills consistent.
Don’t ignore the signs that you need HVAC maintenance. Minor concerns can escalate to complex and costly repairs. An inspection can reveal hidden problems to get your system working its best while preventing catastrophic failures.
How Often is HVAC Maintenance Needed
You need professional HVAC maintenance on Long Island every six months.
- Your air conditioner needs a seasonal tune-up in spring to prepare for peak cooling demand in summer.
- Your heating system needs a tune-up in the fall to ensure you’re ready for a cold Long Island winter.
You might have equipment that runs all year, like a central heat pump or mini-split systems in various rooms. This equipment also needs service every six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need an HVAC Maintenance Plan?
It’s generally a good idea to have an HVAC maintenance plan. It’s easy to forget to book service every six months, especially when you’re busy with your household, work, and all your other commitments. You could make a reminder in your calendar, or, even better, sign up for planned service with your local HVAC contractor. Scheduled maintenance eliminates the guesswork, and you will never forget your seasonal tune-up.
Planned service covers seasonal tune-ups, gives you priority scheduling, and you will enjoy a discount on any necessary repair parts during service.
What is an HVAC Tune-Up? Is it Different from Regular Maintenance?
An HVAC tune-up is another term for HVAC maintenance. The steps are often similar, customized for your unique needs. A seasonal tune-up is simply HVAC maintenance performed at the start of the season (the best time to maintain your equipment).
What Happens During an HVAC Maintenance Visit?
Specific services depend on the type of system you have and its condition, but most maintenance visits will include indoor and outdoor unit cleaning, filter cleaning or replacement, lubrication of moving parts, electrical testing, a general inspection, and repair or replacement of any worn parts.
Get Cost-Efficient HVAC Maintenance Customized to Your Needs
Soundview HVAC is your local heating and cooling contractor in Suffolk County. We provide detailed HVAC maintenance to ensure your equipment is efficient and ready to deliver comfort at any time of year.
Talk to us about planned service or book an inspection and tune-up today. We keep detailed service records to protect your HVAC warranty, and can service all brands and models. We are a friendly team for any of your comfort needs.
