HVAC Maintenance Checklist: Tips to Extend the Life of Your System

Today’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a vital part of everyday life. These systems work by drawing air from your home, heating or cooling it to your desired temperature, and then recirculating it back into your environment.

Regular maintenance, like filter changes and seasonal tune-ups, is the most effective way to extend your HVAC system’s lifespan and keep energy bills in check. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to maintain your heating and cooling system on your own. This HVAC maintenance checklist covers key tasks to help keep your system running smoothly, plus guidance on when it may be time to replace your HVAC unit.

Maintaining Your HVAC System

Whether your air conditioner is making that weird noise again or you’re searching for preventative solutions, it’s important to take the proper steps to keep your system running well. These four tips can help you keep your system humming:

Tip 1: Change Your Air Filter

Replacing your HVAC air filter is one of the most impactful things you can do for your system. Most experts recommend replacing it every three months, but if you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home, combat allergies, or keep pet dander to a minimum, it’s wise to change it more often. To replace your air filter, follow these simple steps:

• Locate your air filter (it’s usually located in the blower compartment of your HVAC unit, or in the main air-return vent).
• Make note of the size and select a new filter that meets your criteria.
• Remove and replace the old unit (on most units, the old filter slides out, leaving room to insert a new one).

Pro tip: High-quality anti-allergen filters typically run around $40. Build this cost into your household budget to keep your unit running at peak effectiveness.

Read more about how to change an HVAC filter.

Tip 2: Maintain Clear Airflow

Clean up any clutter around your outdoor HVAC unit. Debris like leaves, branches, and mulch can reduce airflow and make your unit less efficient. The same goes for indoor air return grates — try not to block these with furniture or drapery. Keeping return vents clear will circulate air more quickly and provide optimal airflow to heat and cool your home.

Tip 3: Don’t Forget the Thermostat

If your thermostat is battery-powered, check the battery level frequently. When a thermostat’s battery is too low, it can affect HVAC system performance and leave you with unsatisfactory temperatures in your home.

It’s also ideal to keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature that doesn’t require your heating or cooling unit to run continuously. During colder months, turn the heat down a few degrees when you leave the house, and in the summer, turn the AC up a bit. The less your HVAC unit runs each day, the better and longer it should hold up.

Pro tip: Consider a smart thermostat if you don’t already have one. ENERGY STAR® reports that smart thermostats can save homeowners around 8% in heating and cooling costs each year.

Tip 4: Schedule Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Perform regular self-inspections of your outdoor unit and other viable components. Look for broken pieces, blocked vents, mold, or other issues you can unearth with a simple visual inspection.

If you encounter something unusual, seek professional help. An HVAC inspection cost can run between $200 to $500 – a worthwhile investment compared to the cost of an emergency repair or replacement. And don’t wait for a problem before scheduling a seasonal system tune-up, either. Regular preventative service checkups can catch small issues before they become expensive ones.

Is your AC making unusual sounds? Learn what they might mean and what to do.

Know When It’s Time for an HVAC Replacement

The tips above can help extend the life of your unit, but knowing when to replace an HVAC system is just as important as maintaining it. The average life of a heating and cooling unit is between 10 and 20 years. If your system is approaching that age, or repairs are becoming frequent, it may be more cost-effective to replace rather than to continue repairing.

The average HVAC replacement cost typically ranges from $5,000 to $18,500 for a complete system, including installation, and varies significantly depending on where you live and the type of system you want. When budgeting for a replacement, keep a few key factors in mind:

• Home size: HVAC systems come in various sizes to accommodate different homes. Make sure to choose a unit that can effectively heat and cool your whole home. When shopping, have your home’s square footage handy to help you select an appropriately sized unit to maximize efficiency.
• Efficiency certification: For an HVAC system, ENERGY STAR certification means it meets strict energy-efficiency standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that can help reduce energy use and utility costs. To identify certified energy-efficient HVAC systems, look for the blue ENERGY STAR logo on the packaging or product literature.
• Noise level: Keep your HVAC unit's location in mind when considering new models and reading reviews. If you have an outdoor unit near a bedroom, nursery, or other quiet area, look for a unit with a lower decibel (dB) rating. Most HVAC systems fall within 40dB to 60dB, but noise-reducing features are now available.
• SEER2 rating: A SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2) indicates how efficiently an HVAC system uses energy to cool your home. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label for an HVAC system's SEER2 rating; the higher the SEER2 rating, the more energy-efficient the system is. For most homeowners, a system with a SEER2 rating of 15 or 16 provides a good balance of energy efficiency and cost. If you live in a hotter climate or use your AC frequently, a higher SEER2 rating may offer greater long-term energy savings.

Read more about how to choose a replacement HVAC system

Protect Your HVAC System with a Home Warranty

A question many homeowners ask is: “Does a home warranty cover HVAC?” The answer is yes, and for one of the most expensive systems in your home, that coverage matters. First American Home Warranty plans cover the repair or replacement of your HVAC system when it fails due to normal wear and use.

What sets First American home warranties apart is that there are no dollar limits on covered heating and air conditioning systems repairs and replacements. Most home warranty companies place a coverage cap, or dollar limit, on HVAC coverage, meaning they'll only pay up to a certain amount for a covered repair or replacement. With a First American home warranty, however, a covered HVAC failure can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs and several thousand dollars if you need a full system replacement.

When your HVAC system breaks, the process is simple: Simply submit a service request 24/7 via phone or online through your Homeowner Center account, and we’ll assign a prescreened HVAC independent service provider to diagnose and address the issue. If we can’t repair your HVAC system, we’ll replace it.*

Learn more about our comprehensive HVAC coverage and get a quote today.

FAQs About HVAC Maintenance

How long does HVAC replacement take?

Replacing an HVAC system generally takes up to a day to complete. The time varies depending on which components are being repaired or replaced and whether the system has special features or requirements. Contractor and equipment availability can also impact replacement time.

What’s the average cost of HVAC maintenance?

Each HVAC maintenance and tune-up visit can cost between $75 to $200. If repairs are needed, the cost may increase, but regular maintenance and inspections can help keep costs low.

How much does an HVAC inspection cost?

The average HVAC inspection cost is between $200 and $500. While it may seem counterintuitive that inspections cost more than tune-ups, regular HVAC maintenance, such as a tune-up, usually involves cleaning, a visual check, and testing key system components, while a full unit inspection covers safety issues and more in-depth preventative diagnostics.

Are HVAC repairs covered by a home warranty?

First American Home Warranty plans can help protect your budget from covered HVAC repair and replacement costs, potentially saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars. Simply submit a service request when your covered HVAC system breaks, and we’ll begin the repair process. If your covered system cannot be repaired, we’ll replace it.*

Learn about First American's HVAC home warranty plans.

*Please read your contract for specific coverage and limitations. In some instances, Homeowner and First American may agree to payment of cash in lieu of repair or replacement. Payment will be made based on First American's negotiated rates with its suppliers, which may be less than retail.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or appliance, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.