There are a lot of checklists in our lives. Daily to-do lists, shopping lists, and cleaning lists fill our lives up with things to do and boxes to be checked off. However, one important list that is always underestimated is an HVAC checklist. Although it may not seem of the utmost importance, an HVAC maintenance checklist helps homeowners be proactive instead of reactive with their home air systems.
Why Make a Checklist?
Well, this is simple. To put it in the most basic way, HVAC equipment is mechanical, and mechanical equipment can break. A maintenance checklist is to make sure all working pieces are inspected and maintained in the proper fashion to prevent a total system failure that could end up costing a fortune to replace. Creating a proper and thorough checklist will give direction to preventative HVAC maintenance and will help coordinate scheduled service, which will in turn keep the entire system functioning as efficiently as possible.
Where to Start
First things first, it’s important to know the pieces and parts that make up the HVAC system so you don’t miss a section or neglect maintenance on any one part. Because it all works together, one neglected part can mess up the entire system. Before creating the checklist, draft up a list of the physical inventory of equipment that needs to be maintained. Include information like manufacturer, model number, action, specs, date manufactured, and how it works in the system. This list will be like a glossary of your maintenance checklist.
Here is a sample list of HVAC system components:
- Fans
- Pumps & Strainers
- Controllers
- Motors & Couplings
- Duct Work
- Regulators
- Automation
- Valves
- Foundations & Blots
- Bearings
- Coils
- Condensers
- Gears, etc…
The next thing to do is to look through the manufacturer's manuals for your HVAC appliances. These documents offer insight into best maintenance techniques and can provide a timeline for how often and when the appliance should be serviced. In addition, these manuals contain original diagrams and can help you learn a little more about your system. Keep in mind that the actual installed system may differ slightly depending on what measures were taken during installation and what obstacles may have come up with the HVAC professional originally installed it.
Things to Consider
When drafting up an HVAC maintenance checklist, it is a good idea to get the input of a seasoned HVAC professional. Here at Air System Services, our trained technicians install equipment by Trane, Lennox, and Honeywell. Because different brands have different mechanics and training programs, hire a professional who is trained in working on the specific system in your home.
Another thing to consider is the language in which you write your HVAC checklist. If written correctly, this document should stand the test of time and remain a go-to guide for as long as your system is functioning. Because of the longevity of this document, be sure to draft it up with clear, concise descriptions and instructions. This will help ensure that maintenance is planned, completed correctly, and documented. This document should help standardize work practices to keep a functioning machine working for years to come.
To schedule your annual HVAC maintenance appointment fill out our form or call 919-266-5755. If you are working on drafting your own annual HVAC maintenance checklist, consult our trained expert technicians for some advice. We are always available when you need us. After all, your comfort is our business.