Central Air Conditioning & Heating Maintenance

Our TotalProtect Home Warranty technicians repair thousands of central air and heating units. So, naturally, they have a few handy tips to help you avoid some of the most common problems.

Keep in mind, these are basic tips and don't necessarily indicate specific coverage or services. For that, make sure you review your contract and product coverage details.

Now, on to the tips!

1. Inspect or Replace the Filter Every Month

A clogged filter decreases efficiency, and that costs you more money in utility bills. Dirty filters also damage, and even break, systems.

2. Service Your System at Least Once per Year

Our technicians strongly recommend that only a licensed Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor handle any service involving central air or heat maintenance. Peak summer and winter months are when contractors are at their busiest, so if you want to beat the rush, schedule this service during slower spring or fall seasons.

3. Make Sure You're Getting the Full Checkup

According to EnergyStar.gov, a typical central air and heat maintenance checkup should include:

  1. Tightening Electrical Connections, as well as Measuring Voltage and Current on Motors.

  2. If there is a problem with an electrical connection, it can cause safety hazards and reduce the working life of the system.

  3. Lubricating All Moving Parts.

  4. Low levels of lubrication can cause motor friction and waste electricity.

  5. Inspecting Condensate Drain.

  6. If the drain is clogged, it can cause water damage and boost humidity levels, lowering your indoor comfort.

  7. Checking System Controls.

  8. They should be tested to ensure the system starts, operates and shuts off properly and safely.

4. Know the Specific Maintenance Needs for Central Air Conditioning:

Clean Evaporator and Condenser Air Conditioning Coils. When coils are dirty, your system can't cool your home effectively, forcing it to work harder and longer, wasting electricity and causing premature breakdowns.

Check Air Conditioner Refrigerant Level. This is another operational area that affects your energy efficiency and system lifespan. The level must be just right: too much or too little impedes performance.

Clean and Adjust Blower Components. A problem with the airflow in your system can reduce energy efficiency by up to 15 percent!

5. Know the Specific Needs for Central Heating Maintenance 

Check Gas or Oil Connections, Gas Pressure, Burner Combustion and Heat Exchanger. If these connections aren't working properly, they create a health and fire hazard, as well as reduce operating efficiency. And that results in higher utility bills.

Regular home maintenance of your central air and heating units is a great way to keep them running well, but unexpected breakdowns happen to even the most responsible homeowners. TotalProtect Home Warranty can make sure you're prepared for that if it happens. Fill out the form on this page to get your instant quote now — no obligations. Get peace of mind today!

The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.