Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems play a powerful role in modern life, ensuring that residential and commercial spaces can stay safe and comfortable throughout the entire year. The HVAC industry relies heavily on skilled tradespeople to install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling equipment, with HVAC preventative maintenance playing an increasingly prominent role in the field.
Understanding HVAC Maintenance and Its Career Potential
At one time, the HVAC industry was dominated by installations and repairs, with most technicians only returning to a home or commercial property to address an issue that prevented the equipment from functioning properly. Today, however, the leading HVAC experts recommend HVAC maintenance, which refers to the process of taking preventative steps to protect equipment over the long term and reduce the likelihood of major repairs in the future.
What Is HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC maintenance service refers to the preventive care required to maintain HVAC equipment over the long term and prevent costly repairs further down the road. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, preventive maintenance of HVAC equipment ensures that all components of the HVAC unit are in good working order and helps to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall system. In recent years, there has been a greater push for HVAC preventative maintenance to extend the lifespan of HVAC units in both residential and commercial buildings.
Why Consider a Career Training in HVAC Preventive Care?
Technicians who specialize in HVAC preventative maintenance have an opportunity to not only serve their clients, but also educate their customers. The Air Conditioning Heating Refrigeration News estimates that only about 30 percent of U.S. customers regularly schedule preventive maintenance for their HVAC equipment, but an increasing number of residential and commercial property owners are seeing the benefits of HVAC maintenance service. As energy costs continue to rise, more people are looking for ways to improve the efficiency and performance of their HVAC units, and they want to extend the lifespan of their equipment for as long as possible. As a result, there may be additional opportunities for HVAC technicians who focus primarily on HVAC maintenance services.
Key Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance
Functional heating and air conditioning are the expectation in today’s modern world, where residents, business owners, and customers have come to enjoy the luxury of indoor comfort. However, it’s impossible to keep HVAC equipment running smoothly without routine maintenance.
Investing in regular HVAC preventative maintenance offers many benefits, such as:
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Preventive maintenance, such as replacing filters and cleaning coils, helps to improve the performance and efficiency of HVAC equipment, which can lead to energy cost savings over time. In addition, when an HVAC technician performs a routine inspection as part of their HVAC maintenance service, they may be able to diagnose minor issues that can be quickly repaired, ultimately preventing more complicated issues in the future that would be more costly to address.
Extending Equipment Lifespan
Through regular inspections and routine maintenance service, residential and commercial property owners can extend the lifespan of their HVAC equipment. HVAC equipment can be a costly investment, and by prioritizing HVAC preventative maintenance, people can enjoy high-performing HVAC equipment for many years to come. HVAC systems cleaned regularly do not have to depend as heavily on backup equipment, which can improve long-term operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Tasks
Seasonal inspections play an important role in preventive HVAC maintenance. Residential and commercial property owners should prioritize pre-season inspections to verify that their heating and cooling equipment are working properly before using them on a regular basis.
Essential Tasks for Spring and Summer
Late spring or early summer is the best time to inspect and maintain air conditioning units, which are widely used during the hottest months of the year to keep indoor spaces safe and comfortable. During this inspection, an HVAC technician should do the following:
- Clean the air conditioning coils. Dirt and debris can build up on the coils over time, forcing the unit to work harder and run longer to reach the desired temperature.
- Adjust the refrigerant level. Improper refrigerant levels can lead to equipment failure over time.
- Clean blower components in the air conditioning unit. Cleaning and adjusting these components can enhance the unit’s overall airflow and operational efficiency.
Crucial Winter Preparations
The heating system should be inspected in the late fall or early winter months. HVAC maintenance service for heating units should focus primarily on replacing filters and checking vital connections within the unit. Faulty connections not only increase the likelihood of system failure but can also become a fire hazard.
Learn the Leading HVAC Maintenance Service Skills at Florida Technical College
Those interested in a career training as an HVAC technician will want to focus on developing the practical and technical skills required for installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC equipment. With an emphasis on HVAC preventative maintenance, the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Diploma at Florida Technical College equips students with the industry knowledge and advanced skills required to pursue entry-level positions in the HVAC field.
Request more information about our skills-based diploma programs today.
This article presents a general overview of the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling/maintenance-checklist
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-conditioner-maintenance
https://nadca.com/blog/importance-regular-hvac-maintenance-home-comfort-and-efficiency
