How Often Should You Do HVAC Maintenance? A Guide to Seasonal and Annual Service

Published on July 9, 2025 by: alhhvac

Why HVAC Maintenance is Important for Your System to Run at Full Capacity

Your HVAC system works hard keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. That hard work naturally comes with wear and tear; like any complex machine, your HVAC system needs regular care to continue running efficiently. Whether it’s a minor filter check or a full system inspection, routine HVAC maintenance ensures that small issues don’t grow into big problems—especially when temperatures reach their extremes.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what HVAC maintenance really involves, how often you should be scheduling it, and how staying proactive with your system’s upkeep can improve comfort, reduce costs, and extend equipment lifespan. Plus, we’ll show you how Andy Lewis / Hobson can make HVAC care simple and stress-free with customized maintenance plans.

What is HVAC Maintenance?

HVAC maintenance refers to the routine care and inspection of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This can include:

• Air Conditioning Maintenance: Focuses on checking refrigerant levels, cleaning evaporator coils, inspecting electrical components, and ensuring proper airflow.
• Furnace Maintenance: Involves inspecting burners, checking heat exchangers, cleaning blower components, and testing thermostat calibration and safety switches.

Each system component plays a role in overall performance, and maintaining both the cooling and heating sides of your HVAC setup is key to year-round comfort. Maintenance also leads to longer lasting systems; in an interview with CNET, home renovation expert Eric Goranson says he has “seen heat pumps that are 30 years old and still running” due to effective maintenance.

What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?

While the specific services can vary based on your system type, HVAC maintenance typically includes:

• Changing or cleaning air filters
• Inspecting and cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
• Checking refrigerant levels and lines
• Testing thermostat settings and controls
• Tightening electrical connections
• Lubricating moving parts
• Inspecting drain lines and pans for blockages or mold
• Assessing system startup and shutdown sequences

These tasks ensure that your system runs efficiently and safely, especially during periods of peak use. Which of these services are within your own maintenance plan depends on when and why you need maintenance. Don’t fall into the trap of neglecting maintenance altogether; in their 2023 Summer Cooling Survey, DuraPlas found that a majority of HVAC owners skip proper maintenance.

How Often Does My HVAC Need Maintenance? Seasonal Vs. Annual HVAC Maintenance

The right HVAC maintenance schedule depends on how much you use your system, local climate, and even factors like whether you have pets or allergies. Here’s a breakdown of what should be done annually, seasonally, and yearly to keep your system in top shape.

Annual HVAC Maintenance

Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up at least once a year is one of the best ways to keep your system in top shape. Annual maintenance includes a full inspection of both the heating and cooling components, tailored to the season. This gives technicians a chance to:

• Identify hidden issues that might not show up during routine use
• Thoroughly clean and service parts that collect dust and debris over time
• Test system performance and make adjustments to maximize efficiency
• Ensure safe operation, especially with gas furnaces or aging equipment

While annual maintenance is absolutely essential to proper HVAC function, such infrequent tune-ups can lead to surprise breakdowns — especially as you approach seasons with heavy system use.

Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Each season brings different demands on your HVAC system. Preparing your unit ahead of major temperature changes can keep it running smoothly when your residents need it most, with specific maintenance plans catered for each season.

Summer HVAC Maintenance

Before summer temperatures reach their peak, it’s important to prepare your air conditioning system for the increased workload with  . A well-timed tune-up in late spring or early summer ensures your system is ready to deliver consistent, reliable cooling when you need it most. Key steps include:

• Cleaning condenser coils to improve heat transfer and prevent your system from overworking
• Checking refrigerant levels to ensure proper cooling and detect potential leaks early
• Inspecting electrical components for wear, corrosion, or loose connections that could cause malfunctions
• Testing airflow and thermostat function to verify your home is cooling evenly and efficiently
• Monitoring system cycling to confirm that the AC turns on and off properly without short cycling or delays

Addressing these areas early helps prevent mid-season breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your home comfortable through the hottest months.

Winter HVAC Maintenance

As colder weather approaches, preparing your furnace is essential for maintaining warmth, energy efficiency, and safety throughout the season. A professional winter tune-up ensures that your heating system  is fully functional before the first cold snap. Key maintenance steps include:

• Inspecting burners and pilot lights to ensure proper ignition and safe, efficient operation
• Checking heat exchangers for cracks or corrosion, which can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks
• Testing carbon monoxide detectors to confirm they’re working and providing an added layer of protection
• Cleaning vents and ductwork to improve airflow, prevent blockages, and enhance indoor air quality

By scheduling maintenance in the fall or early winter, you’ll reduce the risk of breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and help ensure your home stays safe and comfortable all season long.

How Maintenance Plans From Andy Lewis / Hobson Keep Your System in Top Condition

At Andy Lewis / Hobson, we know that life gets busy—and remembering to schedule HVAC maintenance can easily fall off your to-do list. That’s why we offer tailored maintenance plans designed to keep your system running at its best, without the stress.

Our maintenance plans include:

• Scheduled seasonal tune-ups for heating and cooling
• Priority service in case of emergencies
• Discounted repairs and replacement parts
• Detailed inspection reports and performance updates

With our team monitoring your system year-round, you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with consistent comfort and fewer surprise repair costs. Whether you’re cooling off in July or warming up in January, our experts are here to keep your system running smoothly — season after season. Contact us to schedule maintenance for your system today.