Maintaining an HVAC system is essential for keeping it running smoothly and efficiently, and one of the most important tasks is changing the lubricants. But how often should you do this? According to HVAC expert John Carpenter, the oil and filter should be changed after the first year of operation. After that, an annual oil analysis should be done to determine if the oil needs to be changed. If the oil is clean, it can be changed every five years.
However, if the oil is dirty, it should be changed more frequently. Whenever the air conditioning system is recharged with refrigerant, it is important to add or replace the compressor oil. This is because some of the original oil will be mixed in with the old refrigerant and lost. It is best to completely replace the oil rather than just refilling it. To ensure your HVAC system runs optimally, it's important to keep up with regular lubricant changes. The oil and filter should be changed after the first year of operation, and then an annual oil analysis should be done to determine if further changes are necessary.
However, if it's dirty, it should be changed more often. Additionally, whenever you recharge your air conditioning system with refrigerant, make sure to add or replace the compressor oil.