If you want to keep your HVAC system working efficiently all year long, it is important to perform regular maintenance. In this blog post, we will discuss nine tips that will help you maintain your HVAC unit and keep your home or office comfortable all year long!
Check your air filter monthly and replace it as needed
Your air filter is responsible for keeping the air in your home clean. Every time your furnace or air conditioner turns on, it circulates the air in your home through the air filter. Over time, the filter becomes full of dust, pet hair, pollen, and other airborne particles. If the filter isn’t changed regularly, it will become clogged and won’t be able to do its job properly.
Clogged
A clogged air filter not only decreases the quality of the air in your home but can also lead to a number of problems with your HVAC system. When the air filter is clogged, it restricts airflow to the entire system. This puts extra strain on the system and can cause it to overheat. An overheated HVAC system is not only a fire hazard but can also lead to costly repairs. In addition to overheating, a clogged air filter can also cause frozen coils.
Clean the coils on your evaporator and condenser at least once a year
An HVAC system is made up of two parts, the evaporator and the condenser, which work together to move heat out of your house in the summer and bring heat into your house in the winter. To keep your HVAC system running properly, it is important to clean the coils on your evaporator and condenser at least once a year.
Why You Should Clean Your Coils
Your coils play an important role in your HVAC system. The coils on your evaporator absorb heat from inside your house. The coils on your condenser release heat into the air outside your house. If either of these coils is dirty, it will be more difficult for your HVAC system to do its job properly. Not only will cleaning your coils make your HVAC system more efficient, but it will also extend its lifespan.
How to Clean Your Coils
Cleaning your coils is a relatively easy process that you can do yourself with some basic household supplies. First, you will need to turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat and at the circuit breaker. Next, remove any debris that may be blocking access to the coils.
Once the coils are accessible, use a vacuum with a soft-bristled attachment to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the coils. If there is any stubborn dirt or grime on the coils, you can use a coil brush or white vinegar to remove it.
Be sure to rinse the coil with water after cleaning it with vinegar. Once you have finished cleaning the coils, reassemble your HVAC system and turn it back on at the thermostat and circuit breaker.
Vacuum the registers in your home to remove dust and debris
You’ll Need
- A vacuum with a hose attachment
- A brush attachment (optional)
- A microfiber cloth (optional)
Locate all of the registers in your home. This includes floor registers, ceiling registers, and any wall-mounted registers. If you have a central vacuum system, you may also have registered vacuums.
Using the hose attachment, vacuum around the perimeter of each register. If you have a brush attachment, you can use this to gently brush away any dirt or debris that is stuck to the register. Be careful not to damage the finish on the register. You can also use a microfiber cloth to dust the register if you don’t have a brush attachment.
Vacuum the inside of the register. If you have a central vacuum system, you can insert the hose into the opening of the register and turn on the vacuum. If you don’t have a central vacuum system, you can use a handheld vacuum to clean the inside of the register. Be sure to move the vacuum slowly so that you don’t miss any dirt or debris
Keep the area around your outdoor unit free of leaves and other debris
Inspect your outdoor unit regularly and remove any debris that you see. A leaf blower can be helpful for removing light debris like leaves and grass clippings. For heavier debris, you may need to use a hose or power washer.
If you have trees or plants near your outdoor unit, trim them back so that they aren’t touching the unit or blocking airflow.
If you notice any dirt or grime build-up on your unit, clean it off with a mild soap and water solution. You should do this annually, but more often if necessary.
Schedule annual maintenance appointments with a licensed HVAC contractor
This will help prolong the life of your HVAC system and prevent costly repairs down the road. In addition, regular servicing will keep your energy bills low because your HVAC system will be running at peak efficiency.
How Often Should I Schedule Maintenance Appointments?
For most homes, it is recommended to schedule two appointments per year—one in the spring and one in the fall. This ensures that your HVAC system is properly maintained throughout the entire year.
However, some homes may require more or less frequent appointments depending on factors such as the age of the home, the type of heating and cooling system, and the climate.
What Happens During a Maintenance Appointment?
During a scheduled maintenance appointment, the contractor will perform a visual inspection of your entire HVAC system. They will look for any signs of wear and tear and make note of any potential problems.
They may also lubricate parts as needed and check fluid levels. After the inspection and cleaning are complete, the contractor will test your HVAC system to ensure that it is working properly.
Don’t try to replace parts yourself, with air conditioning, leave it to the professionals.
One of the most important things to remember is that ac units are not designed to be repaired or replaced by homeowners. Attempting to repair or replace ac units yourself can void the warranty, and may even damage the unit.
Instead, it is best to leave these tasks to the professionals. They have the training and experience to safely and correctly repair or replace ac units, and they can also properly dispose of any old parts.
In addition, professionals can also provide advice on how to improve the efficiency of your ac system. As a result, it is always best to call a professional when you have any ac problems.
Don’t close off vents in unused rooms – this can put a strain on the HVAC systems
When you close off vents, it decreases the overall efficiency of the system and can cause the heat exchanger to overheat. This puts additional wear and tear on the ac unit and can shorten its lifespan. So, next time you’re not using a particular room, don’t close off the vents – leave them open to help save money.
Invest in a programmable thermostat to help save energy costs
When it comes to saving money on your energy bill, there are a lot of small changes you can make that add up to big savings. One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption is to invest in one.
By programming your thermostat to lower the temperature at night or when you are away from home, you can save a significant amount of money on your heating costs.
In addition, it can help improve the efficiency of your air circulation system by ensuring that cold air is not circulated into rooms that are not being used.
As a result, you can keep your home more comfortable while using less energy. A p.t is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your costs.
Check the ductwork regularly for leaks and repair any that you find
The ductwork in your home is essential for proper airflow and maintaining indoor air quality. Over time, ductwork can develop leaks, which can lead to loss of heat or cool air, as well as increased utility bills. It is important to check the ductwork regularly for leaks and repair any that you find. The HVAC unit will also run more efficiently if the ductwork is in good condition. In addition, regular maintenance of the ductwork can help to improve indoor fresh air quality by preventing dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants from entering the home.
Conclusion
Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. By following these nine tips, you can ensure that your HVAC system will remain in good working condition for years to come. From scheduling regular inspections and cleanings to investing in a programmable thermostat and checking the ductwork regularly, there are many simple steps you can take to maintain your ac unit and reduce your energy costs.
