Top 5 Tips For Maintaining Your HVAC

Your HVAC is a necessity. You count on it to provide warmth in wintry weather and to cool your home in the scorching summer. That’s why it can be frustrating when your HVAC breaks down when you need it the most. Fortunately, you can fight the discomfort by following the simple steps in this article.

#1 Change Your Air Filters

When was the last time you changed the air filters on your air conditioner and furnace? Over time, dirt and dust will accumulate on your HVAC’s filters, causing it to work harder to heat or cool the home. In turn, this can increase your utility costs as well as the risk of your HVAC breaking down. As a rule of thumb, replace the air filters and furnace filters once every month for a standard 1” filter.

#2 Clean Around the Unit

The elements can impact your air conditioner’s efficiency. Be sure to remove the build-up of leaves and vegetation around your unit. These can infiltrate your HVAC system and cause severe issues. If there are trees around your HVAC, trim them routinely to create at least two feet of clearance around the unit.

#3 Open the Air Vents

Contrary to popular belief, closing the air vents won’t cut your electricity bill. In fact, it can cause the pressure in your air conditioner to rise. To avoid overloading your HVAC, open the air vents and remove anything that’s interfering with the airflow.

If you close the air vents, your air conditioner will continue to consume the same amount of electricity. It won’t “reduce” the air that enters the home. It can actually damage your HVAC’s ductwork and increase the chances of leaks.

#4 Clean the Drain Line

Your air conditioner relies on the drain line to direct air outside. This will accumulate dirt and dust, causing it to become clogged with algae. Hence, you should clean the drain line once every thirty days. Pour ¼ cup of vinegar down the drain line to flush out any mold that may have formed. You can also opt for a wet-and-dry vacuum to suction the clogged areas.

#5 Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Call an HVAC professional to inspect your HVAC systems. They will conduct an on-site check-up of your heating and cooling systems to see if they’re still operating at optimal performance. Depending on the HVAC company, their inspection may include:

1. Cleaning the condenser coils
2. Changing the air and furnace filter
3. Cleaning the drain line
4. Detecting leaks
5. Checking the fan
6. Tightening electrical connections
7. ...and more

In addition, your HVAC technician will detect issues before it’s too late to address them. Ultimately, they aim to help you save money on repairs that could have been avoided through preventive maintenance.

Conclusion

Through proper HVAC maintenance, you can continue to use your unit without worries. Rather than waiting for your HVAC to stop working, show it some TLC starting today. To be certain that your unit is performing at peak efficiency, consider hiring professional HVAC services, such as Beeson Mechanical Service.