What HVAC Maintenance Can I Do Myself?

HVAC systems are one of the most expensive appliances you purchase for your home. Needless to say, you’d want it to function seamlessly. However, this is easier said than done. Apart from professional maintenance that should be done twice every year, as a homeowner, you also have a role to play in the upkeep of your HVAC system. So, what HVAC maintenance tasks can you safely perform at your home? Take a look-

Note- Before undertaking any HVAC maintenance or cleaning task, ensure that you shut off the power to the main unit.em>

1. Change Filters

The filters are responsible for trapping dust, pollen, hair, and other pollutants and preventing them from entering your home. Dirty filters are unable to do their job as effectively. Thus, a simple and very effective maintenance task for homeowners is regularly changing the filters

It is generally recommended that you should change HVAC filters every 30-90 days. You can check the instructions on filter packaging to know more about the ideal replacement duration as it varies between filter types.

2. Clean the Outside Unit

The outside portion of the system, called the condenser, is responsible for expelling heat from your house. Thus, it is essential to ensure that it is clean and clear. The condenser often collects grass clippings, leaves, twigs, etc., that impact its functioning over time. Even snow gets collected on the unit.

You should remove the debris from the unit and the surrounding area every time you clean the yard. If you see dirt accumulation on the unit, you can hose it down. For proper airflow, try to keep the plants around the condenser up to 2 feet in height.

3. Remove Clutter Surrounding HVAC’s Indoor Unit

Just like the outdoor unit, the indoor unit of the HVAC system should also be kept clean and clear as it impacts air quality. Dust starts accumulating on things placed around the indoor unit and eventually finds a way to enter the HVAC vents.

Moreover, clutter also negatively affects air circulation and system efficiency. Not to forget that the clutter around the indoor unit of the HVAC system is also a fire hazard. So, make a point to avoid cluttering the area surrounding the indoor unit. A good rule of thumb is to have a clear space of at least 2 feet around all the HVAC components.

4. Check the Air Ducts

Another important HVAC maintenance task for homeowners is to check the air ducts. Duct leakage is a common problem that could lead to hot/cold spots, excessive dirt/dust/allergens, and higher energy bills. HVAC technicians use advanced technologies like infrared to find duct leakages.

But as a homeowner, you can do a basic check by looking for visible holes, kinked or bent ducts, and loose ductwork connections. It can either be performed with the naked eye, or you can also use a flashlight for leak detection.

Understanding the Basics of HVAC Maintenance

Complex HVAC maintenance tasks are better left to the professionals, like Beeson Mechanical Service. However, homeowners can still do many things to ensure that their HVAC system continues to deliver the expected results.

Now that you know some of these basic maintenance tasks, start performing them regularly to improve the efficiency and performance of your HVAC unit.