4 Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
When it comes to our central air systems, there’s often a lack of knowledge.
There are some quick and easy ways to take care of things in a DIY fashion, however, without needing to pay a professional.
HVAC maintenance is essential to prolonging the life of your units and maintaining the efficiency of your entire system.
So, let’s dive right in with four hot tips that’ll help you keep ahead of the game.
Table of Contents
1. Replacing and Cleaning Air Filters
Your central air system collects dust in the filters, causing them to clog up over time.
Replacing the filters in your air conditioner and heater is a great first step. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll find that often it only takes a few minutes.
Finding filters and replacing them is a great way to make sure that you’re getting the most out of the system.
In most cases, it’s also a tool-less process. All you need to do is slip out the old filter and clean or replace it depending on the exact model of the unit. Check the schematics or owner’s guide for your unit, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to change them out.
2. Clean the Coils of Your Air Conditioner
The evaporator and condenser in your AC unit need to be kept clean. As the fans push air through them, they’ll inevitably collect dust, hair, and other debris.
Once they’re clogged, the unit will begin to malfunction. If this goes on, you’ll have serious problems: the unit will become almost entirely inoperable.
In most cases, a brush will be enough to remove the debris. If you need to spray it down, do so carefully and make sure the unit is off before you begin.
3. Clean the Area Around Units
While heat pumps are generally enclosed, hang-on air conditioners will benefit from better airflow if you make sure that the area around them is cleared.
That means not stacking up yard equipment around them and trimming back plants and shrubs that have taken residence in the immediate area. Anything that’s reached the height of the unit within ten feet needs to be cut back regularly.
Like the coils, blocked airflow can cause malfunctions, so it’s essential to keep up on this bit of maintenance.
4. Schedule a Professional Maintenace Session
Even doing the above tips, there are always going to be things that a homeowner misses.
That’s why using a heating and cooling professional to check the home on an annual basis is one of the best investments you can make for your HVAC system.
They’ll be able to handle the things you can’t.
HVAC Maintenance Made Easy
While a professional is sometimes required, the average homeowner has more than enough skills to handle basic HVAC maintenance.
If you do all of the above, you’ll be able to keep your system in perfect shape throughout the year, ensuring pleasant temperatures and lower energy bills.
Ready to get started? You should be, and it’s possible to get started today!