For most people, an HVAC unit is a necessity in their home. There are many benefits to having one: it warms and cools your house and, in some areas, can also serve as a source of filtered water to drink or cook with. These units do require regular maintenance, but there are ways that you can limit the extra work that needs to be done by professionals. By following our helpful tips, you should see less overtime spent on your HVAC unit and lower energy bills too!
This article will discuss the top 10 ways to limit HVAC maintenance and will include common maintenance tasks that a licensed professional will complete when visiting your home.
Regular Maintenance is a Must
Your HVAC unit requires regular treatment in order to provide you with many years of comfort and convenience, as well as cutting down on potential emergency appointments for repairs. Make sure that you keep up with the recommended schedule that is set out by your particular brand or model of HVAC unit. If you have a newer model, they typically require less frequent upkeep because the manufacturer has worked out the kinks. Bring up your warranty information to double-check with your installer or HVAC company. Maintenance tasks will include checking and replacing filters as well as vacuuming blower coils, cleaning drain pans, and making sure that there is no rust on all moving parts.
Those Pesky Filters
Make sure you change your air filter often – at least once every three months of regular use – more often if you have pets or live in high-dust areas such as someone who has just finished home renovations and new paint tends to be dirty right away. Change it immediately if you notice any dust coming through the vents when using your heating/cooling system. The dust will also severely decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system, so it needs to be taken care of ASAP.
Make it a Routine
Routine maintenance should include checking for rust or corrosion on all moving parts, cleaning blower coils and drain pans, changing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, draining condensate tanks, inspecting burners and flame sensors, adjusting the flame height as needed, cleaning heat exchangers, and drip pans as well as replacing old batteries in thermostats. Everything must be checked to make sure that there are no issues with the unit before the next heating/cooling season comes around.
Top Ten HVAC Maintenance Tips
#1 – Change Your Air Filter Regularly – A dirty filter will decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system.
#2 – Address Problems ASAP – When addressing problems, always refer back to the warranty information that came with your unit.
#3 – Consider a New Model – Ask an HVAC professional if you should upgrade systems for more efficient use and easier maintenance.
#4 – Perform Maintenance at Least Once a Year – A yearly inspection is recommended in order to ensure safety and efficiency.
#5 – Look Out for Rust or Corrosion – Make sure all moving parts are not rusting or corroding in order to stay safe and efficient.
#6- Clean Your Blower Coils Regularly – Thoroughly clean coils help circulate air throughout your home.
#7 – Clean the Exterior of the Unit – Wipe down the exterior to remove all debris before it causes problems with future maintenance.
#8- Read All Instruction Manuals – Learn about your unit’s specific regular maintenance requirements to stay up-to-date and efficient.
#9 – Drain Condensate Tank Regularly – Thoroughly drain the tank at least once a year to prevent any damage from condensation build-up.
#10 – Keep HVAC Professionals Informed – Make sure that your HVAC professional is aware of any changes moving forward, including new additions to the home, such as a humidifier or dehumidifier, as well as if you have pets or are expecting a baby.
A top-of-the-line heating and cooling system will provide you with years of comfort, but only if it is properly maintained throughout the year to prevent any big problems or issues from arising. For more information on how to schedule your yearly HVAC maintenance, contact your local home improvement company.
The Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance can help to reduce the likelihood of future problems with your unit.
Types Of HVAC Systems
There are multiple types of heating and cooling systems, including forced air, heat pump, radiant system, packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC), packaged rooftop unit, mini-split system, central split-system, or DDC system. For more information on the different types of systems that will work for you and all your specific needs or concerns – contact a home improvement company or contractor in your area.
Most Common HVAC Maintenance Tasks
The most common tasks involve changing filters, checking refrigerant levels (on units equipped with these features) as well as cleaning blower coils and drain pans. Other tasks include checking for rust or corrosion on all moving parts, cleaning heat exchangers, and drip pans. The most common tasks are:
- Clean heat exchangers
- Clean blower coils and drain pans
- Inspect moving parts for signs of rust or corrosion
- Check refrigerant levels (on equipped units only)
- Drain condensate tanks regularly to prevent damage from building up.
Why You Should Always Hire a Licensed Professional
HVAC maintenance should not be taken lightly. Even small problems can lead to bigger issues if left unattended, which is why it’s important to make sure that your unit is checked by a professional at least once a year. Hiring an independent contractor will help ensure that all work has been completed to manufacturer recommendations while also honoring any warranties associated with your system. For more information on how to find a qualified contractor or HVAC professional, check out this helpful post from your home improvement company.
The top ways to limit extra HVAC maintenance are:
- Address problems ASAP
- Consider a new model
- Perform maintenance at least once a year
- Look out for rust or corrosion
- Clean blower coils regularly
- Clean the exterior of the unit
- Read all instruction manuals
- Drain condensate tanks regularly
- Keep HVAC professionals informed
- Schedule yearly inspections with a qualified contractor or technician.
If you have any questions about which tasks will be included in your inspection, always contact the inspector before letting them inside your unit. Be sure to reach out to our team of experts today!