HVAC Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips to extend the life of your HVAC unit.

Being a homeowner is a wonderful privilege but it also comes with a lot of responsibility.  Maintaining your home requires some planning ahead but if you properly maintain your home, it will stay in good working order for a long time.  Your home’s HVAC keeps your home heated in the winter and cool during the summer.  These luxuries are things we are certainly thankful for, but, when it suddenly stops working, we go into panic mode.  Your home’s HVAC gets used – a lot.  And because it is used so often, it needs to be properly maintained throughout the year so that it not only works properly, it remains energy efficient and the life of your HVAC is extended.

HVAC Maintenance Tips:

1.     Clean or Replace Air Filters

·       Replacing your air filters may seem simple but it is something that is easy to forget.  You should replace or clean your air filters each month so that your unit is not stressed because of poor energy efficiency.  With clean, new air filters, clean air will flow freely into your home and will help your HVAC unit run properly.

2.     Clean Around Your Outdoor A/C Unit

·       Do not let dirt or debris build up around your outdoor air conditioning unit.  Keep plants and bushes trimmed and away from your unit and remove any leaves or dirt that have built up.  Keep at least two feet of space between your air conditioning unit and any other things like plants.  Air needs to be able to flow freely to your air conditioning unit for it to run properly and function in the most energy efficient way possible.

3.     Clean Condenser Coils

·       The condenser coils on your air conditioning unit tend to accumulate dirt and grime over time.  They will run much better if you clean them.  ENERGY.GOV explains the importance of cleaning condenser coils, “The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary. Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins. You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.”

4.     Bring in the Experts

·       To prepare for the winter months it is always great to bring in a professional to inspect your home’s ducts and heating equipment.  An annual checkup of your HVAC unit will help ensure your system runs well each year and that no problems have arisen that need attention.