To get the maximum benefit from your HVAC system, you must take proper care of it. You should take good care of your HVAC system to retain its efficiency and keep you comfortable in your home all year round.
Changing your HVAC air filters
The air filter is the most critical component of your home’s heating and cooling system, and it should be replaced every two to three months. If you have pets or allergies, smoke, or asthma, it’s recommended that you change them more often.
This will keep your home clean, comfortable, and safe from pollutants like pollen and dust mites.
Before changing filters, make sure to shut off power to the equipment and wait for it to cool down first.
Once done with that step, remove the existing filter and wipe clean any dirt or dust build-up on the sides of the new filter before placing it inside its slot, so nothing blocks airflow through these openings again!
If you have pets, be sure to remove their hair from the air filter when it’s time to replace it. Pets’ fur and dander in your home can clog the air filter for days. This can lead to poor airflow and poor HVAC performance, leading to higher energy bills.
You can perform this task with minimal trouble on most units; however, if you require assistance from a professional technician, we recommend calling one in for help as soon as possible.
Keeping the outside unit clean
Spray the unit with a hose. Hoses are great for removing dust, dirt, and debris from hard-to-reach places. If you have a hose nearby, use it to spray the outside unit to loosen the dirt before moving on to another cleaning method.
Clean the unit with a sponge. If you don’t have access to a hose but still want something that can clean more thoroughly than your bare hands, grab a damp sponge and get scrubbing! Using water will cause any debris stuck in your HVAC system to fall out of place more easily than if you were simply wiping it down with paper towels or rags.
Brush away stubborn dirt using an old toothbrush or other small brush designed for cleaning intricate surfaces (be sure not to use anything sharp).
This should work well for stubborn spots such as those left behind by leaves. However, you can also try using wire brushes designed for harder surfaces like metal ones if needed.
Get preventative HVAC maintenance done regularly
Most people don’t enjoy maintenance tasks, but they’re necessary for keeping your HVAC system in good working order. Preventative maintenance can help prevent major problems down the road, and it’s also required by law in some states.
What is preventative maintenance?
Preventative HVAC maintenance is an important step toward prolonging the life span of your AC unit or furnace so that you don’t have to replace them as often. It includes checking for leaks, cleaning the filter, and ensuring that all parts are functioning properly, which will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round.
How often should I get my AC unit serviced?
Every six months is recommended for two-stage air conditioners and yearly for single-stage systems with no controls other than temperature settings (on/off).
If you have an older system or one that’s been neglected over time, it may need more frequent attention to avoid major repairs later!
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is important. If you want to keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round, regular maintenance is the key. You can’t do it all yourself, but there are some things you can do to help keep things running smoothly.
It’s better to have a professional do it. You can hire an HVAC technician or handyman for this kind of work, but many things need to be considered.
Do they have experience? Are they licensed? What type of education did they receive? How much will it cost?
What will be included in the price (before and after service)? These questions should all be answered before making any commitments.