Top Tips to Maintain Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system mainly consists of a furnace, heat exchanger, condenser, evaporator coil, ducts, drains, a thermostat, and a heat pump. Keeping all these parts in good condition will give your home the proper comfort.
Keep reading to understand how to take care of your HVAC unit.
Clear the Space around Your HVAC Unit
It is good to inspect the area around the HVAC unit, especially the outdoor unit. Remove any plants growing nearby and any vines crawling into the unit and obstructing the fan’s operation. This regular trimming and cleaning will save huge expenses later.
Change the Air Filters
Some of the most common issues that impact HVAC units have to do with their dirty, malfunctioning or clogged air filters. A cloggy air filter makes the HVAC unit work harder and consumes more energy. The air filter gets filled with dust and other particles, which need regular checks. If you have a reusable filter, it will be a good idea to clean them every two weeks with a soft cloth. When unattended, it could lead to allergic reactions too.
Get Your HVAC Checked by a Professional Regularly
A HVAC maintenance professional will thoroughly examine the condition of your HVAC system, ensuring it is working with maximum efficiency. A professional will check for leaky drains and ducts, coil condition, refrigerant level, air filter condition, and much more, which guard against sudden repairs and high utility bills.
Clean the Drain Lines
While cooling your rooms, the air conditioner collects a small amount of water which it sends outside through its drain pipes. Over time, dust and debris could accumulate in the drain lines and clog them. Clogged drain lines can be a home for algae and mold which will further hurt the health of your HVAC system.
Don’t Close the Vents
It may contradict what many people think, but according to experts, closing vents makes your HVAC system work harder and thus reducing its life. Closing vents create a pressure imbalance between the air ducts, the room, and the outdoors. It could also pull in air from the outdoors, affecting your HVAC’s efficiency and increasing your utility bills over time.
Signs of a Faulty HVAC System
Your HVAC might be working well, but it will be a good idea to know a few usual problems it might develop, which will help you take timely action.
Rattling Sounds
You should have it repaired if you hear rattling or grinding noises when you turn on your HVAC unit. The issue could be as simple as dirt accumulating in the AC duct, but investigating it at the right time can save the machine from more severe problems.
Foul Smell Near Your HVAC Unit
Another problem that can come up is a strong smell near your HVAC unit. It can be because of mold or algae forming in your AC ducts, and an HVAC maintenance professional can fix it quickly.
Water Leaks Near Your HVAC Unit
Water leaks near your HVAC unit indicate faulty seals and connections. This problem must be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to your HVAC system.
Ineffective Cooling or Heating
You start to notice that even when your HVAC unit is constantly working, its heating or the cooling is not working correctly. It means that your unit needs a maintenance service.
Stuffy Indoors
Whether summer or winter, the culprit could be a faulty HVAC system when your indoors becomes humid. It needs immediate attention as stuffy, sticky air might lead to health concerns too.
Benefits of HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance offers several incredible benefits including:
Saves Money
Regularly taking care of your HVAC systems will help reduce your utility bills. Your HVAC will run with high efficiency when appropriately maintained. It is like a well-maintained car that runs efficiently on less fuel than poorly maintained ones.
Avoids Emergencies
Even the best HVAC system might have problems. Regular maintenance will ensure you don’t have huge issues with your HVAC. It will also help you save money from costly repairs and part replacements. The last thing you want when you have your friends and family at your place is a non-functional HVAC, right?
Makes You Environmentally Friendly
All the green people out there, you can contribute to the environment by just maintaining your HVAC systems. It will ensure that your HVAC consumes less energy and reduces your carbon footprint, which benefits the planet.
Improves HVAC’s lifespan
Only when your HVAC system is well-maintained can you get the most out of it. The better maintained your HVAC system is, the longer it will last. Hence, the need for HVAC replacement will be much less frequent.
Safer Home
Well-maintained HVAC systems will provide you with a safe home and long-term peace of mind. Inadequately maintained HVAC systems can cause short circuits, leading to fires. Also, if your heating unit fails while you are away, your pipes may freeze and burst. Your indoor air quality will improve as well thus you and your family can enjoy enhanced safety in terms of health.
Maintaining your HVAC unit will help keep your home safe, healthy, and comfortable. Say goodbye to heating and cooling breakdowns. Our team of experts at Anderson Heating & Air provides excellent HVAC service. Check out our annual maintenance plans to ensure a smooth experience.
