8 Regular HVAC Maintenance Tips To Prevent Costly Repair
Regularly maintaining the HVAC system in your residential or commercial property is absolutely essential for the long-term health and efficiency of your equipment. Keeping your home or office comfortable during the year’s fluctuating temperatures in Stephenville starts and ends with your system and that means regular HVAC maintenance. Should your HVAC system not be properly maintained, there is a chance that many issues could arise, resulting in costly repairs that could have easily been avoided by taking the following preventative measures.
Monitor your HVAC System
Be aware of the condition of your HVAC system. Many times, remaining vigilant of your system can save you lots of time, money, and headaches down the road. Pay attention to the quality of the air being conditioned, listen out for odd noises, and monitor for weak airflow. These simple actions can lead to noticing the first signs of heating and cooling maintenance needs.
Clean Condenser and Heat Pump
When air conditioners or heat pumps get dirty, they can significantly affect the efficiency of your HVAC system as a whole. The dirtier these components get, the harder the system has to work as a whole to efficiently cool or heat your home or office. Regular cleaning of the fins and outside unit with a garden hose may prevent damage to internal components that may affect the lifespan of your unit. With a typical system lasting about 15 years, you probably want to extend the lifespan as much as possible.
Check Filter
Checking your filter for buildup is another surefire way to maintain efficiency and prevent costly HVAC maintenance. If your filter is reusable, monthly cleaning by rinsing with water or blowing with air is recommended. If your filter is not reusable, replacing the filter around every three months should suffice. If your household has pets or is prone to allergies, this step is particularly important as your filter is the main barrier for allergens and pet dander recirculating through your home; particularly if allergies are prevalent, consider investing in a HEPA or hypoallergenic filter.
Clean Drain Lines
Through the air conditioning process, moisture from the surrounding air is condensed in the HVAC system and drained to the outside. This protects your home from unwanted dampness and potential damage. Cleaning these drain lines is very important to prevent moisture backups and the buildup of dust, mold, and algae. By removing the outside cover of the unit, you can access the drain line to clean it with a cloth and water, adding vinegar or a cleaning solution if there is noticeable mold buildup. However, you can also rely on an expert to clean your drain lines.
Clean Vents
If your HVAC system is ducted, be sure to monitor the vents for the buildup of dust and debris. This can also be the cause of poor efficiency and airflow. Keep furniture and appliances away from these vents as possible, and monitor them for any obstructions or buildup that could cause weak airflow. Using a vacuum or duster is recommended, as keeping these vents clear for air to pass through is critical to your HVAC system’s efficiency.
Keep Outdoor Unit Clean
Debris from around your home or office may impact your outside unit as well, so it is always a good idea to check on it periodically. Sticks, leaves, and other outside detritus can tend to clutter up your unit and cause issues that require HVAC repair in Stephenville. About once a month, be sure to clean your unit of any debris and make sure that the unit is clear of any major obstructions. Your unit should be completely level and on solid footing. Furthermore, any shrubs, bushes, or trees growing around the unit should be cut well away from the unit. Doing so allows air to flow freely.
Use a Smart AC Controller
A smart AC controller is also a good investment, as it helps unnecessary HVAC usage and can even monitor overall HVAC needs. There are many makes and models on the market today. The most basic of which have timers and schedulers to make sure your system is not working when it is unneeded. Meanwhile, the more advanced models have the ability to monitor your HVAC system for maintenance needs such as filter replacement.
Get Regular Professional Checkups
Of course, it is always recommended that you have your HVAC system checked on by a professional. Though all of the above recommendations are extremely useful, a professional will be able to run a full diagnostic checkup on all of your HVAC components. During an inspection, an expert is able to get a better picture of what your HVAC maintenance needs are.
HVAC professionals will be able to check your system more thoroughly than you can. This is particularly true of your refrigerant levels, duct systems, and heat exchanger. Because those components are hazardous, it would be inadvisable for an untrained person to handle them. Having your HVAC system professionally serviced once a year is highly recommended to improve your system’s overall efficiency and health, prolong your system’s lifespan for many years to come, and prevent any major HVAC issues from appearing down the road.
FAQ:
Maintaining your heating and cooling is critical to the lifespan of your equipment, the quality of the air in your home or office and the comfort of those who reside in your space. Without regular maintenance, an HVAC system will lose efficiency over time and may require heating and cooling repair in only a short time. Air quality can suffer as well, leading to sickness, respiratory issues, or allergens being spread throughout the structure. Regular maintenance also ensures preventing future breakdowns or issues, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs.
Most routine maintenance includes many different services, including but not limited to:
- Coil maintenance
- Fan maintenance
- Refrigerant diagnostics
- Heat exchanger repair
- Filter cleaning and replacement
- Drain line flushing
If you have any questions regarding your HVAC system or need regular HVAC maintenance in Stephenville, reach out to a local reputable professional at Daffan Cooling and Heating. We also offer
HVAC installation services.
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