Many homeowners, if not a majority, believe that their HVAC system is able to run without any maintenance at all. This is just plain wrong. Your HVAC system needs routine maintenance to keep running as efficiently as possible. Keep in mind that your HVAC system also uses a lot of energy. In fact, the average home with central air conditioning and heating will use about $1,000 worth of energy each year. Given this, it’s easy to see how the methodical upkeep of your HVAC system can add up to big savings over time.
Here are some suggested maintenance tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly at all times:
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
It’s a good idea to schedule at least two seasonal, preventative tune-ups every year — one in the spring and one in the fall. During these checkups, make sure that the professional thoroughly inspects the components of the HVAC system and resolves any issues to prevent breakdowns.
Change the Filters
Cleaning your HVAC filters improves the quality of the air inside your home. Not only does clean indoor air offer better breathing conditions for you and your family, but it also reduces your risk of asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. Professionals recommend cleaning your filters every 30 days helps improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Of course, if the filter becomes visibly soiled or smelly, change it immediately. The longer the filter sits, the harder it will be for you to clean it.
Inspect Your HVAC Visually
Inspect your HVAC system every month when changing the filters to spot potential problems. A few things you’ll want to do are:
– Check the status of the battery
– Take a look at the condensation system and make sure it is draining normally
– Check if all the registers and returns are open and unblocked
– Look for signs of mold on registers
– Ensure that the outdoor unit is on level ground
Eliminate Any Clutter Around Your HVAC Unit
Keeping the area surrounding your HVAC unit clean improves overall safety as well as air quality, so clean the area from time to time and reorganize any clutter around the unit.
