4 Best Maintenance Hacks for HVAC Systems
You must understand all the care and maintenance tips before you have your heating, cooling, and air conditioning unit installed by a professional HVAC technician. It is one thing to buy the best quality HVAC system and another to have it serve you long enough. However, the efficiency and efficacy of your HVAC system depend on how well you maintain it. As such, you need to understand a few tips and tricks that make this possible and easy. Keep reading for practical yet easy tips to care for your HVAC system.
Regular Professional Maintenance and Tune-up Sessions
Make sure to schedule [professional HVAC tune-up sessions. This should be done at least twice a year before the major seasons. The HVAC technician should thoroughly service the HVAC unit and inspect it for issues that need to be addressed.
Victor Rancour CEO of Absolute Airflow explains, “The last thing you want is your HVAC system breaking down in the middle of summer or winter. Professional HVAC technicians can ensure your system is tuned up and factory reset and ready for every season.”
Professional tune-up services during this period should include:
- Checking the thermostat for proper calibration
- Lubricating moving parts of the HVAC system
- Tightening any loose electrical connections
- Checking that the refrigerant charge is alright
- Confirming that the HVAC control systems are working as they should
- Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils
- Checking fuel line connections
- Adjusting and cleaning blower components
- Inspecting and cleaning condensate drains as needed
- Inspecting the heat exchanger, gas pressure, and burner combustion
Changes Filters Often
Besides having the professional HVAC technician come in a few times a year for intense servicing, there are a few regular maintenance practices you need to observe on your own. This includes changing or cleaning filters regularly. How often you do this depends on the area you live. If you live in a dusty area and the filter tends to clog more often, then the frequency of changing your filters will be higher than if you live in a region with less dust.
The idea of changing filters regularly is to improve air quality and HVAC system efficiency by promoting better airflow. Go for high-quality filters as long as they are compatible with your unit. Usually, filters with a MERV rating of 7 to 13 tend to offer better filtration since they support maximum airflow. Besides the disposable filters, your system may use reusable filters. In such cases, make sure to check it regularly to ensure that it does not accumulate a lot of dust before you wash it.
Regular Inspection of the HVAC System
There is a lot you could prevent by simply inspecting the different components of your HVAC system. Have a general understanding of how your HVAC system should work so that you can tell when to call an HVAC technician if something is off. Always inspect the following.
- Inspecting the condensate system for proper drainage
- Checking the thermostat battery status to know when to replace it
- Ensuring the flue system is intact
- Checking all the registers for mold infestation
- Checking that vents are not clogged
- Confirming that filter access cabinet and access are adequately secured
Keeping the Area around the HVAC system Clean
The efficiency of your HVAC system depends on adequate airflow. Ensure nothing blocks airflow by de-cluttering the areas around the unit, especially if it is an outdoor unit. Keep items that could block unrestricted airflow away from the unit for indoor units.
The bottom line is always to be on top of the game regarding HVAC maintenance. A well-maintained HVAC system will serve you more efficiently and will likely last longer.