HVAC system – When you think about your home’s heating and cooling system, do you ever wonder how much longer it will last? Do you ever worry that something might fail? Do you ever fear that a catastrophe might strike and leave you without heat or AC? If so, then this article is for you.
We all want to live in homes that are cozy and comfortable. But when it comes to HVAC systems, they can be very finicky. They require a lot of maintenance, monitoring, and attention to keep them running smoothly. Even if you don’t have any problems with your home’s heating or cooling system now, there might come a time when things break down or stop working entirely.
This blog post aims to give you some advice on how to maintain your HVAC system well enough to extend its lifespan for as long as possible. Let’s get started!
Tips for Maintaining Your HVAC System
Maintaining your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is just as important as installing it correctly in the first place.
These systems are designed to last a long time, but they should be looked after well to ensure they continue to operate efficiently and effectively for as long as possible.
Unfortunately, many homeowners take their HVAC systems for granted until things start going wrong. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful list of tips for maintaining your HVAC system.
The ductwork, fans, coils and condenser of an HVAC system can all be prone to neglect if you don’t make time for preventative maintenance measures.
Neglecting these components will not only shorten their lifespan but also increase the likelihood of needing replacement parts sooner than later. Fortunately, following these simple tips will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently for a long time to come…
Check the filters monthly
Air filters are the first line of defense against allergens and contaminants such as allergens, mold spores and pet dander that may be present in your home’s air. While an HVAC system will help remove some of these contaminants, it can’t do the job alone.
An efficient air filter is crucial to combatting the amount of contaminants in your indoor air. Unfortunately, air filters are often neglected and are one of the most commonly ignored components of a home HVAC system.
You should check the air filter in your HVAC system once a month to make sure it’s clean and ready for action. If it’s dirty, you’ll need to replace it immediately. If it’s clean, but looks like it’s due for a change, mark your calendar for the following month so you don’t forget. You should also clean the filter every 12 months or so to keep it operating at peak efficiency.
Rotate your air filters every month
As we just mentioned, rotating your air filters every month will help keep them clean and ready to go. However, it’s not just air filters that need rotating once a month. You also need to rotate your furnace filters once a month to keep them clean and ready to go.
These filters are used to keep dirt and debris from being recirculated back into your house, which would be bad news for your HVAC system and your house’s air quality. As with changing your air filters, make sure you mark the calendar so you don’t forget to do it each month.
Change or clean your air filter once a year
Air filters that have been in your HVAC system for a year will have collected a lot of contaminants. It’s best to change them once a year to keep your air healthy and your HVAC system functioning optimally. It’s important to remember that air filters are not permanent and should be changed on a regular basis.
If you ever forget to change your air filter, it will be dirty in no time and will need to be replaced sooner than usual. Air filters come in a variety of different types, including paper, fiber and electronic. The type of filter you use will depend on the make and model of your HVAC system. Make sure you choose the right type of filter for your system in order to prolong its lifespan.
Check and replace drain coils monthly
Drain coils are the parts of your HVAC system that collect and remove any water build-up. This will be due to condensation forming on the inside of the system’s fan coils, which will then drip down into the drain coils below.
You should check the drain coils monthly to make sure there’s no water buildup and that they aren’t clogged up with debris. If there is water present, you may need to clean the drain coils. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the drain coils.
If you have an air-source HVAC system, you’ll have different parts inside your system that you’ll need to monitor. However, the process of monitoring and maintaining these parts will be similar to what we’ve just described for a water-source HVAC system.
Check and clean condensers monthly
Your condensers are the parts of your HVAC system that collect the water that drips down from the evaporator coils inside your indoor unit. They’re designed to be easy to clean, but you should check them monthly to make sure there isn’t too much dirt, debris or corrosion present.
If there is, you should clean the condensers as soon as possible. If not, there’s no need to clean them at all. You may be tempted to use a pressure washer to clean the condensers, but don’t do it! This can cause damage to the unit and make future cleanings more difficult. You should use a garden hose with a soft spray to clean your condensers instead.
Turn off your HVAC system while you’re away
HVAC systems work harder and produce more noise and vibrations when they’re running at full capacity, which can be disruptive to neighbors and more costly to maintain. You can reduce the strain on your HVAC system by turning it off when you’re not at home.
When deciding whether to turn your HVAC system off while you’re away, you need to look at a few factors. First, you need to consider the weather. If it will be unacceptably hot or cold outside, you should leave your HVAC system running. Otherwise, shutting it off could be a good idea.
You also need to consider the length of time you’re going to be away from home. If you’re only going to be gone for a few hours, turning the system off probably won’t make much of a difference. If you’re going to be away for several days, however, you should definitely consider turning off your HVAC system.
Clean the fan blades and coils once a year
The fan blades and coils of your HVAC system may gather dust, dirt, debris and other contaminants over time, but they can be pretty tricky to clean. You can try gently wiping them down with a washcloth or using a vacuum with a soft nozzle attachment, but it’s probably best to leave the job to a HVAC professional.
A professional will have the right tools and know-how to clean your fan blades and coils without causing any damage. When cleaning your fan blades and coils, make sure you don’t use any cleaning products or sprays that may corrode the surface of your fan blades. Your fan blades are the parts of your system responsible for circulating air through your home, so they need to be kept clean and free of debris to ensure they’re operating properly.
Summing up
In order to maintain efficiency, prevent damage, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, you need to perform regular maintenance.
While it’s best to schedule routine maintenance visits with a professional HVAC contractor, there are a few things you can do at home to keep your system in tip-top shape. By following these maintenance tips, you can help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently for a long time to come.
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