6 Actionable Ways To Help Maintain A Healthy HVAC System
Do you feel like your HVAC System is constantly breaking down and costing a fortune to fix? Stop sweating it! Here are 6 tips for maintaining your HVAC system so that it can operate at peak efficiency.
1) Check the air filter monthly for any loose debris or obstruction. 2) Clean out leaves from the exterior condenser unit once per season, as they will clog up the fins and restrict airflow. 3) Change the furnace filters every 3-4 months to keep dust and debris from clogging up the system. 4) Keep trees trimmed away from components of the HVAC system, as branches can break off in storms and fall on units with devastating results. 5)Get an inspection twice a year by a professional technician to make sure there are no leaks or other potential problems that could cause issues down the line. 6)Inspect ducts regularly for corrosion, leaks, or other damage that could affect performance.
Check Your Furnace Filter Regularly
Check the furnace’s air filter every month to see if there are any pesky mice nesting inside of them and get rid of those pests with some hot water or peppermint oil before they destroy all comfort from within your home. Not only for pest but any other debris as well that can get in the way, restricting your air flow throughout your home or space.
Cleaning Your Exterior Unit
Clean out leaves from the exterior condenser unit once per season, as they will clog up the fins and restrict airflow. It’s important to do this because it can cause major damage to your A/C system by restricting air flow in a condensed space and could cause your AC to literally freeze up, solid!
If you leave dirt or debris on top of an outdoor AC unit – even just for 24 hours!- then that could mean disaster is imminent for your cooling equipment; when airborne particles get stuck behind those metal blades spinning at high speeds, all sorts of trouble awaits: restricted airflow means less coolant gets where it needs to go (and more overheated motors) while increased friction between dirty surfaces causes premature wear and tear which leads down one road only known as expensive replacement parts!
Change Your Furnace Filter
Have you noticed how your furnace has been running a little louder lately? It’s not because it needs to be fixed, but rather just because there is too much dust and debris clogging up the system. To prevent this from happening in future months, make sure that when changing out your filters every 3-4 months that they are replaced with new ones, or thoroughly cleaned if they do not look like they need to be replaced at the time.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Unobstructed
Trimming trees away from the HVAC system is a must for homeowners to keep their heating and air conditioning units safe. You might not see it coming, but branches can break off in storms and fall on your expensive equipment with devastating results. Also, keeping other brush or bushes trimmed and not obstructing the outdoor unit and its airflow. If left unkept, it could lead to unwanted problems and repairs that could have been prevented.
Have Your HVAC System Annually Inspected
As a homeowner, it is important to have an HVAC inspection twice per year by a professional technician. It ensures there are no leaks or other potential problems that could cause issues down the line and result in costly repairs later on. Just as your car needs regular oil changes and maintenance to perform properly and increase the life of the vehicle, so does your furnace and air conditioning units.
Look at Your Ductwork From Time to Time
Inspect your ducts for things like corrosion, leaks, and other damage. This will help ensure that you’re getting the best performance possible from them! If you notice anything that makes you question, consult an HVAC professional. Also, don’t forget the inside of your ductwork as well. Dirt, debris, and other things can build up over time, restricting airflow and decreasing the air quality circulating in your home.