Tips to Maintain Your HVAC Unit

HVACs, or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning units, are used all year round. They serve multiple purposes of keeping you cool during the summers, warm during the winters and ensuring that stale air is recycled. They provide us with comfort in our homes. Such regular use can take a toll on them and with time, they might become inefficient and even break down. In order to prevent this from happening, regular maintenance of HVACs is important, as this will ensure that the unit performs consistently and efficiently. Here are some tips on how you can get started on the maintenance on your own.

Inspect the filter

One of the most common reasons for an HVAC malfunction is a dirty filter. It’s important to inspect the home air filter regularly and replace it whenever necessary. It is advised that you check your filter at least once a month to ensure that it’s not clogged with dirt. If it is, give it a wash and air it. A filter can be replaced every three months, but you might have to replace it more often if you have pets at home. Cleaning or changing the filter is one of the easiest ways of making the HVAC work more effectively and save up on energy costs.

Clean the condensing unit

The condensing unit or heating pump usually sits outside and is exposed to the weather and other environmental elements. It gets clogged up with dirt and grime that affect the HVACs efficiency frequently. You should clean it with a water hose at least once each season. Do not use a pressure washer to clean it though because that can cause permanent damage to the unit.

Keep the drain lines clean

An air conditioner takes out the moisture from the air which then accumulates within the drain lines as it is directed outside. Over time, this might result in dust and grime being collected and the drain lines getting clogged with mold. It’s recommended that you clean the drain line periodically for maximum efficiency.

Annual checkups

While undertaking maintenance on your own is a good idea, annual checkups by professionals can help ensure that your HVAC unit is in perfect condition. These checkups will involve HVAC technicians doing an on-site thorough inspection by checking the condition of the fans, air filter, drain lines and refrigerant levels. They might also clean the components of the HVAC and will likely check for any leaks. A professional will be able to tell you and repair all the things you might have missed during your own maintenance routines and will ensure that the system does not break down on you when you need it the most.

Regular HVAC maintenance is a preventative measure that will help you avoid the higher costs of repairing severe damage or of replacing the unit entirely. Small costs for maintenance and quick repairs are better. Maintenance ensures that the HVAC is running perfectly when needed the most during peak summer or winter times.