Performing HVAC maintenance helps your system run more efficiently. This reduces energy costs and saves you money. An HVAC system can be covered under a home warranty for more of a peace of mind. What are home warranties? If you are unfamiliar with this warranty, you can find resourceful information online and reputable companies to assist you.
Keep the area around your indoor and outdoor units clear of Green Street HVAC services. This includes furniture, plants, and other objects. Obstructing airflow can reduce efficiency and cause your unit to overheat.
Monitoring your energy bills can also help you identify problems that need fixing.
Change Your Air Filters
Air filters trap dust, debris, and allergens to ensure that air circulating through your home is clean. However, they can become clogged over time, forcing your system to work harder and possibly causing damage.
Changing your air filter is one of the simplest maintenance tasks that most homeowners can perform on their own, and it can save you money on energy costs. This is especially true if you use a programmable thermostat that lowers your heating and cooling during the times when no one is at home or asleep.
Inspect the Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line is vital for removing excess moisture from your system. Without it, your air conditioning system could suffer from water damage and even rust.
You can easily check for a clogged condensate line by observing if there is any standing water in the drain pan. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any dirt or debris that is obstructing the line.
You can prevent clogs by using a wet/dry vacuum or distilled vinegar to flush out the drain line every couple of months. This is another easy HVAC maintenance task that can help you avoid costly repair bills.
Inspect the Ductwork
The ductwork distributes conditioned air throughout the home, so it’s important that it is properly insulated and leak-free. Leaks can cause significant energy loss and increase your utility bills. Periodically inspecting your ductwork for cracks and gaps can help prevent them from worsening over time.
You can easily check your ductwork by opening up the vent registers in each room. Look for dust and debris buildup that may indicate a blockage somewhere down the line. You can also use a flashlight to illuminate the interior of your ducts and look for mold, rodent droppings, or water damage.
Check Your Thermostat
Thermostats are responsible for reading your home’s temperature needs and communicating those needs to the system. When a thermostat is not working properly, it can cause the system to work overtime and significantly shorten its lifespan.
Check that the thermostat is positioned away from heat sources, drafts and other obstructions that may interfere with its accuracy. It should also be cleaned of dust and debris that can obstruct its functionality.
A clogged air filter can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. Make sure that your air filters are clean and replaced regularly.
Check Your Electrical Connections
Electrical issues are one of the leading causes of HVAC system failure. They can also pose a fire hazard and increase energy consumption in the home. Regular inspections can help identify and address these issues before they escalate into major problems that require costly repairs or system replacement.
A multimeter is an essential tool for testing HVAC+ equipment. It allows you to check voltage, resistance, continuity and more. Other useful tools include insulated pliers and wire strippers.
The outside HVAC unit should be kept free of debris, like leaves, twigs and grass clippings. This can restrict airflow and cause the system to overwork.
Clean the Condensate Line
A clean air conditioning drain line prevents algae, mold and microorganisms from clogging the pipe that transports water away from the evaporator coils. This is one of the simplest tasks that can be performed at home, and it could save you from expensive repairs and water damage down the road.
Start by turning off the power to your HVAC system at the thermostat and breaker. Then locate the condensate pan and drain line, which may be located directly under your indoor air handler in an attic or utility closet or may be covered by a removable access panel.
Schedule a Tune-Up
It’s a common scenario: It’s the coldest day of winter or the hottest day of summer, and your HVAC system breaks down. Replacing your HVAC system is a big expense that can be avoided by scheduling regular maintenance.
A professional will inspect, clean and adjust your HVAC components to keep them running as efficiently as possible. This will help lower your energy bills, extend the life of your unit and avoid costly repairs in the future.
To make it easier for your technician to access the unit, be sure to keep plants and shrubbery away from it. Also, change the air filter on a regular basis to prevent dust and pet dander from building up inside the system.