HVAC Maintenance and Repair Tips
As we all know by now, maintenance is the key to success with any HVAC system. The longer the system is left with no maintenance, the more likely it is to experience serious problems. And who wants to go through a heatwave with no air conditioning? Or a cold spell in winter with no heating? However, understanding the importance of HVAC maintenance and actually doing it are very different. With this, we’ve compiled some advice below!
Take a Proactive Approach
Firstly, well done for reading this guide; it shows a proactive attitude. As we’ve already said, maintenance and repair will always be better than waiting for something to go wrong. If you spot a problem, learn how to resolve it or contact a professional service. Common issues include:
- Weak airflow
- Fluctuating heating or cooling
- Puddles near the indoor unit
- Strange noises
- Unwanted smells
Don’t ignore a problem because it will only cause more damage in the long run (to the HVAC system and your bank account!).
Replace the Air Filters
Depending on how frequently you use the system and the time it takes for dirt to accumulate, you should replace air filters every 1-3 months. If your house is busy with people and pets, we recommend changing them once per month. In truth, this is one of the simplest maintenance tips you will ever find, and it keeps the HVAC system working effectively. With a clogged or dirty filter, this will only damage the equipment.
Test the System
While we go long periods without the heating in summer and long periods without the air conditioning in winter, this doesn’t mean you should ignore them completely. Instead, test them regularly and check for problems. For example, you might notice a leak or a strange noise. If this happens, you know that a repair is necessary before the season changes.
Clear the Outdoor Unit of Debris (and Clean!)
Often, people notice a problem and they assume it’s all inside; don’t forget, the outdoor unit is just as important as everything indoors. When the leaves start to fall, clear all the debris around the outdoor unit. This includes branches, leaves, and even trash. Also, be willing to cut back shrubs before then cleaning the whole unit. If you don’t trust yourself to perform a full cleaning, services like Horizon Air Solutions will assist.
Use a Smart Thermostat
If you’ve been looking at a smart thermostat recently, we highly recommend taking the jump. As well as saving energy while nobody is in the home, a smart thermostat will extend the life of your air conditioning system. Therefore, you save money at two different points of the AC lifecycle.
Check Windows and Insulation
Sometimes, it’s not a problem with the HVAC system itself but with the efficiency of the home. Check the seals on your doors and windows, and then the insulation in the attic. If the seals are weak and there are gaps in the insulation, the home won’t hold onto the warm or cool air for as long. If this happens, you’re wasting money and wearing out the HVAC system quicker.
Contact a Professional
Earlier, we mentioned contacting a professional service, and this is always a good idea to keep the HVAC system in good condition. With annual maintenance, ductwork inspection, and other services, any problems will get spotted early. From here, you get them repaired and the HVAC system lasts much longer than without maintenance. Even with the small cost of maintenance, you get it back with the healthier HVAC system!
