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20 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Your Home

Written by Posted On Monday, 02 May 2016 12:17
Proper HVAC Maintenance Proper HVAC Maintenance

Scheduling a routine maintenance plan for your current HVAC system is one of the best ways to ensure that your units are running at their greatest efficiency potential. This will also make sure that you are maintaining the lowest possible energy costs throughout the cold and hot seasons. Keeping up with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance will also help in extending your systems life to its fullest which will bring greater return on your already expensive investment. This will also lower your risk of failure for you central heating and air systems during winter and summer.

It is important to know your limits when it comes to your HVAC knowledge. Regardless of how well you reviewed your online videos of proper maintenance, you may not always be equipped with the proper tools or experience needed for the job. Sometimes there are just some jobs that are best left for the HVAC professionals. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t certain maintenance tasks that the common homeowner can complete. The only thing I would suggest is that you have a few contacts for a reliable heating and cooling contractor nearby that can help you out if in the event that something does go wrong. You don’t want to turn a small problem into a bigger one.

For systems that do both heating and cooling, like a heat pump, maintenance tasks are needed at least twice throughout the year, preferably before it reaches the hot and cold seasons. AC central systems generally only require upkeep once a year right before it begins to get hot. This is the same for your heating central systems which should be done before the first cold. Every HVAC system requires their own unique methods of maintaining but I have provided a general list of “things to maintain” when it comes to annual maintenance and repair.

 

• Always make sure to replace your air filters once a month, making sure to keep at least three on hand. You can also write the date on each one as you install them so you can easily keep track of how long it has been used. There are micro-fiber options to trap more allergens but first make sure that your system can handle it because it may reduce air flow and could cause your systems to overheat. Homes that have furry pets may require more frequent replacement.

• You should make sure to remove any debris that has landed on or fallen into your outside unit. This should be done monthly and included debris like dust, pollen, leaves, and branches which could reduce the air flow and the efficiency of your system. This may also cause an increase in energy costs. One common way to block the flow of air is weed eating or mowing near your AC or heat pump unit. Also make sure that a cleared two-foot perimeter is maintained when in operation.

•Ensure that your HVAC unit is level. If it is altered, call in a local cooling and heating service to repair this problem.

• If your home has a furnace humidifier, you may shut it off during the summer months to prevent any damaging leaks.

Before turning back on the water, make sure that the wick filter has been replaced on the humidifier and also make sure to set the humidistat to 35%.

• To kill any built up algae and mold, add one cup of bleach to one quart of water and dump it down the AC condensate drain. This will prevent any future blockage and foul smells. If condensate drain has become clogged, you can clean it by attaching a wet vac to suck out all blockage.

• If your refrigerant levels have decreased, look for and repair any leaks then refill to suggested levels.

• help in reducing electrical problems, make sure to clear out any debris, dust, and insects from within.

•Ensure that all drain pans are emptied and draining properly and efficiently.

• Make sure to service the blower motor, fan blades, fan motor, and coil, lubricating when necessary. This is more common in older models.

• Make sure all wiring and connections are intact. If some look worn, contact a professional unless you feel qualified.

• Perform and annual inspection of the compressor. This is a maintenance task best done by a trained HVAC specialist.

• Inspect for any gas leaks. If you detect a leak, usually by a sulfur smell, immediately exit the home and call a heating and cooling specialist. You can also call your gas supplier to close of the lines.

• Make sure the burner is adjusted properly.

• All flues and duct work should be intact and corrosive free. Make sure to replace when needed. You can run airflow leaks to check for this.

• Make sure all refrigerant charge levels are at manufactures suggested levels.

• Ensure that all dry bulb temperature settings meet manufactures specifications.

• Check to make sure your furnace’s gas pressure is properly adjusted.

• Make sure all vents are receiving proper airflow.

• Review all manufacturer’s specifications for maximum efficiency.

 

When first turning on your system for the new season, be sure to do a preliminary test which involves listening for any strange sounds or smells. Whenever you are expecting cold weather, it is always good practice to run this test again. This will allow for ample time to repair anything that needs repairing so you won’t be left out in the cold.

If you are searching for an experienced heating and cooling expert, ask them how they would perform a routine maintenance check on your HVAC system and compare with the list above.

 

 

 

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Kevin Sharington

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