If you’re a homeowner, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to fix up (and enhance) your HVAC system to get it running as smoothly as possible. A properly maintained HVAC system will run more efficiently, maximizing your home’s comfort and air quality—and saving you money. If you’re feeling a bit lost on where to start, here are our top five tips for getting your HVAC running smoothly.
Tidy Up
HVAC systems are notorious for getting grimy and dirty very quickly. If you don’t clean your system regularly, your indoor air quality will deteriorate, possibly even causing health issues. Obstructions such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt can hinder airflow, which will force the system to consume more energy. Additionally, animals love hiding in control cabinets, as they’re generally warm and dry. These can damage your electronics and be very costly to repair.
Your first priority should be to remove the junk that accumulates around your outdoor heating and cooling units. Remove any leaves, grass clippings, cobwebs, or dirt. Also, take a look at your control cabinet and evict any critters that may have moved in.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the most important maintenance jobs you can do is to replace or clean your air filters every two to three months. These filters are responsible for keeping the indoor air clean. If they get clogged, the system has to work harder to get air through and will consume more energy. You’ll also notice a decrease in indoor air quality.
Other components that require regular cleaning and maintenance include:
- The blower assembly
- Heat exchanger
- Burner assembly, ignition system, and safety controls
- Outdoor and indoor coils
- Drain pan lines
We also recommend that you lubricate all bearings and motors every three months or so. This will keep your system running smoothly and will prevent overheating.
Inspect and Replace Damaged Parts
Unfortunately, even the best maintenance routine will not stop parts from wearing down. Give your entire HVAC system a thorough check every six months or so. Take a look at motor parts such as fan belts, wiring, and mechanical connections. It’s also a good idea to check refrigerant levels and top them off if necessary.
Find and Seal Leaks
As ductwork starts to age, it will develop holes and start to leak. We recommend having a yearly professional inspection, preferably with an electronic leak detector. Our professional HVAC specialists are trained to detect and repair any leaks that have developed, restoring your HVAC system to its original functionality.
Add-Ons
There are several add-ons you can buy to make your HVAC system more efficient. The first one you should consider is a programmable thermostat, which will give you precise control over your home’s temperature.
If you’re the type to start the new year with resolutions, be sure to put “take care of the HVAC system” near the top of your list. If you’re not comfortable doing the maintenance and repairs yourself, give us a call, and our professionals will be more than happy to get your system in tip-top shape.