When it comes to HVAC maintenance, the steps are fairly straightforward. The hard part is remembering to get the tasks done. This guide will give you a better understanding of HVAC maintenance, debunking common misconceptions and shedding light on the best practices to ensure system efficiency.
Let’s look at the ins and outs of HVAC maintenance in West Fork with this essential guide. For professional services in the area, consider checking out Anderson Air.
HVAC Maintenance Tips
1. Change The Filter
Filter replacement might not top your fall to-do list, but it is integral to HVAC system maintenance. A clean air filter traps foreign particles in your indoor air while saving you money on energy costs. A dirty/clogged filter forces your system to overwork itself and draw excess energy to complete the same tasks.
If you’ve changed the filter but your HVAC system is struggling to keep the temperature comfortable in your home, contact a professional. They’ll perform an in-depth assessment and suggest any necessary upgrades or repairs.
2. Clean the Coils
Furnace coils, also called evaporator coils, are essential in heating indoor air during cold weather. Evaporator coils remove heat from indoor air sources and move it outside to be reabsorbed by outdoor air sources.
Regular cleaning helps prevent your evaporator coils from becoming dirty – which makes the system work harder. Also, regular cleaning prevents clogs in your vents, which require your furnace to work harder to distribute warmth throughout your home.
Before beginning cleaning of evaporator coils, first turn off all power. You can accomplish this by shutting off your outside HVAC system’s circuit breaker.
Next, remove any access panels covering your evaporator coil, which can usually be found either outside the furnace or air handler, depending on your specific system; please refer to your owner’s manual if unsure where they may be found.
After removing the panel, give the coils a quick cleaning with clean water using a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle. Higher water pressure can damage these coils; once all coils have been cleaned, use cleaner to flush away any leftover residue before reassembling and taping any seams shut to secure access panel integrity.
3. Change The Thermostat
Should your thermostat start to malfunction, your HVAC system may struggle to meet the requirements of your home. Thermostats are crucial for maintaining a suitable temperature inside your home.
It’s critical that the power be turned off before working on your thermostat. This helps avoid electrical accidents, which could cause costly repairs or even lead to fires, as well as any possible damage due to rapid switching on/off of the unit.
Furniture should never be placed beneath or above your thermostat, as this could prevent air circulation, potentially impacting the accuracy of temperature readings. Furthermore, direct sunlight or drafts falling directly on it can also alter temperature readings.
Ideally, put it in an area with temperatures reaching at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent this issue.
Install a programmable thermostat to improve precision by setting temperatures based on your schedule, saving energy by maintaining a consistent and steady temperature in your home. Speak with an HVAC technician about available options.
4. Clean The Ducts
Regularly cleaning coils and ducts is an essential part of HVAC maintenance because it guards against dust accumulation, which may otherwise cause havoc with your HVAC system, and it prevents ducting blockages or leaks, which could lower indoor air quality.
Your home’s ductwork serves as the lungs, bringing in air from the main system and distributing it throughout your living space. Recirculation of air may mean your system is picking up pollutants, reducing your indoor air quality and potentially affecting the lifespan of your system’s components.
Improve your indoor air quality and increase the longevity of your AC unit by routinely cleaning your ducts. It’s simple and effective.
Doing it yourself with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment makes this task quick and simple; all it takes is some elbow grease! During this process, cover each vent with a cloth while working to prevent loose dust from being drawn back in.
Additionally, consider having your home energy evaluated. An energy contractor can conduct an assessment that interviews homeowners about comfort complaints before conducting a visual inspection to check insulation levels and for issues such as blocked registers. Finally, they’ll use energy software to analyze results and suggest improvements.
