It’s fairly common for people to ask, “What is the importance of HVAC maintenance?” Well, it helps keep air quality at optimum levels, enhances comfort, keeps your home/office safer, and leads to long-term savings.
The type of HVAC maintenance you need depends on factors such as the age and condition of the system, its size, its brand, how often you use it, and where you reside. Fortunately, following a few simple HVAC maintenance tips may help you steer clear of expensive repairs no matter what type of system you use.
1. Clean the Condenser/Heat Pump
Outdoor HVAC units tend to get rather dirty over time, which requires them to work harder than normal. Cleaning the condenser/heat pump can not only help improve efficiency, but it may also work in minimizing the possibility of damage to components present inside the unit.
2. Clean/Replace the Filter
It’s important that you check the filter every few weeks to make sure it remains clean. You might want to do it more often if you have pets. When the filter gets to a stage where cleaning it is not enough, you ought to consider a replacement. You typically need to replace an HVAC system’s filter every one to three months. A HEPA filter might work well for households that have people with allergies.
3. Check Refrigerant Lines
If a refrigerant line develops a crack or wears out, there’s a good chance that the efficiency of the HVAC system will suffer. As a result, it’s important that you give them a look every four to six weeks, even in the winter. If you notice a crack or any other type of problem, contact an HVAC specialist as soon as possible.
4. Maintain Cleanliness Around the Outside Unit
It’s common for outdoor HVAC units to become victims of twigs, leaves, grass, and other types of debris. Make sure you keep the unit clean and you may even consider hosing it down if you find too much dirt. Trim plants in the vicinity so that there’s at least a two feet gap between them and the unit.
5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat or AC Controller
HVAC systems equipped with smart technology give you access to features that aid in preventive maintenance. For example, a smart thermostat or AC controller can notify you when it’s time to clean or replace a filter. Some are even capable of detecting drops in air quality owing to sub-optimal operation.
6. Get Professional Maintenance
Even though you may inspect your HVAC unit every now and then, you might want to consider signing up for an ongoing plan with a company that provides HVAC maintenance services. This is because a professional visit involves a more intricate HVAC maintenance checklist that would also address aspects such as:
- Proper functioning of fans
- Cleaning of coils and drain lines
- Checking the refrigerant level and replacing it if needed
- Inspecting the heat exchanger
Conclusion
Bear in mind that while following basic HVAC maintenance tips can help extend the life of your HVAC system, opting for ongoing professional inspections ensures that it keeps working at optimum levels at all times. While this service comes at a cost, it typically results in long-term savings.
