HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning System (HVAC). This is the system that heats up and cools down your home and can be complicated. Performing maintenance throughout the year on this system is essential as the unit can be strained when heating the home in the winter months and cooling it in the summer months. Consequently, if the unit is not maintained properly, it can break down and you don’t want that to happen, especially in summer. Spring HVAC maintenance is necessary so you don’t find yourself miserable when the temperatures start to heat up in summer. Let’s take a look at what you can do to prepare yourself for your HVAC inspection and not lose the cool air in your home this summer.
Clean Around the Air Conditioning Unit
No matter the time of the year, keep the exterior air conditioner compressor free of debris, shrubs, and tall grass. It is good practice to make the unit feel like it is on an island by itself with nothing around it. After a storm, check for limbs in the machine and pull out ones you find.
Replace the Filter
Changing the air filter every 1-3 months is also essential for HVAC maintenance. If you have a smoker in the home, pets or allergens, you may need to change it more frequently. The idea is to have good airflow in the home and this works well with a clean filter. Which, in return, will help you save money on your electric bill. If you have a furnace filter , change it out every few months. This will filter out the harmful bacteria that may get into the home.
Clean the Condensing Unit
Like any outdoor machinery, the condensing unit is very dirty from the outside elements, so cleaning it with a hose at least once a season is very important. This maintenance will allow you to get dirt, grime, and other parts of nature off of the unit and allow it to work properly.
Clear Out the Condensation Line
You can prevent a clogged condensate drain by using a vinegar mixture each month. First, add ¼ cup vinegar to the drain. Next, let it sit for 30 minutes, flush it out and it should clear. This will allow it to kill harmful bacteria, sludge, mold, and algae. In turn, this will allow for high performance from the HVAC unit, prevent condensation back-up and mildrew growth.
Adjust the Thermostat for Part of Your HVAC Maintenance
Programming the thermostat on “cool” in the summer months and “warm” in the winter months will keep the system from working overtime. Once you do that, check the “set point temp” on the thermostat to make sure it is not warmer than the outside temperature. This is very important to keep it working. The idea is to stay cooler in the summer, not hotter. If you are not sure how to do this, ask a trained technician for help with this HVAC maintenance.
Need Service or Just Don’t Know What to Do?
HVAC technicians can come out to do a routine service as well. They can typically ensure freon levels are adequate and the unit is cooling as much as it should be. Maybe wires are hanging out or you are not sure if the line has condensation? HVAC technicians take care of these issues and more. Don’t feel like you have to do it all yourself, a professional can help.
Conclusion
Maintaining the items mentioned above will keep your HVAC unit functioning for many years. HVAC units are not cheap to replace and getting the most amount of years out of it is the best money-saving plan. If you have questions about your HVAC unit, HVAC inspection or anything else, please contact us. We are here to help!
