The only way your home can always be a desirable temperature is if you are properly heating and cooling it. That means your HVAC has to be in tip top shape. By maintaining your HVAC system, you can extend its life and avoid expensive repairs. Here are some great tips to help you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
When you start making calls to get someone to help with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to know what system you have before that phone call. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
If your condenser units are outisde, make sure any debris is cleaned from them regularly. Particularly after bad weather, you should inspect your unit. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.
If trees are losing leaves around your home, this can impact your HVAC unit. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. Double-pane windows keep inside air cooler, allowing you to reduce AC usage in the summertime. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
Have a smart thermostat installed. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. You can often control it from your mobile phone!
Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. Doing this simple task can ensure that your system will be running for years with no problem!
Turn your AC off if no one is at home. The house will only heat to certain level and a decent HVAC system can quickly cool this down once you are home. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. You may even encounter a freeze in your drain line which is often confused with a plumbing leak. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. This problem will need to be handled by a professional, even though the fan will probably help with the ice situation.
You can now see how important a properly maintained HVAC system is. Maintain your unit on a monthly basis. These tips will help you keep your unit maintained and should help you if you ever need it replaced as well.
