HVAC systems play an important role in regulating temperatures in your home. When used for a long time, these systems will become inefficient.
No matter the HVAC model you have installed in your home, inefficiencies will definitely rise when you fail to maintain the system properly.
Failure to do so will result in system failure during hot or cold weather when you need the HVAC system the most. Your energy bills will also get out of control when using an inefficient heating and cooling system.
When is the Right Time to Maintain A HVAC System
While HVAC maintenance is essential, most homeowners fail to determine the right time to maintain their systems. You shouldn’t wait until the energy bills have skyrocketed or the system can’t function anymore for you to call an air conditioning expert.
There is actually a simpler and more effective way of ensuring your heating and cooling system works all year round.
When using a system that heats and cools, you’re better off doing repairs in the spring and fall. This is when the system is least used hence you won’t be inconvenienced if the repairs aren’t finished within one day.
If you are only using a cooling system, then you can perform maintenance at least once a year before the hot season begins when it will be in full use. On the other hand, a furnace needs to be maintained at least once a year before the heating season begins to ensure it is efficient.
If you have a repair agreement, make sure your dealer does the repairs as stated in the agreement. For the most part, it is usually once a year. However, some agreements specify that maintenance and repairs should be done twice a year.
Ensure to follow the maintenance routine to prevent damages from occurring to the system.
Benefits of Maintaining Your HVAC
Maintaining your HVAC system will increase its energy efficiency and reduce emissions considerably. Definitely, you don’t want to see one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home malfunctioning.
Giving your HVAC system proper maintenance will enable it to run at peak performance and save you energy bills.
The air quality in your home will definitely be affected by the state of the blowers and filters of the HVAC system. If it is filled with dirt, you could end up with breathing problems and your family could suffer from asthma attacks or other illnesses such as throat irritation and flu.
It is impossible to avoid all kinds of damages when dealing with an HVAC unit. However, with regular maintenance, you will avoid up to 95% of potential damages. In the long run, proper maintenance will save you a lot of costs since it is way more expensive than equipment repairs.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Sometimes your HVAC system might malfunction in between the maintenance periods. If you notice a sharp rise in energy consumption or inefficiency in heating and cooling, your heating and cooling system might need repairs.
Despite knowing that there could be a problem with your HVAC, it is always hard to know the exact part that is damaged. You will have to conduct a thorough inspection to determine the actual problem.
The first thing you should check in your outdoor HVAC system is the refrigerant level. A fluctuation in its level could lead to inefficiencies hence it needs to be adjusted to the right level.
You should inspect the base pan for any restricted drain openings and work towards the removal of any obstructions. Check for dirt, leaves, and debris and ensure to eliminate all of them from the unit.
The coil and cabinet need to be kept clean for the best performance. Ensure any dirt is removed and the fan motor and blades are lubricated.
Other areas you can inspect for damages in your outdoor HVAC system include the control box, wiring and connections, relays, capacitors, circuit boards, and associated controls and accessories.
If you have an indoor unit, inspect and clean the browser assembly which includes the blower housing, the motor, and the blower wheel. In the case of an older model, you might have to lubricate the motor and check the fan belt for damages.
In case it is damaged, you will have to search for the most appropriate replacement part. Inspect the blower housing for any dirt and debris and clean them when necessary. The evaporator and drain pan also need to be cleaned to avoid dirt and dust from causing inefficiencies.
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Gas leaks are common problems in gas furnaces and should be addressed early enough too.
Maintaining your HVAC system might sound like a tough task at first thought. However, when you put into consideration the impacts that a dirty heating and cooling system can have on your family, it is better to keep it cleaned and well maintained.
Maintenance can also save you lots of costs in the long run which could have been spent in repairing the HVAC unit.