Prevent Costly Repairs with These Monthly HVAC Maintenance Tips

Just like any other vital piece of equipment in your life, such as your vehicle, you realize the importance of regular maintenance to keep it working to its optimal function. The same logic holds true regarding your HVAC system.

Regular, preventative maintenance allows you to know what sort of costs you’re expecting ahead of time, and to keep your HVAC unit running at its peak performance.

Read on, and learn more about how monthly and annual maintenance can keep your energy bills down, and your HVAC system running to its optimal level year round.

Do a Monthly Outdoor Clean

Even your outdoor HVAC units require regular preventative maintenance. Once a month, get outside and clean up debris that is surrounding your HVAC unit.

By cleaning up this debris and dirt, the entire HVAC system will work more efficiently, as there will be less dust and dirt taken in and circulated by the outdoor unit.

Before you start any outdoor maintenance, take time to turn off the unit completely.

This keeps you safe and makes sure that no more dirt or debris enters the system as your cleaning.

Twice a year, do a more thorough clean up of the outdoor units. Take off the cover, and remove any buildup that is sticking to the grates or sides of the equipment.

Regularly Check, Clean, and Replace the Filter

Once a month, you should be checking the filters in your HVAC system. These filters keep your air clean by removing tiny particles of dust and debris.

When checking the filters, inspect the amount of dust that has accumulated. On the original packing of the filter, there is a recommendation as to how often the filter should be changed.

This time frame will be anywhere from one to six months. When was the last time you changed the filter?

When deciding whether to clean or completely replace a filter, take these considerations into account:

• Are there smokers living in your home?
• Does anyone have an allergy?
• Are there pets that shed living in your home?
• Is it a dusty time of year, like spring or fall?

Answering yes to any of these questions means that your air filter should be replaced on a more regular basis, as these factors cause excess buildup on a much quicker basis.

Have an Expert Tune Up Your System

Any HVAC system should have a complete tune up done annually. These tune-ups reduce your energy costs and improve the lifespan of your HVAC system.

They also allow a more in-depth look at the condition of your system, and a professional can let you know if any repairs are imminent.

HVAC experts will lubricate any moving parts, completely test system controls, clean the blower and adjust it if necessary, and tighten all electrical connections.

When you have an annual tune-up complete, you’ll be gaining cost-effective benefits, while enjoying an HVAC system that keeps your home comfortable all year long.