You know you need to get an HVAC tune-up at least once a year, and twice is better. But what do you do between visits? That’s what our HVAC maintenance tips are for!
Most homeowners are afraid to touch their HVAC system and for good reason. Your HVAC system is a complicated piece of machinery that has a ton of voltage running through it. The wrong move could put someone into a hospital bed, if not a casket.
But there are a few things you can safely do to maintain your HVAC and help it to last longer. If you make these a habit, you can prevent unnecessary breakdowns and common repair calls. So if you’re ready to get more out of your heating and cooling system, you’ll love these 4 HVAC maintenance tips.
1. Change Your Air Handler Filter
If you think this tip is a no-brainer, then you are probably maintaining your HVAC unit well. But not everyone knows to change their air handler filter, especially new homeowners. Some property owners don’t even know where their filter is located.
Your air handler filter needs to be changed every 2-3 months, depending on the level of allergens in your home.
If you are renovating and a lot of dust is accumulating in the air, your filter will need to be changed more frequently. The same goes for animals in the home. The more your animals shed, the faster your filter will fill up with fur and need to be replaced.
If you don’t like the idea of constantly buying and tossing out filters, check out this article where we discuss how to recycle your filters as well as reusable filter options.
2. Keep Your Vents Open and Clear
It’s common for homeowners to believe that closing vents will save electricity or help their HVAC cool other rooms faster. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Closing your vents will not only make your air conditioning system less efficient, it could lead to big repairs down the road.
When your vents are open, air flows freely the way it should. By blocking or closing vents, the HVAC system becomes stressed and struggles to perform.
Sometimes vents are accidentally blocked by furniture, or homeowners mistake intake vents for non-functioning ductwork. But intake ventilation is just as important as the cool air that pushes through your home.
If your HVAC system cannot pull old, stale air into the system, it won’t have air to push out. The indoor air quality in your home will deteriorate too because your home ventilation system is suffering.
So always keep every vent open and remove any obstructions away. Check them frequently as a good HVAC maintenance routine.
3. Clean Your Condensate Drain Line
Condensate drain line clogs are one of the most common air conditioning problems, and if it isn’t caught early, it can cause serious water damage. However, it’s easy to prevent!
If you flush your drain line every 30 days, it will kill microorganisms like mold and fungus and prevent blockages. Here’s how to clean your drain line step-by-step.
- Turn the AC off from the thermostat and breaker.
- Remove the condensate drain cap and check for clogs.
- Add 1/4 cup white vinegar or household hydrogen peroxide.
- Wait 30 minutes after flushing and rinse with water to make sure there are no blockages.
Once you can confirm that water is freely flowing from your condensate drain outdoors, you’re set!
4. Clear Debris Away From Your Condenser Unit
During your routine HVAC maintenance visit, an expert at Action Air Conditioning will do a thorough cleaning of the system. However, there is a lot of time in between servicing. During this time, your HVAC system will collect grass, leaves, and other debris.
When your outside unit has too much debris on it, the heat can’t be released outdoors properly. This can cause your AC to work harder and cool less, which can also lead to expensive repairs.
So how do you clear away the debris? First, remove large branches or brush away from the unit by hand. Then sweep away large amounts of leaves or grass clippings.
Even though you may think that a bit of dirt or leaves won’t hurt, it can add up, especially if it gets trapped inside the unit.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Grab a vacuum with the gentle brush attachment and remove the rest.
Smart homeowners know that keeping their outdoor unit clean greatly benefits the system’s performance. Don’t let your unit get too dirty between maintenance visits. Give your outdoor unit some extra care after lawn care or storms.
Receive Yearly HVAC Maintenance in Tampa Bay from Action Air Conditioning
If you need help beyond HVAC maintenance tips and you are looking for a team of heating and cooling experts that you can trust, call on Action Air Conditioning for your next HVAC tune-up! Our contractors are insured, certified, and ready to help you feel comfortable in your home or business.