5 Things you Can Do to Help Keep your HVAC System Working Properly

Those hot summers require an efficient and reliable air conditioning unit to maintain indoor comfort. One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system working properly is to regularly maintain the system. Here are a few things that you can easily do as a homeowner that will maintain your HVAC system.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Keeping your air filter clean is one of the most important and simplest maintenance tasks that you can do. Filters are responsible for trapping dust and other particles from entering the system. A clogged air filter will block airflow, and air must regularly flow over the system’s coils to keep them cool. If the coils are coated with dust, the heat exchange is affected, and your HVAC system’s efficiency is reduced.

By regularly cleaning your filter at least twice a year, can reduce your energy usage by 5 to 15 per cent. If you use your AC continuously throughout the year, more frequent cleanings are recommended. While most filters can be cleaned, some may need to be replaced.

Your standard HVAC filters don’t contribute significantly to indoor air quality but are designed to keep large particles from entering your HVAC system.

TIP: Not sure how to change or clean your air filter? Call a pro that can come out and do it for you…and pay close attention and ask questions to see if you can handle it on your own the next time.

Repair Leaking Ducts

If you have any air ducts that are leaking, you could lose up to 30 per cent of conditioned air before it even reaches your living space. By repairing leaking ducts, you’re improving the HVAC system’s efficiency, reducing energy usage, and providing yourself with a more comfortable home.

Keep the Outdoor Housing Clean

Over time, your air conditioning unit may become dirty with leaves, grass, and other debris. If you let this stuff accumulate on the condenser inside, the coils will become coated with grime and this, in turn, affects the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Things that you can do to prevent this from happening:

• Regularly trim grass and other vegetation around your house.
• Gently hose the exterior to remove grime and leaves.
• Clean the fins of the unit with a special tool. While you could do this one yourself, this may be better left to an HVAC repairman to avoid damaging the fins.

Vacuum Indoor Vents and Keep Vents Unblocked

By vacuuming dust and debris away from indoor vents, you are maintaining steady airflow from your system to your living space. Be sure to keep anything from blocking the vents.

Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed

During the heat of the day, keep your curtains and blinds close to prevent direct sunlight from warming the inside of your home.

Final Words

Maintaining your home doesn’t always have to cost you a lot of money. By following these simple tips you’re ensuring that your HVAC system is working properly and efficiently.

Understanding the different parts of your HVAC system can help you make sure your system is working properly and staying in tip-top shape.

The tips we mentioned above should keep all your system’s parts in good shape. We also recommend having your system checked by a professional at least once a year to make sure the equipment, connections, and duct-work are working properly.