10 Steps That’ll Prolong Your HVAC’s Life
If you haven’t yet, purchase a superior filter. The latest pleated filters with high efficiency have an electrostatic charge similar to a magnet that is capable of capturing the smallest particles, including bacteria carriers.
Make sure to change the filter after every 90 days, but keep an eye on it every month. If it appears dirty and obstructed, then replace it right away. If you have pets, it may be necessary to replace it on a monthly basis.
Ensure that there is a minimum clearance of two feet surrounding outdoor heat pumps and air-conditioning units.
Make sure to clear away any waste, like leaves, pollen, and twigs, from both the top and sides of outdoor air-conditioning units and heat pumps on a weekly basis throughout spring, summer, and fall. It is crucial to avoid allowing grass clippings from the lawn mower to land on the unit.
Check the insulation surrounding the refrigerant lines that go into the house once a month. If any are missing or compromised, replace them.
Ensure that the unit is level and annually check that outdoor air-conditioning units and heat pumps are placed on stable and even surfaces or pads.
To prevent blockages, pour a mixture of water and bleach down your air conditioning condensate drain once a year. This will help avoid any accumulation of mold or algae which could lead to a clog.
During the summer, turn off the water supply to the furnace humidifier. In the autumn season (or prior to using the heat), switch out the humidifier wick filter and adjust the humidistat to a relative humidity level of 35% to 40%. Finally, turn the water supply back on.
To prevent unnecessary burden on the HVAC system, it is recommended to not close more than 20% of a home’s registers.
It is recommended to replace the battery in your carbon monoxide detector at home every year.
OTHER DIY HVAC MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
1. CHANGE OR CLEAN YOUR AIR FILTERS REGULARLY
Regularly changing or cleaning your air filters is crucial in maintaining the good condition of your HVAC system as they serve to eliminate large particles and allergens in the air before they can affect your indoor air quality sensors.
Your home’s air quality will be negatively affected in the long term if the system’s filters are dirty or defective, as it will struggle to remove pollutants. Regular filter maintenance not only aids in reducing dust and allergens but also enhances the system’s effectiveness.
To replace your HVAC unit filter, just remove the old ones and replace them with new filters. For cleaning, use a hand vacuum to remove allergens followed by wiping with a microfiber cloth. If you want a more thorough cleaning, wash the filter well with vinegar and warm water. After cleaning, make sure that the filters dry completely before reinstalling them into the unit.
In case you’re uncertain about how to change or clean your air filters, it’s advisable to employ the services of a professional and consult with your HVAC technician for a worry-free experience.
2. KEEP YOUR VENTS AND REGISTERS CLEAN
Keeping your vents and registers clean is one of the simplest ways to keep your system healthy.
When the vents and registers are clogged with dirt, dust or other debris, the air that flows into and out of the system becomes contaminated and less effective at regulating the temperature in your residence. Consequently, this can lead to higher energy expenses and a shorter life span for your AC unit.
To start ensuring the cleanliness of your vents and registers, you need to locate the specific spot wherein the accumulation of dirt and dust is most prevalent. This could be found on either the topmost part of the registers or the bottommost part of the vents. After successfully determining the exact area where the debris is settling, it is now time to commence with the cleaning process.
To clear dust and dirt from the openings of vents or registers, use a brush. Brush from left to right and top to bottom for thorough cleaning. If there is leftover debris, use a vacuum cleaner for added cleaning.
3. CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST FROM YOUR OUTDOOR UNITS
Keeping the outdoor unit of your HVAC system clean and well-maintained is crucial to ensuring the optimal performance of your air conditioner over the years, as debris and dust can easily accumulate and hinder its functioning, resulting in increased energy consumption.
In order to thoroughly clean your outdoor units, it might be necessary to take off the fan grill. It is essential to power off the unit prior to doing this for safety reasons. In addition, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to get to unreachable spots that can’t be cleaned with a bucket and hose. Ultimately, cleaning the surrounding area will increase the unit’s efficiency.
If you observe a decrease in airflow, inspect your outdoor units to ensure that they are positioned parallel to the ground.
4. REMOVE BLOCKAGE FROM DUCTS
There is a high probability that your HVAC unit’s air ducts are obstructed if you are encountering issues with your heating and cooling system.
The obstruction of ducts can result in several issues, with the most prevalent one being inferior indoor air quality. The air quality inside a residence, also known as indoor air quality, can be markedly inferior to the air quality outdoors. The reason for this is that your HVAC system emits chemicals, pollen, and other tiny substances into the air, which can enter your house through blocked ducts.
Regular inspection of your air conditioning system and ducts is crucial to remove any obstructions promptly. In case cleaning fails to rectify the issue, consider replacing the ducts. But, if you observe any indications of blockage, like reduced airflow, it’s vital to act immediately to avert significant problems.
5. CHECK YOUR HEATING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
Leaking is a frequent issue that HVAC systems face. In case you detect unusual odors or bad air conditions, it is probable that your HVAC system has leaks.
Before inspecting for leaks, identify the origin of the leak. Is it from the ducts, condenser unit, or fan? When the source of the leak is determined, search for indications of water damage. If any signs are seen, promptly seek the assistance of a specialist to repair the leak.
After checking for water damage and finding none, proceed to inspect the system for additional indicators of leaks. Pay attention to any buzzing noise from the AC, temperature variations, and inconsistencies in temperature throughout the house. If any warning signs are discovered, seek the assistance of a professional to correct the problem.
Leave a Reply