6 Things You Need To Know To Keep Your HVAC Running Like New
These days it has become really important for every household to have an HVAC system. HVAC systems of today are a lot more complex than before, and this means you need to keep yourself in the know in case it runs into problems.
Regardless of the HVAC system model you own, you can do simple preventative maintenance to keep it working like new.
What is preventative HVAC maintenance?
Basically, the best way to prevent your HVAC system from glitching out on you is to make sure that you regularly check it for problems. We have a list of things you can do to make sure your HVAC system is in top shape, especially during inclement weather. Not everything requires you to call the experts, but just in case you are looking for professional heating and air conditioning contractor in Jacksonville FL, AC Designs are the people you should get in touch with.
Preventative HVAC Maintenance – 6 Things To Look Into
Let’s look at a few things that you can do (and a few you need help with) to keep your HVAC system working throughout the year. It is a lot better to get through a checklist before your HVAC system does run into serious problems. While HVAC systems designed today are a lot more robust than before, things can and will go wrong with improper maintenance.
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Clearance is important for Outdoor units and heat pumps
It is critical that the outdoor unit of your HVAC system is kept unobstructed. A 2X2 area surrounding the outdoor unit should be kept free from hedges, bushes, or any other materials that can hamper airflow to your HVAC system. You also should check the top of the unit for debris or vegetation that could’ve lodged itself between the fins of the unit.
2. Clean registers and vents
Once in a while, checking your HVAC registers and vents is a good idea as they might require some cleaning or maybe someone unknowingly blocked it with furniture or a thick rug. There are chances of vents collecting a lot of dust, especially if you live in an area that is prone to it. Removing dust and grime helps ease the strain on your HVAC system and keeps the flow of air consistent throughout the house.
3. Increase it’s efficiency with a Programmable thermostat
This is something that you should opt for if you haven’t already. A lot of people who have switched over to programmable thermostats have reported up to 20% of savings in their utility bills. A programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat can adjust your heating or cooling enough to keep you comfortable without wasting energy. If you program it correctly, you will hardly notice any loss of heating or cooling, but will see substantial savings in your electricity bills.
4. Check the insulation
Insulation is an important factor when you need to control the indoor temperature. To save your HVAC system from wear and tear, you need to run periodic checks of insulation within your home. If you want to keep your home cool, draw drapes to prevent too much sunlight from entering the room. The attic is where a lot of thermic efficiency is wasted so you should make sure that the whole area is insulated properly. During winter, locking the windows can prevent heat from escaping. A well-insulated home also adds to the efficiency of the HVAC system.
5. Filter care
Neglecting the HVAC filter is perhaps one of the oft-repeated mistakes when it comes to HVAC maintenance. You need to make sure that your filter is cleaned at least once a month, less if you live in a place which accumulates a lot of dust. Most filters have a lifespan of 90 days after which you need to change it out unless specified otherwise in the filter instruction manual. Ideally, the filter you opt for should have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) of 7 or higher.
6. Annual maintenance
An annual maintenance contract with a professional HVAC service provider can do a lot to keep your system in good shape. They run comprehensive checks that can point to serious problems that can manifest later. They also check your ducting, tubing and wiring for problems and will suggest corrective measures for several types of problems. They will appraise your HVAC system and deliver a detailed report of their findings which you can use as a reference for forthcoming maintenance cycles.
What are the Benefits of preventative maintenance?
- Keeping your home safer
Regular preventative maintenance keeps mishaps like electrical faults or fires from in your house.
2. Improved air quality
Keeping your HVAC system clean means that it can filter air better, which gives you better quality air inside your home.
3. Save money
You will be saving your HVAC system from expensive, emergency repairs when you carry out regular maintenance.
4. Peace of mind
A regularly maintained HVAC system can keep your mind at ease.
Summing it up
There are no excuses for skipping on a scheduled preventive maintenance schedule. While it is true that preventive maintenance can seem expensive initially, when you look at it for the long run, an HVAC system on a regular maintenance cycle can actually save you money and time. It can prolong your HVAC’s system’s lifespan as well.
Another thing you need to factor in is renovating your house. When renovating your home, make sure that it does not interfere with your HVAC layout. Look at effective yet simple home renovation ideas and to be safe, call the HVAC experts over for a checkup after it is done.
You can also get in touch with your local HVAC professionals to draw up an annual contract which will help keep your HVAC system running like new!
Thanks for stopping by friends. We partner with busy homeowners to create spaces that feel authentic to their lifestyle and we blog about subjects that educate and inspire. Contact us to learn more about our products and services. You can email us at rjackson@yourdesignpartner.com or
call 513-409-3759
Inspiring creativity,
Ricci
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