Spring is right around the corner, and with that, so is warmer weather. That means you’re probably thinking about when you’ll open your windows, turn on your air conditioning, and blast the tunes. If you’re like most people, you rely on your HVAC system to give you the comfort you need-and you want it to be there when you turn it on. But no matter how wonderful your HVAC system is, it will need maintenance from time to time. Luckily, it’s not too difficult. You can do some easy things regularly to help your HVAC system operate more efficiently, as well as spot potential problems before they become full-blown issues.
If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to start thinking about the warmer months. Sure, we experienced a mild winter here in Minnesota, but summer is sure to arrive soon, and you’ll want to be prepared. As you prepare your home for the warmer months, you’ll also want to look after your HVAC system. Many homeowners are unaware of the importance of preventive maintenance, but it can make a big difference.
Here are a few things you can do to help reduce the need for service and keep your system running as long as possible.
Change your filters
To maintain your HVAC system, you need to change your filters regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow, increasing energy bills and shortening your lifespan. When it comes to your HVAC system, cleaning your filter regularly is one of the easiest things you can do. Change your air filters every month. At least the common aspiration is to change them every 3-6 months, but Americans rarely follow the advice. The fact is most filters should be changed every 30 days. If you have pets or people in the home who shed, you should change the air filter more frequently. That said, if you are not able to do this all by yourself, then consider getting in touch with an expert, like the ones at reggiesoil.com, who can offer HVAC tune-up services.
Clean your air duct system
Air ducts are an essential component of HVAC maintenance. The air ducts in your home or building play a crucial role in distributing conditioned air throughout the space. Over time, however, air ducts can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other contaminants. This not only affects the quality of the air you breathe, but it can also impact the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system. By regularly having your air ducts cleaned, either by yourself or by professionals similar to DUCTZ of Mid Michigan, you could ensure that the air in your home or building is clean and healthy, while also maximizing the performance and longevity of your HVAC system. Professional air duct cleaning services can remove buildup, improve airflow, and help extend the life of your HVAC system, making it a crucial investment in your building’s health and comfort.
Clean your condensing unit
HVAC system. If your unit is blocked or dirty, it may not properly cool your home. The condenser collects dust and debris as air flows through the indoor coil, which is normally located inside an attic or crawlspace. Condensing units also run on refrigerant, which can collect dust, dirt, and debris. Dirty coils don’t absorb heat from indoor air as efficiently, resulting in increased electricity use and a shortened unit’s lifespan. Check the coils, remove the covers, and check for dust and debris. If needed consider replacing fan coils for better energy efficiency as well as heating and cooling. You can contact a condo fan coil unit replacement company that provides services in your neighborhood to get assistance with the task. By keeping your HVAC condensing unit and coils clean, you can save energy expenses as well as improve indoor air quality, which can prove to be beneficial to you and your family in the longer run.
Visually inspect and create clearance around your outdoor unit
The outside unit, or outdoor compressor, is responsible for pushing air through your home’s duct system. A dirty, clogged outdoor unit can result in air that does not circulate as effectively, resulting in increased energy consumption. To solve this problem, you should regularly inspect the outside unit, looking for obstructions, dust build-up, and grime. If your home’s outdoor unit shows signs of dirt build-up, you can clean its coils by spraying them down with a strong hose. Doing so will also allow you to watch for any physical damage to the unit. If you see anything that concerns you, or if you notice ice or frost forming on the outside of the unit, you should contact your HVAC professional immediately.
Consider a change in the gas used
Two of the most popularly used gasses for HVAC systems would be Propane and natural gas. Each has different properties although they could be used for the same purpose. However, when it comes to propane vs. natural gas and their usability, you would have to take into consideration a few factors that could affect efficiency and maintenance, not to mention the costs involved. First, natural gas may initially seem cheaper but it could cost you more than propane would, simply because natural gas might burn much faster than propane gas, suggesting more frequent expenses. Propane would last longer, especially in colder weather, meaning it is more cost-efficient. Second, propane gas would be safer as it has a lower flammability range of 2%-10% compared to 10%-15% in natural gas. So, in case there is a leakage, natural gas would be more dangerous to deal with and costlier to fix. Finally, Propane could produce cleaner emissions as compared to natural gas. In conclusion, propane would be easier and cheaper to use and could make your setup work more efficiently.
Check your evaporator coil’s drainpipe and drain pan
The evaporator coil is an important part of your home’s HVAC system, and like many HVAC components, it needs to run smoothly. The evaporator coil, usually located in the home’s attic, is designed to pull warm air from your home and move it to the furnace. It’s not hard to imagine why this component can become obstructed. Debris can end up on the evaporator coil, preventing it from running efficiently. If the air conditioner runs, it pushes the debris onto the evaporator coil, making it less effective.
Many people don’t know it’s very important to maintain your HVAC system. It’s the most important system in your home, yet it’s often overlooked. The furnace and air conditioner in a home keep it comfortable but unseen. Without them, the house would heat up like an oven in the summer and become very cold in the winter (so cold that pipes would burst).