Our HVAC systems are arguably the most important appliances within our residential properties, so it’s always important for homeowners to do their due diligence in terms of HVAC maintenance and upkeep.
The HVAC specialists at Beehive Heating and Cooling have sponsored this article detailing some of the most important prevention tips when it comes to avoiding rather expensive HVAC issues, so take it from the industry experts in that the following tips are crucial for every homeowner!
Cleaning the Heat Pump or Condenser
When your HVAC unit is left outside, it’ll inevitably get pretty dirty over long periods of time. Dirty HVAC systems have to work much harder than they truly are supposed to, because they’ll be doing everything they can to provide you with the warm or cold air settings you set your thermostat to.
So by cleaning the unit’s heat pump or condenser on a consistent basis, you can reduce the overall changes of incurring any internal component damages. It’s also a good idea to make sure that the sides and top of your HVAC unit are free of any debris. You may need to use a garden hose to get the gunk out of your unit’s fins, and you should also make sure your unit is on a level surface.
Checking the Unit’s Filter
Another reason why you may need an HVAC repair is due to a dirty air filter, which is why it’s important for homeowners to regularly change out their filter as a part of their routine HVAC maintenance. Changing out your unit’s air filter will reduce your household’s energy consumption, as well as the overall likelihood of needing repairs.
A good rule of thumb is to check your air filters at least on a monthly basis, and switch them out at least on a bi-monthly basis. You’ll especially need to replace your air filters on a consistent basis when you have pets.
Bi-Annual Professional Inspections
The very best prevention strategy you can take with your home’s HVAC system is to have it professionally inspected in the spring and fall months. You’ll want to do these inspections around these times of year, because this is when you’ll be preparing to switch from heating to cooling due to seasonal temperature changes.
These types of seasonal inspections will involve the following:
- Ensuring correct fan functionality
- Coil cleaning
- Air filter changing
- Drain line cleaning
- Refrigerant level checks
- Heat exchanger examinations
- And much more
By preparing your HVAC system for the winter and summer months ahead of time, you’ll put your household in a much more comfortable position to not need professional assistance while your unit is needed most. These inspections are also very helpful in terms of preventing energy bill increases and other types of unexpected home improvement repairs.
Cleaning the Unit’s Drain Lines
Your home’s air conditioner is essentially going to take moisture out of your nearby air supply, and this moisture tends to accumulate within your unit’s drain lines. Over long periods of time, this moisture accumulation can attract excess amounts of dust and dirt, and it can even lead to drain line clogs connected to mold or algae development.
So this is why it’s also very important for homeowners to pay close attention to their HVAC system’s drain line, and clean it out on a sporadic basis. This type of DIY prevention method is very simple, but you can also ask your HVAC technician to do this as a part of their seasonal checkup appointment as well.
Get a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats and AC controllers are all the rage throughout the HVAC industry these days, and these devices are incredibly useful in terms of ensuring the long-term durability of your entire system. You’ll be able to monitor your unit’s energy usage, and you’ll be reminded when it’s time to clean your air filters.
Smart thermostats are also very useful in terms of monitoring indoor air quality, which can help you better monitor the overall performance of your HVAC system.
Contact The HVAC Pros at Beehive Heating and Cooling To Learn More Preventative Tips!
Although we all tend to take our HVAC systems for granted, they truly are the workhorses of our homes. Without them, we’d be feeling pretty uncomfortable while indoors no matter what time of year it is.
That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to take HVAC repair prevention seriously, and you can learn more HVAC preventative tips by going through the hyperlink at the beginning of this article to the homepage of Beehive Heating and Cooling!