How to Keep Your HVAC System in Top Working Condition

Your HVAC unit is one of the most critical systems to take care of as a homeowner. Maintaining your heating and cooling unit is essential for your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, overall system function, and the general well-being of everyone in the house. Proper maintenance of your system will also prolong its lifespan, saving you money on expensive repairs and early replacements. Here are four HVAC maintenance tips to help keep your house more enjoyable and your system in optimal working condition all year round.

Table of Contents

1. Schedule Regular Professional Servicing

Regular HVAC maintenance can allow your system to last up to 25 years or more. Therefore, consider scheduling routine HVAC tune-ups every year, one during the springtime for the air cooling and one during the fall for the heating.

When conducting these maintenance checkups, a professional HVAC installation and repair company will thoroughly inspect and troubleshoot the system to keep it working efficiently and effectively throughout the year. Hiring for professional HVAC services will also ensure you get access to experience and expertise. A qualified HVAC technician will:

Examine any gas connections if your system is using natural gas
Check the condensate drain for clogs and clean as needed
Clean and adjust the blower components
Install new filters if required
Examine the thermostat calibration and settings

2. Keep the Area Around Your HVAC System Clean

Always ensure the area around your HVAC system is clean and free of debris. Doing so will help ensure proper airflow and prevent the system from overheating. Ensure the outside of the unit is free from leaves, sticks, and other debris. Regularly sweep out any grass or dirt that accumulates around the system and clean the exterior coil at least once per year.

3. Invest in a Dehumidifier

While your air conditioner can do a great job of removing humidity from the air in your house, they do require a little help from time to time. This is particularly important if you battle with excessive humidity levels in a specific area of your house.

A quality dehumidifier can help eliminate excess humidity. It will also automatically switch off when it reaches a predetermined humidity level. When the excess moisture is removed, your system will have less humidity to eliminate, making it more efficient at removing the heat from the air in your home.

4. Check and Change the Air Filters Regularly

Dust and debris from outdoor air can enter your house through open doors and windows. Therefore, to reduce these indoor air pollutants, check and change your HVAC unit’s air filters at least every one to three months. However, consider replacing your filters more often if you have seasonal allergies or pets in your home.

Regularly changing the air filters will improve indoor air quality and help regulate your heating and cooling expenses. Dirt-free filters will allow more air to pass through, allowing your HVAC system to heat and cool more efficiently. Air filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 13 offer an outstanding balance between filtration ability and optimum airflow.

Endnote

For many obvious reasons, homeowners need to maintain their HVAC systems. Following these maintenance tips will help ensure your HVAC unit is running smoothly and you keep your home comfortable with fewer concerns of it failing. A well-maintained system often has less serious issues, meaning less hassle and reduced energy bills.