Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable in every season. Unfortunately, that means it has to endure a lot of wear and tear. It will develop minor issues over time, making it less efficient. Those little problems can also turn into bigger problems and can cause the system to stop working. Proper maintenance will address those problems and ensure that your system works as efficiently as possible. The good news is that routine HVAC maintenance is fairly quick and easy. You just need to keep the system clean, replace a few parts, and keep an eye out for mechanical problems.
1. Clean Around the System
Make sure that there are no obstructions near your HVAC unit that interfere with airflow into the system. If anything blocks the airflow, it will make your system less efficient. You should regularly clean the area around indoor and outdoor units to remove clutter. That includes any plants that are growing near your outdoor unit. Grass and other small plants are fine, but you need to trim or eliminate larger plants.
2. Check on Your Air Ducts
Air ducts carry air from your heating and cooling systems to the rest of your home. Unfortunately, they are prone to several problems. Dust, mold spores, and other debris can build up inside the ducts over time. They will spread those contaminants throughout your home, which can cause respiratory problems. The dust will also interfere with proper airflow and force your HVAC system to do extra work.
The dust and debris will stay in your ducts until you clean them. If you hire professional HVAC technicians to clean your ducts, we can also check them for leaks. Air duct leaks are common, and they allow conditioned air to escape from the system. Leaks will waste even more energy, so it is vital to fix them as soon as possible.
3. Change the Filters
Your HVAC system relies on filters to remove dust, bacteria, and other contaminants from the air. Those contaminants clog the filters, so you need to replace them regularly. Most systems need new filters every three months, but that is only a rule of thumb. If the air is unusually dirty or your HVAC system is working hard, you may need to replace them more often.
You can choose from a variety of HVAC filters. For example, some systems use electrostatic filters, which use electricity to trap debris. Other systems trap debris in fiberglass. Some filters are washable and reusable while others are disposable. The type of filter you choose will determine how often you need to replace it.
It is important to pick the right filter for your system. If you need help, reach out to a professional HVAC technician. We can explain the benefits and drawbacks of each system and guide you to the right choice.
4. Look for Leaks
Air conditioners use a refrigerant to move heat. They are closed systems, so they reuse the refrigerant, but they can leak if they are damaged. If the refrigerant is leaking, you may notice unusually high energy bills, poor cooling, or high humidity in your home. You might also see bubbles in the evaporator coil. If you think your air conditioner may be leaking, you need to call a technician to repair it. We will stop the leak and refill the system. The refrigerant is toxic, so you should avoid contact with it and address the problem immediately.
5. Clean the Coils
If you examine your cooling system, you will find several coils. The evaporator coils are inside your home, and they absorb heat from the air. Your system also has condenser coils, which release heat outside your home. Both of the coils get dirty over time, which interferes with heat transfer. Your energy bills will increase as the dirt builds up and the system gets less efficient. In extreme cases, your air conditioner may overheat. You can prevent that by cleaning the coils. The dirt builds up gradually, so you do not need to do it often. An annual cleaning will be sufficient for most systems.
6. Maintain the Condensate Drain Line
Air conditioners produce water through condensation as part of the cooling process. They include drains to remove that water from the system. If the drain line clogs, water will build up and interfere with your air conditioner. Mold and algae can also grow inside the drain line. They can cause an unpleasant odor and cause respiratory problems.
Periodically, you will need to clean the drain line to remove mold and algae from the system. That also gives us a chance to check the drain line for other problems. This is a routine part of every maintenance session, but you should also call us if you suspect a problem. Bad smells, flooding, and water damage can all indicate a clog.
7. Take Care of Your Thermostat
Your thermostat controls your HVAC system, so it is vital to take care of it. You should start by replacing the thermostat’s batteries. Some thermostats need new batteries more often than others, but most need fresh batteries every year. While some thermostats draw power directly from your home, they usually have backup batteries. You should check on them to ensure your thermostat will function if the main power source fails.
You should also make sure that your thermostat is measuring your home’s temperature accurately. An inaccurate thermostat can activate your heating and cooling systems at inappropriate times. That wastes energy and makes your home less comfortable. You can test the system by checking your home’s temperature with a separate thermometer and comparing it to the thermostat’s reading. If the two measurements do not match, call a professional to examine your thermostat.
8. Call the Professionals
It can be hard to maintain an HVAC system. While some maintenance tasks are simple, most require specialized skills. Just one seemingly small mistake can damage the system. HVAC maintenance also involves a few hazards. If you make a mistake when working with electrical components, you can hurt yourself or start a fire. It is also possible to expose yourself to toxins or injure yourself by mishandling tools.
Many homeowners find it stressful to work on their HVAC systems. It can be a long and exhausting process. You can avoid those problems by getting help from professional HVAC technicians. Our skills and experience ensure that the process goes smoothly. It is the fastest and easiest way to keep your HVAC system in good condition.
You can rely on Sam's Air Control to prepare your HVAC system for the next season. We proudly offer a full range of HVAC services to Metuchen, NJ and the surrounding area. Our team installs, repairs, and maintains furnaces, air conditioners, and most other HVAC systems. We can also take care of your ducts and improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Schedule an appointment with Sam's Air Control today to give your HVAC system a tune-up.
