Summer is officially here and it’s going to be a hot one! Make sure your AC is ready and avoid costly repairs or replacements with our HVAC maintenance tips.
There is a time for pollens and a time for dust. A time for heat and a time for cool. But summer is nearly upon us and this mean’s it’s a time for HVAC maintenance.
Most homeowners don’t think about their HVAC system until something goes wrong.
They think their unit will magically transition from winter to summer and back again.
But the truth is, your HVAC system needs servicing between seasons to keep it running like new.
In the next few paragraphs, we’ll cover how to keep your unit running smoothly.
Summer HVAC Maintenance: Change the Filter
We get it. Filters can be expensive. But think of them as insurance against disaster.
If you keep a clean filter in your system, the machine will work at its optimal capacity.
If you leave a dirty filter in there, your system will have to work harder, taxing the motor and eventually burning it out.
Keeping a clean filter in your HVAC system will also save you money.
Poorly running HVAC systems take more energy to operate.
And since heating and cooling usually accounts for the largest energy expense in your home at 48%, you’ll want to keep those costs down.
So, make sure you change that filter at least quarterly. And if you have pets, change it monthly and buy a heavy duty filter.
Clean the Coils
Speaking of dirt and dust passing through your filter, even if you change your filter every month, your coils will eventually get dirty.
You might want to hire someone to do this. It’s a fairly dirty job.
But depending on what kind of HVAC unit you have, it can be a fairly easy process.
If it’s an A-Frame evaporator coil, you will definitely want to hire someone to clean your coils. It’s very difficult to get the coil clean without removing it from the system and this takes expert knowledge.
Keep the Drainage Hole Clear
A lot of people don’t realize their AC unit has a drainage system.
When your HVAC system cools the air coming through it, the moisture in the air condenses on the coils and then drips down.
This means you need a place for the water to go.
Enter the drainage pipe. Usually, it’s an open pipe under your HVAC unit. And it won’t clog as easily as your bathroom sink.
But depending on where your HVAC unit is, you might get spiders and other critters taking up lodging in and around the drainage during the winter months.
You can easily use a wire brush to clean the pipe. Just take off the panel on your unit and reach down.
The size of the pipe varies. But it shouldn’t be too hard to clean out the pipe.
Get It Inspected
Lastly, before summer hits us all, call your local HVAC maintenance guru.
It’s always a good idea to have an expert take a look at your unit.
They can make sure everything is running perfectly so that your summer stays nice and cool.
