The HVAC system protects you from extreme cold during winter and keeps the house cool in summer. To do all these, it needs to function well, and keeping it in good shape will ensure that.
You need the help of a professional to take care of your residential heating and cooling maintenance. But before that, you need to have a proper HVAC maintenance checklist so that you don’t miss out on anything essential before the extreme weather kicks off.
Here is a simple HVAC maintenance guide to help you improve the efficiency of your home cooling and heating system.
Checking the Filters Should Be First on Your List
Before you check if your HVAC filters are working or not, ask yourself the kind you’re using. There are new high-efficiency pleated filters in the market that you should look for if you still don’t have one. The filters come with an electrostatic charge that grabs even the tiniest particles eliminating bacteria and microorganisms in the process.
If you already have such a system in your home, then you’re good to go. Even so, you still need to carry out a monthly filter check and do a replacement after 90 days. Check if your filters are tuning dark and clogged to know if they need to be changed.
Check Refrigerant Lines
Refrigerant lines come from the condenser lines outside but lead to your home. You need them in good condition during summer to provide the much-desired cool air amidst the hot day.
Make sure you check your refrigerant lines after every few months to ensure they’re in their optimal performance. Pay attention to any detachment or leaks as this will interfere with the appropriate cooling of your AC. If you notice any problems, call professional HVAC maintenance experts to repair them.
Eliminate Clogs
There is an essential aspect of your HVAC called the condensate drain. Its work is to take away the water from the evaporator coil then convert the refrigerant from liquid to gas. When this happens, your AC will work perfectly to perform the desired function.
However, the condenser drain can get attacked by mold or algae that grow over time. When the attackers go unnoticed for long, they’ll block the condenser line. The good news is that you can prevent clogging by yourself by pouring bleach and water in the condenser every year.
Dehumidify Your Home
Another annual HVAC maintenance involves checking the humidity levels of your home. You need to keep the humidity levels of your home to about 30 to 50 percent. If you maintain consistency at this percentage, you’ll keep mold and mites away from your home.
Get yourself a dehumidifier, especially if you live in damp areas. Damp places within your home such as the basement are breeding grounds for allergens, and you must get them checked.
Make sure you turn off the water supply going to your furnace humidifier during summer. Set the humidifier at 35 to 40 percent during the fall. Don’t forget essential furnace maintenance practices as you’ll need it a lot.
Don’t Close Too Many Home Registers
It’s nearly impossible to spread heat or cooling effect equally all over your house. But there is a trick to ensure every room receives at least a share of the cold or warm air depending on the season.
One trick involves checking those rooms that receive too much warm or cool air and close some registers. This way, those rooms that did not receive enough cold air or warmth will get some even if it’s not enough.
When you decide to close some registers in your home, be careful not to overdo it. Closing too many registers can make the unit work faster, which can interfere with its efficiency and lifespan. You probably won’t want such a thing to happen at the time when you need it the most.
Include Fan Blades in Your Checklist
Like any other part of your AC system, the fan blades also get worn out with time. Regularly check the condition of these blades in the condenser unit and ensure they’re still at optimum performance. If you notice any signs of damage in the blades, get a professional to replace.
To know if these blades are damaged, check them when stationary and when moving. Check if they’re dirty as this is another sign of impending damage. Remover the top condenser unit case and clean the unit.
Don’t Forget the Batteries
Checking the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector is another thing you can never ignore. You’re not just checking but ensuring you carry out the immediate replacement of the batteries.
Your carbon monoxide detector batteries lose their functionality with time as well as that of the smoke detector. If both of these functions are in the same unit, it can make your work easier as you can check and replace it all at once.
Be Prepared for Anything!
Your HVAC system can serve you for a very long time and save you money. But that only happens if you’re disciplined enough to ensure regular maintenance. You don’t need to incur several costs of replacement simply because you didn’t notice the problems ahead of time.
Keep up with this detailed HVAC maintenance checklist to keep your systems running smoothly. Get professionals to do all the necessary replacements and maintenance of your system so that you’re well prepared for all the seasons ahead.
If you need professional help maintaining your HVAC system throughout the year, consider signing a contract with Sperr’s Fuel and Heating. Fill out our form and get an annual contract that covers all the maintenance of your heating system.
