How to Take Care of Your HVAC System

During a cold winter night or a hot summer day, you can rely on your HVAC system to keep you comfortable. However, it can break down in the middle of the night leaving you to deal with the freezing cold or sweltering heat.

Here are some tips that will help you keep your HVAC system in top condition:

What to Do Now

Buy a high efficiency filter – the type of air filter that you purchase will determine the quality of air that you breathe in; it is a good idea to invest in a pleated air filter.

Clean your AC unit – you should clean your AC to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris. You can clean it with soap and water or use a brush to remove sediment that has stuck to the unit.

Create clearance around the outdoor unit – You also need to clear at least two feet of space around your unit. Doing so will make it easier for professionals to access it. You just have to trim the surrounding bushes and trees on all sides of the unit. Failure to provide clearance around your outdoor unit can result in clogged condensing units.

What to Do Seasonally

Replace the air filter – you need to replace your air filter once per month in the summer and after six weeks in the winter. Replacing your filter will keep your AC functioning properly and ensure that you breathe in fresh, clean air. If you have pets, you should check your air filter more often to prevent allergens. If you have a system for air purification, you should also replace its filters.

Call in the experts – you need to call in HVAC professionals such as http://www.valleycomfortheatingandair.com/services/heating/ to inspect the system twice per year. This should happen before the cold weather starts and before hot weather comes. They will look for microbial contamination and obstructions that keep your HVAC system from functioning optimally. These inspections will reduce the burner soot buildup.

Examine your AC ducts – you need to make sure that your AC ducts are not leaking because you can lose up to 25 percent of the heat in your home through small holes. When you spot holes, you should get in touch with HVAC professionals to fix them. If you have an emergency, some companies might offer 24hr repair for your AC unit.

What to Do Annually

Replace detector batteries – make sure that you replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector at least once a year. If you forget to replace the batteries, you will be putting your whole family in danger because carbon monoxide is a deadly gas. You should set a reminder on your phone or write it down in your journal.

Clean the condensing unit – you should clean your condensing unit, which is usually outside with a fan on top of it. The fins in the fan get clogged up with dust, grime, and pollen. To remove this debris, you should spray the outside of the unit with a hose.

However, you should not use a pressure washer because it will damage your unit.

Check the drainpipe of the evaporator coil – if you do not know where it is, you should speak to a HVAC contractor. Check this drainpipe for blockages that tend to build up there. Use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out the clog or use bleach to clean it.

Conclusion

The above tips will keep your HVAC system in pristine condition all year round. If you do not know what you are doing, you should call in the professionals to avoid destroying your entire air conditioning system.

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