10 Tips on Caring for Your HVAC System: Getting the Most Out of Your Unit

The right HVAC system is one of the most important investments you can make for your home. A good unit will save you money on heating and cooling costs, while a bad one will leave your family feeling uncomfortable all summer long. In this blog post, we are going to give you 10 tips to care for your HVAC system and get the most out of it!

1. Regularly clean the coils:

The coils for both air conditioners and furnaces are what bring in fresh, cool or hot air to your home. As dust accumulates on those coils, it blocks the airflow which leads to a drop-off in efficiency. Every three months you should use compressed air at full power from an HVAC professional's compressor to blow all of  the dust off of the coils.

2. Change your air filter regularly :

A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause your unit to work overtime. Be sure to change the filter at least once a month, but ideally every three months for maximum efficiency.

3. Check and change your refrigerant every year:

The refrigerant in your unit is the coolant that helps it function. If you don't change this every year, then your system will work less efficiently and could potentially break down.

4. Keep the unit in good working order by having it serviced annually by a professional HVAC company :

Regular maintenance by a professional will ensure your system is functioning properly and that it's running efficiently.

5. Clean or replace dirty evaporator fins on an air conditioner

Use a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment, then blow them off with compressed air if they are still dirty after cleaning them (do not use water)

If your air conditioner is dirty, then it will not be able to cool as efficiently. Cleaning the evaporator fins can help you get more out of your unit.

6. Avoid installing gas furnaces near large trees, wood piles, or other sources of moisture:

This can lead to problems down the road like corrosion and rusting that will cost you more money to fix later on

7. Inspect all electrical connections (especially those that are not near ground level) for signs of corrosion :

Corrosion is a sign that the unit's metal parts are rusting and not functioning properly. Corrosive connections will cause your system to work less efficiently, which can lead to costly repairs in the future.

8. Keep an eye out for any signs of water leakage

Be sure to turn off the power at your home's circuit breaker if you notice a leak.

9. Keep your vents clean by sweeping them regularly and

If necessary, have a professional perform a full-service duct cleaning to remove any dust buildup

10. Call an expert if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Your unit isn't working at all

  • There is a strange noise coming from your system when it's running

  • It feels warmer or cooler in one room than another, even though they're supposed to be regulated to the same temperature. This might indicate that there is a problem with your ductwork, which can be expensive to fix.

  • Your unit is working hard even when the temperature isn't very high outside

  • The air coming out of vents feels warm or cold and is not consistent throughout the house

  • You notice a strange odor that you weren't able to identify before (a burning smell could indicate electrical

Do not ignore problems with your HVAC system - complacency leads to higher repair costs down the road.

Summary:

With these 10 tips, you should be able to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently for the long haul. If you have any other questions about caring for your unit or need a professional opinion on how best to maintain it, we're here to help! Feel free to contact us with any of those concerns or if you want some more advice on keeping things running effectively in general. We'll do our very best to get back with you as soon as possible.