HVAC Maintenance Tips
Caring for your home might seem like a full-time job! There is a lawn to mow and landscaping to trim, trim to paint, and windows to caulk; the list seems endless. If you enjoy performing home improvements and care, you live at the right time and in the right place. So much information is available and so many products are available to help you with your tasks.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home is the most complex building system you will face. This system not only keeps your family comfortable by heating and cooling the home, but it also circulates and cleans the air to keep your family safe and healthy. There are plenty of do-it-yourself HVAC Maintenance tasks for homeowners to complete.
1 Change That Air Filter
Nothing is as simple and as beneficial as changing the system air filter regularly. The air filter collects airborne particles with every heating and cooling cycle. When the filter gets clogged, it loses its effectiveness as a filter, allowing particles through. The clogged filter also reduces airflow, which places tremendous stress on air conditioner components.
The stress reduces efficiency, read—costs money, and reduces the longevity of the equipment, read—costs money. Schedule filter changes at least every three months; use family events, such as birthdays or seasons as a reminder.
2 Clean the Condenser Unit
The outdoor portion of your air conditioner is called the condenser unit. While it seems solid, it is a network of tubes and fins designed to cool hot gases running through the tubes. It is essential for air to pass through the fins to dissipate the heat; notice the large fan in the center.
When mown grass and dust combine to clog the holes between the fins and it is very important to clean the debris away. Use a garden hose to wash away the buildup, making sure not to damage the fins.
Since the condenser needs tremendous airflow, trim tall grass and shrubs at least two feet away from the unit. Clean debris, limbs, and leaf litter away from the base. Reposition lawn furniture a good distance away.
3 Clear the Evaporator Drain Line
In the inside air conditioner cabinet, you can locate the evaporator coil. It serves a similar purpose as the condenser coil outdoors. An abundance of air moves through a network of tubes and fins, but this time the gas is cool. As warm, humid air passes over the cool tubes, water condenses and drops to a drain pan below. A cool, dark, moist space is a perfect spot for the growth of algae.
When the algae grow inside of the drain lines, expect the drain to clog. A simple solution is to open the cabinet and add a cup of vinegar or bleach to the drain pan. This retards the growth of algae, avoiding the leak that develops when the drain pan overflows.
4 Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your very complex HVAC system needs regular professional care, so do your part by scheduling an annual preventative maintenance inspection. An HVAC Maintenance technician will test electrical parts, check the coolant gas pressure—add gas as needed, and measure the system efficiency. This is a good time to ask for advice and get some maintenance tips from your HVAC Maintenance professional.
For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our AC Maintenance information page.