Summer is nearly here, and you're excited to crank up the AC, but before you do, have you thought about your HVAC maintenance? You rely on your heating and cooling system all year to keep you comfortable, so it's important to show it some love.
Neglecting maintenance is like never changing the oil in your car. Eventually, it's going to break down and cost a lot more to fix. Don't worry, we've got you covered. HVAC maintenance isn't complicated, but it does require paying attention to a few key things.
We'll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your system running efficiently for years to come. A few filters, a quick cleaning, and one service call a year can make a big difference. Your energy bills and your wallet will thank you, and you'll have peace of mind knowing your climate control is ready to handle whatever weather comes your way. A few simple acts of maintenance can help ensure cool comfort all summer and toasty toes all winter.
Change Filters Regularly for Optimal HVAC Performance
To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, the most important thing you can do is change your filters regularly. Clogged, dirty filters reduce airflow, make the system work harder, and decrease its effectiveness.
Replace Disposable Filters Monthly
The standard disposable filters found in most HVAC systems should be replaced once a month during peak cooling and heating seasons. As filters get dirty, they become less effective at removing contaminants from the air, and your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Check your filter at least once a month and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged. For the best performance, use pleated filters with a MERV rating of 8-12.
Consider Upgrading to Permanent Filters
For the highest efficiency and cleanest air, upgrade to permanent, washable filters. Though more expensive upfront, they can last 3-5 years and save you money in the long run. Permanent filters also tend to do a better job of removing airborne particles. Look for filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher, which can remove larger particles like dust, pollen, and mold as well as smaller contaminants such as pet dander and smoke.
Call an HVAC Windsor Technician for Deep Cleaning
In addition to regular filter changes, have an HVAC Windsor technician perform professional maintenance once a year or every other year. They will thoroughly clean components like the evaporator coil, blower fan, and condenser unit which can build up dirt and debris over time and reduce efficiency. Professional maintenance helps prevent expensive repairs down the road and keeps your system running like new.
By following these simple steps to properly care for your HVAC filters and scheduling routine professional service, you can optimize your system's performance, improve indoor air quality, lower energy costs, and increase the lifespan of your climate control equipment. Making filter changes and annual checkups a habit will ensure your HVAC system provides cool, clean comfort for years to come.
Schedule Professional HVAC Tune-Ups and Inspections
To keep your HVAC system running efficiently and avoid expensive emergency service calls, it's critical to schedule regular professional tune-ups and inspections. HVAC Windsor technicians have the proper training, tools, and experience to thoroughly check all components of your system.
Annual Tune-Ups
Once a year, usually in the spring or fall, have an HVAC pro perform a tune-up on your entire system. They'll inspect things like the thermostat, filters, blower fan, ductwork, condenser coils, refrigerant levels, and more. They can then clean or replace any dirty or malfunctioning parts to ensure maximum performance and energy efficiency. A tune-up also helps identify any potential issues early on so they can be addressed before causing major damage.
Biannual Inspections
In addition to annual tune-ups, it's a good idea to arrange for a general inspection of your HVAC system every six months. Technicians will check the same areas as a tune-up but go into more depth. They may run diagnostic tests to check things like airflow, refrigerant pressure, and overall system performance. Biannual inspections allow technicians to detect subtle changes or small problems and make adjustments to optimize your system.
By scheduling professional HVAC tune-ups and inspections regularly, you can feel confident knowing an expert is monitoring your system. They have the skills and tools to keep your climate control running reliably and efficiently for years to come. Don't wait until there's an issue-preventative maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your HVAC investment. Keeping on a consistent schedule of tune-ups and inspections will help reduce energy usage, lower utility bills, and avoid costly emergency service calls. Your HVAC system and wallet will thank you.
Clean and Disinfect Your HVAC System to Improve Indoor Air Quality
To keep your HVAC system running efficiently and improve your indoor air quality, it's important to clean and disinfect the components regularly. A dirty or contaminated HVAC system can circulate pollutants like mold, bacteria, and allergens throughout your home.
Clean the Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system remove pollutants from the air before it circulates through your home. Clogged, dirty filters reduce airflow and efficiency, so replace them every 1-3 months, or more often if needed. Turn off your HVAC unit and locate the air filters, typically behind a grill on the return air vents or in your furnace cabinet. Remove the old filters and replace them with filters of the same size and rating, with higher ratings filtering smaller particles.
Vacuum and Wipe Down Vents
Over time, dust, pet hair, and debris can build up on air vents, return air grills, and heat exchangers. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove built-up dirt and lint from vents and grills. Then wipe them down with a disinfecting wipe or spray to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. For heat exchangers, carefully vacuum to remove surface dirt and lint, avoiding damage to the exchanger fins.
Consider Professional Cleaning
For the deepest clean, consider having an HVAC professional perform maintenance like coil cleaning, duct cleaning or system disinfection. Coil cleaning removes built-up grime from the evaporator and condenser coils, which can reduce efficiency by up to 15% when dirty. Duct cleaning removes debris, mold, and allergens from your ductwork and vents. System disinfection kills pathogens in your HVAC components to improve indoor air quality. Professional maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system and improve its performance.
Keeping your HVAC system clean is one of the best ways to ensure high indoor air quality and comfort in your home. Performing regular maintenance like air filter changes, vent wiping, and professional cleaning will remove contaminants, maximize efficiency, and keep your system running strong for years to come.
Conclusion
That covers the basics of keeping your HVAC system in tip-top shape. By following these maintenance tips, your heating and cooling units can run more efficiently for years to come. Hey, any savings you can get on those energy bills is a win in our book. But beyond the financial benefits, proper HVAC care means you'll always come home to a comfortable temperature. What could be better than that? So schedule those regular tune-ups, change those filters often, clear out the vents and you'll be chilling in the summer and cozy in the winter before you know it. Your HVAC gives you the ability to control your own environment - so show it some TLC and it will keep delivering for you, season after season.
