Your home or business HVAC system is essential for maintaining comfort and functionality in the property. It provides warmth during the winter, cools your space in the summer, and ensures that the air you breathe remains clean and healthy. However, like any mechanical system, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to perform at its optimal level and prevent expensive repairs. Taking a proactive approach can stop minor issues from escalating rapidly into major problems, saving you time, money, and the inconvenience of unexpected breakdowns. To help you keep your HVAC system in top condition, here are some key maintenance tips:
1. Regularly Change Air Filters
Regularly changing your HVAC system’s air filters is one of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks. Filters trap dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles, preventing them from entering your home. Over the lifespan of your HVAC system, these filters become clogged, reducing airflow and making the system work harder, which often leads to increased energy consumption and wear on the system.
- How often to change: Check your filter every 1–2 months and replace it as needed. During periods of heavy use, such as summer and winter, you may need to change it more frequently. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers may also require more frequent filter changes.
2. Schedule Annual Professional Inspections
Even if your HVAC system seems to be running fine, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional at least once a year. A trained HVAC technician can identify potential issues early on before they become serious problems. Regular inspections can include checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ductwork for leaks, testing system controls, and ensuring electrical connections are secure. Furthermore, inspections can check whether you need HVAC repair before issues become too big.
- When to schedule: Ideally, have your HVAC system inspected in the spring before the cooling season begins and in the fall before you need to turn on the heat. This will ensure that your system is ready to handle extreme temperatures.
3. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean & Debris-Free
If your HVAC system has an outdoor unit, it’s important to keep it clean and free from debris. Leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and other debris can gather around the unit, blocking airflow and causing the system to overheat.
- What to do: Regularly check the area around the outdoor unit and remove any debris. Trim back any plants or shrubs to ensure there’s at least two feet of clearance around the unit. You can also use a garden hose to gently wash off dirt and debris from the exterior of the unit.
4. Check and Seal All Ductwork
Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork can significant impact energy loss, reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency and increasing your energy bills.
Leaks mean that conditioned air will escape into unconditioned spaces, making your system work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
- How to maintain ductwork: Periodically inspect exposed ductwork for any visible signs of damage, such as disconnected joints or holes. Then, make sure you seal any leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape. If you suspect more extensive ductwork issues, consider having a professional perform a thorough inspection.
5. Keep Thermostat Settings Consistent
Constantly changing the thermostat settings can cause your HVAC system to cycle on and off more frequently, increasing wear and tear. Instead, try to keep your thermostat settings consistent and use programmable thermostats to adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule.
- Use programmable thermostats: Set the thermostat to increase or lower temperatures when you’re away from home or sleeping. This not only reduces strain on your HVAC system but also helps you to make savings on energy costs.
6. Clean the Coils
The coils in your HVAC system, including the evaporator and condenser coils, play a vital role in the cooling process. Over time, these coils can become dirty, reducing their ability to absorb heat and causing your system to work harder to cool your home.
- How to clean coils: During your regular maintenance, have a professional clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
You can also help by keeping the area around the outdoor unit clean and ensuring there’s adequate airflow.
7. Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can cause your HVAC system to run inefficiently and may lead to compressor damage. If you notice that your system isn’t cooling as effectively as it should, or if you hear unusual hissing or bubbling noises, it may be a sign of low refrigerant levels.
- What to do: Have a professional check and refill refrigerant levels as needed. If there’s a refrigerant leak, it should be repaired promptly to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to keep it running at its optimal level of efficiency, extend its lifespan, and avoid costly repairs. By following these tips, you can ensure that your system operates effectively, providing comfort and good air quality for you and your family. Remember, proactive care and professional inspections are key to a reliable and long-lasting HVAC system.
