In order to maintain your HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), it’s important to do preventative repair and maintenance every few months. If your system is not keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, it’s time to call in a professional who will know what to look for.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to your HVAC unit, including: the age of the system, whether it currently works to capacity, changing your air filter and much more.
If you have a HVAC system that keeps your home at the right temperature year around, there are still things you should do each season to ensure that it is running at optimal performance.
* Spring – When the first days of Spring are upon you, it’s time to check that your air conditioning system is ready for the season. This involves an air conditioning tune up. The professional will ensure that your unit is in good working order before warmer days start to creep in.
* Summer – It’s important to change your filter monthly, especially if someone in your home suffers from allergies. It’s also important to change it right after Spring, moving into Summer. Check that air flow is correct, tighten any electrical connections, and monitor refrigerant pressure. Don’t forget to clean your condensate drain.
* Fall – When Fall rolls around, it’s time to get another tune-up, but this time focused on heating. This involves checking thermostat calibration, cleaning the furnace burner assembly, checking again for proper air flow, and changing the filter. Both Spring and Fall are high allergy times so you want to remove allergens that can make your family uncomfortable. Also, be sure to measure the temperature difference between supply air and return air.
* Winter – Once Winter hits, again, ensure that you’ve changed all filters, tightened all electrical components, and lubricated all moving parts. It’s also a good idea to double check the equipment area and make sure it is clear of debris. A lot of HVAC units are in closets that also end up as storage repositories, so make sure there is plenty of clearance to avoid fire hazards.
Every season, pay attention to whether or not your system is making noises that it shouldn’t. Also be mindful of smells that seem overbearing or strange and other issues that can affect performance or indicate trouble.
Most HVAC professional offer packages for Winter and Summer tune ups to help make the most out of your HVAC system, keeping you and your family cool or warm as the case may be. It’s important to have regular maintenance before problems begin and definitely alert your professional to any differences that you’ve noticed in your HVAC’s performance.