top hvac maintenance tips for homeowners
To be able to rely on your home’s HVAC system, you need to provide it with the necessary TLC. However, for many homeowners, it might not be readily apparent what kind of attention needs to be paid to the HVAC system throughout the year to ensure it keeps running without issue. While it may seem like just another list of chores being piled onto the already long list that comes with homeownership, the HVAC system is a wildly important part of your home’s core systems. To keep your HVAC system in working order and regulating the perfect temperature throughout your home year-round, make sure to set some time aside to tackle these 5 HVAC maintenance tips.
1. Replace the Filters Regularly
By far the easiest tip on this list, regularly check and replace the air filters. While the recommended time to change the filter is every 3 months, it’s important that the filter is checked monthly to make sure it’s not overly clogged, dusty, or damaged.
2. Check on the Outdoor A/C Unit
It’s easy to forget about the A/C unit outside, but it should be checked upon to make sure it’s still running properly and efficiently. To best ensure your unit can perform as it’s supposed to, make sure it has a clearance of 1–2 ft. on all sides, and that it is clear of dirt and debris, including tree branches. It’s also a good idea to check the unit’s foundation for cracks and to make sure that it is still on level ground.
3. Clear the Condensate Drain
While checking on the A/C unit, also take the time to check out the condensate drain on your air handler. Once a year, pour a cup of bleach (diluted with water) down the air condensate drain pipe to clear out the pipe and reduce the likelihood of mold and algae buildup.
4. Check the Vents
Walk around your home and check the vents to make sure that the airflow is equal in all the rooms. If the airflow seems low in several places, this is a good indication that the ductwork should also be checked for any possible openings or leaks. Additionally, it’s good to check that enough vents are still open throughout your home. A good rule of thumb is that 80% of your home’s vents should stay open, to help ease the strain on your HVAC unit.
5. Clean the Coil Systems
In both of the HVAC units for your home — indoor and outdoor — there is a coil system that keeps the units running. It’s important to check these systems to ensure that they are clean and free of leaks. An indication that there is a potential blockage in the coils is if the HVAC unit is running harder than it should be, or if the unit doesn’t turn on. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling the coil cleaning yourself, it is best left to a professional, as damaging the coils can be a somewhat costly repair.
In addition to these 5 HVAC maintenance tips, it’s very important that your HVAC system receives an annual maintenance inspection. This will help uncover any potential issues before they become full-blown problems, and help keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency. If you have yet to schedule your annual HVAC maintenance visit, or if you have questions about tackling any of the HVAC maintenance tips, reach out to the trained professionals at Duane Blanton. Over the phone or online, the technicians of Duane Blanton will be able to help sort out any and all of your HVAC needs. Give them a call today at (815) 781-2567, or schedule online through their online scheduling portal.
