4 Tips For HVAC Care and Maintenance

A home’s HVAC system has a three different jobs it needs to do: heat, cool, and ventilate the home. Almost every home has an HVAC system, and many of those rely on it throughout the year. Just like a car needs an oil change, an HVAC system needs regular care and maintenance to ensure it keeps running smoothly. Cameron Station homeowners can do a lot more than they may think in order to ensure their HVAC system is in good working order. Here are some of the different things anyone can do to help prevent their HVAC system from breaking down.

Change the Filter Regularly

Just like an air purifier or a furnace, an HVAC system filters the air that air is forced through in order to remove particles like dust, dirt, and pollen. This means clean air goes into the home, which makes it healthier to live in. However, no filter lasts forever. The HVAC system’s filter needs to be replaced regularly. An HVAC system will need to have its filter replaced every 1-3 months. However, this can change depending on the model, the size of the filter, and how quickly it gets dirty, and how often it’s used. Homeowners can change the filter on their HVAC system on their own without having to hire a professional.

Clear the Area Surrounding the System

HVAC systems take in air from the immediate area surrounding it. Because of this, it’s common for things to get sucked into the system, which can damage the system and lead to it breaking down. In turn, this can result in costly repair bills. In order to prevent this, homeowners should clear the space around their HVAC system of anything that could potentially get sucked into it. This includes woodchips, flowers, grass, twigs, leaves, and so on. Having a few feet of clearance on all sides of the HVAC system is a good way of helping prevent blockages and damage to the system.

Clean the Drain Pipe and Drain Pan Regularly

Every HVAC system will have a drain pipe for water to exit the system from. However, this pipe can get blocked naturally over time. The moisture in the pipe can lead to mildew and mold growing inside it, which can lead to a clog. It’s possible to clean the drain pipe out in a few different ways, but using a wet-dry vacuum to suction the clog is especially effective. Bleach is also an option if one of these vacuums isn’t available. Ensuring the drain pipe and pan are both clear can help ensure the HVAC system keeps running smoothly, extending its lifespan.

Get It Professionally Inspected

There is only so much an inexperienced homeowner can do on their own to help their HVAC system. And while these strategies are effective for maintaining their system, they may not have all the knowledge necessary to take care of it completely. Homeowners who want the most out of their HVAC system can hire a professional to come out to their home and inspect it once a year. Having a professional inspection done can lead to catching problems while they’re still easy to fix, and to help prevent costly repairs later on.

Homeowners need to understand how to care for and maintain their HVAC system. Completing these simple tasks to care for an HVAC system can be good ways to prolong the system’s lifespan and save the homeowner money in the long run.