The average home spends approximately $1,900 annually on energy costs. But did you know that almost half of that goes to heating and cooling expenses?
Dirt and carelessness are the common reasons for HVAC system failure and inefficiency. Maintaining your equipment will keep your system working correctly and prevent future issues and unwanted expenses.
The following actions can help you maintain the smooth operation of your system.
Regulate Your Home Temperature
Maintaining your HVAC involves setting it at comfortable temperatures and minimizing its work while you are away from home or sleeping. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to change the temperature automatically throughout the day.
Maintaining a cooler winter and warmer summer temperature in the house can reduce system usage, power consumption, and extend its lifespan.
Maintain Your AC Components
Maintaining definite parts of your AC unit is essential to guarantee its optimal performance and longevity. Here are the main components of your air conditioning unit that need maintenance:
- Air filters
- Coils (evaporator and condenser coils)
- Condensate drain line
- Electrical connections and controls
- Fan and blower components
- Ductwork
- Air vents and registers
- Safety measures
- Thermostat
Maintenance of these parts is vital if you want to avoid ac repair
Inspect and Clean or Change Air Filters
A dirty air filter will reason of your heating and cooling system to work harder to spread air around your home. This may result in higher energy costs and harm your equipment, causing early failure. Therefore, inspecting your air filter once a month in your central air conditioner and heat pump is significant. If it’s unclean, take action! If your system has a reusable filter, clean it or replace it; otherwise, replace it.
Get your contractor to demonstrate how to clean your filter on one of their maintenance visits.
Perform Visual Inspection
Examine the system monthly when changing the filter to look for possible issues. Inspect the thermostat, inside and exterior unit, records, and returns. Furthermore, you should check the following:
- Verify the battery condition on the thermostat
- Inspect the condensate system to confirm that it is draining correctly
- Verify that the filter access and cabinet door are safely closed
- Make sure the flue system is tightly attached and completely intact
- Ensure that all registers and returns are unblocked and open
- Examine all registers for evidence of mold
- Evaluate the level of the outdoor unit. If needed, use rot-proof shims to level it.
Seal Your Ducts
A home’s ducts with forced-air heating and cooling systems move air throughout the space. In a typical house, 20-30% of air passing through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.
The outcome is higher utility bills and a struggle to maintain a pleasant house, no matter what temperature you set your thermostat to.
To seal your ducts:
- Use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal air leaks and insulate all accessible ducts.
- Never utilize duct tape, as it is not durable.
- Ensure that the connections at vents and registers are tightly sealed where they touch the flooring, walls, and ceiling.
Many homeowners select to work with a qualified contractor for duct upgrading projects. Most contractors who work on heating repair also fix ducting.
Set Your HVAC Unit at the Optimal Temperature
The temperature you set on the thermostat will mostly depend on personal preferences. Many systems have an ideal temperature that guarantees they will continue to use energy efficiently.
You can consult the owner’s manual to determine the most energy-efficient temperature or ask your service expert to assist you in selecting it. Optimizing HVAC unit efficiency to avoid frequent temperature fluctuations can strain the unit and hinder its optimal performance.
