Maintaining a functioning HVAC system is important for the safety and well-being of your family. Many may believe that ignoring the system entirely until there is no choice but to have it serviced or repaired is best, but this can actually do more harm than good. Preventative maintenance is one of the best methods of saving yourself from costly repairs later. The following is a list of maintenance tips to perform now, in order to help prevent you from needing costly repairs later.
Clean The Outdoor Unit
Image source: Flickr by Michael Casey
One maintenance method to help you avoid costly HVAC repairs is to keep your outdoor unit clean at all times. While it can be easy to neglect this unit, doing so will only work to the detriment of your HVAC system. Outdoor units can be clogged with things such as dirt, leaves, trash, dust, pollen, and more. The failure to keep your unit clean may result in a sluggish, malfunctioning system. However, if you take the time to carefully clean your outdoor unit (temporarily disconnecting the power may be necessary), this can save you from paying for costly repairs to your system later.
Replace Air Filters
Another commonly neglected method of maintaining your HVAC system is the checking and replacing of air filters. This is because dirty filters can cause your system to become sluggish and malfunction. Whether you are noticing issues with your system or not, you should be changing your filter every 30-90 days. Additionally, if you have furry pets or tend to keep your windows open for long periods of time, you may need to replace them more often than that.
Remove Pet Hair and Dust
Speaking of furry pets, you should also be checking your vents for visible pet hair and/or dust on a daily or weekly basis. Sometimes pets have a special issue with shedding and there can also be various things that can quickly cause dust build-up. If you noticed either of these substances are visibly building up, you need to remove them as quickly as possible to avoid costly damages.
Seal Door and Windows
Lastly, you need to make sure your doors and windows are properly insulated. Doing so will not only help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, but it will also help reduce excess dirt, dust, and debris from entering your home. Whether you choose to do this yourself or contact a professional, sealing your doors and windows is an excellent method of keeping your HVAC system well maintained.
Overall, the best method of maintaining your HVAC system is by having it serviced by a professional every 6-12 months. Although it may seem tempting to complete more difficult maintenance methods and repairs on your own, this will only have an adverse effect. While DIY maintenance can help reduce the need for costly repairs, calling a qualified HVAC expert is the only way to ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently at all times.