Keep Your HVAC Running With These Easy Maintenance Tips

If you are reading this, you are either concerned about your HVAC working properly and how you can help keep it that way. A home’s heating and air conditioning system uses more than half of the available energy consumption. It can also cost thousands of dollars to fix or replace. Keeping your HVAC system in proper working order can help you cut down on your energy costs and even put off expensive air conditioner repairs or replacements. The following tips are easy ways to maintain your system. Change HVAC Filters Every HVAC has filters that help remove hair, dust, and other particulates from the air, keeping them from being spread throughout the house. A great way to maintain your system and improve the air quality in your home is to change your filter every 30 days. Dirtier filters block air from passing through, making your system work harder to cool or heat the home. This lowers your HVAC unit’s efficiency, which, in turn, can raise your energy bills. Most heating and cooling systems use filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 13, ensuring a balance between maximum airflow and filtration efficiency. Clear Any Clutter Around the Indoor Unit Ensuring the area around the indoor unit is clear can improve safety and air quality. Surrounding your indoor HVAC unit with items creates a larger surface area for dust to collect, eventually finding its way into your home’s ventilation system. Clutter can also reduce air circulation within that area, making your system inefficient. Furthermore, clutter can become a trip and fire hazard, making it difficult for maintenance and air conditioner repairs. Perform a Routine Visual Inspection of Your HVAC System Conducting a monthly check on your system can be a great way to check for potential issues. You should inspect the thermostat, outside unit, inside the unit, returns, and registers. You can also do the following during your checks:

• Inspect the condensate to make sure it drains properly
• Check the thermostat’s battery to ensure it’s functioning properly
• Make sure the cabinet door and filter access are securely closed
• Ensure all the HVAC’s returns and registers are open and impeded
• Check for signs of mold, particularly on and around the registers
• Inspect the outdoor unit to ensure it is level. If not, you can use weather-resistant shims to level it.

Schedule Regular Service Did you know that frequent HVAC maintenance can extend the lifespan of your system by 40%? Let Ambient Cooling & Heating take care of servicing your HVAC system, and you can be sure it’ll continue to work well! Clean and Clear The Space Around Your Outdoor HVAC Unit One of the major causes of inefficient cooling or heating is debris around the outdoor unit. Fallen leaves, grass clippings, twigs, and other debris can quickly gather on and around the unit. You can ensure efficiency by removing all debris every time you conduct maintenance or yard work. If the outdoor unit is dirty, you can hose it down. Doing this stops dirt and debris from accumulating. If your HVAC unit is located next to plants or trees, trim them till they are at least 2 feet away from the unit on all sides. This can help maintain maximum airflow and efficiency. Conclusion With the tips listed in this blog, you should have no problem caring for your HVAC. Remember, routine maintenance, particularly by a professional heating services company, ensures that your home’s AC works well in the cold or the heat all year round!