4 HVAC Maintenance Tips

Your HVAC system is one of the hardest working pieces of equipment in your home. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer and sometimes both in the spring and fall. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your unit running smoothly all year long. Consider incorporating these four tips into your maintenance routine.

1. Check the Filter

Clogged air filters reduce the efficiency of an HVAC system, forcing it to work harder. This can result in more frequent and severe breakdowns. Check your filter once each month. If it is dirty or clogged, wash it off. Once every three months, purchase and install new HVAC air filters Richmond. If your home is located in a dusty area or you have pets, you may need to change your filters more frequently than that. 

2. Clean the Heat Pump or Condenser

Heat pumps and air conditioners that are located outdoors can accumulate significant amounts of dirt that force the system to work harder. Regular cleaning can improve efficiency and reduce the chance of damage to internal components. Periodically check for debris on the top and sides of the units. Clean the fins with a garden hose. Make sure your unit is level. A unit that isn’t level may cause refrigerants to be disjointed, which can increase the risk of the compressor breaking down. 

3. Schedule Regular Inspections

Have an HVAC professional inspect your unit at least once per year. The technician will check your unit to make sure the fan works correctly, the air filter doesn’t need to be changed, the coils are clean, the drain lines are clean, the refrigerants are at the correct level and there are no leaks. It is best to have the inspection performed before the start of the summer or winter when the system will be used the most. 

4. Get a Smart Controller

Smart HVAC controllers add additional features that can be useful for maintaining your unit. You can monitor usage history, receive alerts when filters need cleaning or when the unit is not performing optimally or there is an indoor air quality issue. You can also use it to schedule your unit to only run when it needs to, which can save wear and tear on the unit.

Regular maintenance can save you money on your utility bills and help keep your HVAC system running better for longer. These four tips can help get you started on your maintenance plan.