According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regular maintenance of your HVAC system can improve its efficiency and prolong its life. A well-maintained HVAC system is essential for keeping your home comfortable, reducing energy consumption, and saving on energy bills.
In this article, we discuss five essential HVAC preventive maintenance tips that will help you keep your home cool and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Keep reading as we get right into it.
1. Schedule Regular HVAC Service
One important step is to schedule a regular HVAC service. This makes sure your system works well and helps find issues early. Have your system serviced at least once a year, before the cooling season begins.
During HVAC service, technicians inspect and clean essential parts. They check for leaks, assess ductwork, and test cooling equipment performance. Regular service helps prolong your system’s life and improves indoor air quality. Technicians also inspect and clean the evaporator and condenser coils. Clean coils function efficiently.
Regular service can help fix small issues before they become big problems.
2. Keep Your HVAC Components Clean
Dirty HVAC components can reduce your cooling system’s efficiency. Clean or replace your air filters every three months. Clogged air filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder.
Keep the outdoor condenser unit clean by removing debris and trimming plants that block airflow. Dirt and debris on the condenser coils reduce their ability to release heat, leading to reduced cooling efficiency.
Clean the evaporator coil with a soft brush or coil cleaner. Turn off your HVAC system before cleaning the coil. Clean air ducts can also improve efficiency and air quality. Consider having your ducts professionally cleaned every few years.
3. Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency Rating
A higher Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) means your HVAC system uses less energy. To improve your home’s EER, add insulation to your attic, seal gaps around windows and doors, and use energy-efficient appliances.
These steps help your HVAC system and lower your energy bills. Adding insulation to your attic can help keep heat out during the summer and keep it in during the winter. This reduces the workload on your HVAC system, allowing it to work more efficiently.
Sealing gaps and cracks around windows and doors can also help improve your home’s EER. Caulking and weatherstripping are simple ways to seal these gaps and improve energy efficiency. Using energy-efficient appliances, such as ENERGY STAR-rated products, can further improve your home’s EER.
These appliances use less energy, reducing the overall energy consumption in your home.
4. Follow an HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Following a maintenance checklist ensures you cover all essential parts of your HVAC system. Below are some key tasks to include in your checklist:
Inspect and Clean Air Filters
Regularly inspecting and cleaning your air filters is important. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and make your system work harder.
Check Thermostat Settings
Checking your thermostat settings is another essential task on your checklist. Ensure that your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature that balances comfort and energy efficiency.
Inspect and Clean the Condensate Drain
Inspecting and cleaning the condensate drain is important to prevent water damage and mold growth. A clogged drain can cause water to back up and overflow, potentially damaging your HVAC system and surrounding areas.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubricating moving parts, such as the blower motor and fan bearings, can help reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. This can prevent wear and tear on your HVAC components and extend their lifespan.
Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections
Inspecting and tightening electrical connections can help prevent potential safety hazards and system malfunctions. Loose connections can cause electrical shorts and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Check the Refrigerant Level
Lastly, checking the refrigerant level is essential for proper cooling performance. An HVAC technician can assess the refrigerant level and recharge the system if necessary.
5. Upgrade Your Cooling System if Necessary
If your HVAC system is outdated or inefficient, it may be time to consider upgrading. This will not only save you money on your energy bills but also ensure that your home stays cool and comfortable throughout the summer months. When selecting a new HVAC system, consider factors such as;
- the system’s size
- energy efficiency rating
- features
A properly sized system will be able to cool your home effectively without consuming excessive energy. An HVAC professional can help you determine the appropriate size for your home. This will be based on factors such as square footage, insulation, and local climate.
The energy efficiency rating, often indicated by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) number, is another important factor to consider.
A higher SEER rating means that the system consumes less energy to cool your home. Look for a system with a SEER rating of 14 or higher for optimal energy efficiency. Finally, consider the features of the HVAC system, such as;
- programmable thermostats
- variable-speed compressors
- and advanced filtration options
Programmable thermostats allow you to customize your cooling schedule, helping you save energy when you’re not at home. Variable-speed compressors can adjust their speed to match the cooling demand, resulting in more efficient operation and improved comfort. Advanced filtration options can help improve indoor air quality by removing;
- pollutants
- allergen
- and other contaminants from the air
When upgrading your cooling system, it’s essential to hire a reputable HVAC professional to ensure proper installation. A poorly installed system can result in reduced efficiency, decreased comfort, and potential damage to your home. Look for a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor to install your new HVAC system.
The Importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance
Proper HVAC preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your home cool and ensuring the longevity of your HVAC system. By following the advice we’ve given you in this guide, you can maintain a comfortable living environment and save money on energy bills.
Investing time and effort into these preventive maintenance tips will not only benefit your home’s comfort and efficiency but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable living environment.
If you’re looking to implement preventative maintenance on your HVAC system, get in touch – we’d love to help.
