HVAC maintenance is an essential part of home ownership. By maintaining your unit, you will drastically improve your efficiency, save on utility costs and avoid possible breakdowns. Be sure to disconnect the electrical switches on your HVAC when performing maintenance.
Periodic maintenance will also dramatically extend the life of your unit. Here are some tips you should check to make sure your system is working properly.
Change your filters
One of the most profitable steps you can take is to change your filters regularly. Filters are designed to remove dirt and allergens from the air circulating in your home. By turning them on a regular basis, you can keep the air in your home clean for you and your family.
But changing the filters will also help your HVAC system work better and experience fewer mechanical problems. Over time, as the filter removes more debris from the air in your home, it becomes clogged and operates less efficiently. This not only places more stress on your system but also wastes utilities.
Check your fan
As it operates, the fan that circulates the air may loosen due to vibration. Whenever you change your filters, check the fan to make sure it is firmly in place. If the bolts that hold it in place loosen, this allows the fan to move and loosen the fan belt.
Check your fan belt
The fan belts are one of the parts that continuously move in your oven. Check them every time you change your filter to see if they are wearing out and need to be replaced. If they are shiny, it may indicate that the belt slips over the pulley and has been stretched or loosened enough so that it no longer fits properly.
Clean fan blades
Check and vacuum the blower area. Also be sure to use a brush or cloth to clean the fan blades. The accumulation of dust and dirt on the fan blades can cause the additional voltage to the motor and even create your fan to lose its balance.
Oil The fan motor
Putting a few drops on the blower motor can keep it running smoothly. However, some new engines are sealed and do not require oil, so be sure to check with your HVAC maintenance staff whether or not you need to grease the engine.
Once a year
Each year it is essential that you have an HVAC maintenance professional who verifies your HVAC unit. If it is a combination of heater / cooler unit that has to be controlled by the change of seasons, it is a good idea. You should also check several components, including air filters, belt, air ducts and fan controls. If applicable, also inspect the burner flame.
Conclusion
By taking good care of your HVAC unit, you will get longer life and reduce overall maintenance costs. Just like anything else that requires regular preservation, waiting until it breaks will only increase the cost of fixing it. Be sure to perform routine HVAC maintenance, and you will be much less likely to be sitting in the heat on a hot night with a broken air conditioner trying to find someone who can fix it.
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