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Keeping your HVAC system in good working condition is an essential part of home maintenance. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can help ensure that it runs efficiently, saving you money on energy costs and ensuring that your home stays comfortable year-round. In this blog post, we'll discuss 10 essential HVAC maintenance tips that every homeowner should know to keep their system running smoothly.
1) Get an annual tune-up
To keep your home HVAC system running as it should, it's important to schedule an annual tune-up.
A tune-up will ensure that your system is operating at peak efficiency and will help protect your home against costly repairs in the future. A qualified technician will inspect your unit and make any necessary adjustments to improve its performance. If a part needs to be replaced during the inspection, the technician will only install factory-certified parts or equivalent replacements that meet manufacturer specifications.
Many of the following recommendations will be included with your annual tune-up.
2) Inspect and clean your ductwork
To keep your home HVAC system running smoothly, we recommend that you inspect and clean your ductwork.
Duct cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your system because it helps prevent the buildup of debris, dust and mold that can damage your unit and even make you sick. You should schedule a duct cleaning every two years or if you've had construction work done in your home.
Our technicians will inspect all vents and registers to ensure they are clear of debris or other obstructions. They'll also use a high-pressure blower to remove dust and other contaminants from the inside of the ducts. This process is safe for both people and pets, as our technicians wear proper respiratory equipment while working inside your home.
The benefits of duct cleaning include improved air quality by reducing allergens like pollen and dust mites; increased energy efficiency from cleaner air filters; better air circulation throughout your home; fewer service calls due to blocked vents or registers; reduced risk of mold growth due to moisture buildup on interior surfaces; reduction in airborne particles like smoke particles from cooking fires; longer-lasting HVAC systems by preventing corrosion caused by moisture build-up around evaporator coils
3) Check your air filters regularly
It's not uncommon for people to neglect their air filters, but we're here to tell you that it's a mistake.
When you don't change your air filter, you run the risk of having dust and other particles collect in your system, which can lead to clogs and even costly repairs. If you've got a central heating and cooling system, this can also mean that your unit won't be able to run as efficiently as possible.
To keep your home HVAC system running smoothly, we recommend that you check your air filters regularly—at least once every three months or so.
4) Keep your outdoor unit clean
When you're keeping your home HVAC system running smoothly, don't forget to keep your outdoor unit clean.
You might be thinking, "Why would I need to clean my outdoor unit? It's outside! That's where it belongs." But a dirty air conditioner can have a big impact on the efficiency of your system and its ability to keep you comfortable.
Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of dirty air conditioners and how you can prevent them:
Dirt build-up on coils - Dirt can cause major problems for your air conditioner by blocking air flow through the coils and preventing them from cooling properly. This can lead to an inefficient system that wastes energy and makes it harder for you to stay comfortable in your home. The solution? Keep the coils clean! Use a soft brush or squeegee to remove dirt build-up before it becomes a problem.
5) Keep your indoor unit clean
To keep your home HVAC system running smoothly, it's also important to keep your indoor unit clean.
If you've ever noticed a strange odor coming from your HVAC system, dust or dirt has likely built up on the evaporator coil inside of your air conditioner or furnace. This can cause excess wear and tear on the unit, resulting in poor performance and high energy bills.
A dirty indoor unit can also affect the health of those who live in the home by increasing the risk for allergies and other respiratory problems.
To prevent these issues from happening, you should schedule regular maintenance with a licensed technician who has experience maintaining these types of systems.
6) Lubricate your moving parts
This is a simple step that can save you money and headaches in the long run.
You might think that your system has no moving parts, but it does! Check out these common culprits:
-The fan blades on your air conditioner
-The blower motor on your furnace
-The fan blade on your heat pump
-The compressor on your central air conditioner
-The expansion valve on your furnace
-The condenser fan motor on your heat pump
These are just a few of the many moving parts in an HVAC system. If they're not lubricated regularly, they'll seize up or break down completely!
7) Check your Freon levels
Freon is the coolant used in your air conditioning and heating system. It keeps your system running at the right temperature, no matter what the weather is outside. Checking your Freon level once every year is an excellent way to make sure that you're getting the most out of your investment.
When you add Freon, it helps keep your system running efficiently for a long time. When you don't add enough, you'll notice a change in performance very quickly—and if you don't add any at all… well, let's just say that things could get ugly fast!
At DeSantis AC, we understand how important it is to have a well-functioning HVAC system, which is why we offer 24/7 services to our customers. Just call us at (352) 330-4433 and dial 4 for an emergency appointment. We'll come out ASAP and take care of everything for you!
8) Inspect your electrical connections
Your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a big part of your household's comfort. And to make sure that you have an efficient system that's running at peak performance, it's important to make sure that your electrical connections are secure.
If you notice any of the following issues with your electrical connections, call in a professional for repairs:
-Sparks or flames coming from the plug connection
-Smoke coming from the outlet
-A burning smell coming from the connection
-The fuse keeps blowing
9) Check for leaks
A leaky HVAC system is like a leaky roof: it's not going to fix itself, and it's going to cause problems if you don't address it.
Here's how you can tell if your home HVAC system needs a little TLC:
-If you notice that your house is getting warmer than usual and there are no open windows or doors, check the vents. If they're blowing hot air, that means that there is a leak somewhere in the system.
-You might also notice that your house is getting colder than usual, even though all of your windows are closed. This could mean that there's a leak somewhere in the system, or it could mean that something else is wrong. Either way, call in an expert!
10) Inspect the condensate drain and clean it as needed
One of the most important parts of keeping your home HVAC system running smoothly is inspecting the condensate drain and cleaning it regularly.
The condensate drain is a pipe that runs from your furnace or air conditioner to a location outside your home. The pipe collects water that condenses out of the air as it's cooled or heated by your HVAC system. If this water isn't removed, it can back up inside your walls and cause significant damage to your home.
To prevent this problem, you'll want to make sure that you inspect the condensate drain regularly for leaks and blockages. You can do this by pouring hot water into the end of the pipe once every month or so while looking for any signs of leaks or clogs. If you find any problems, call our professional HVAC technician right away at (352) 330-4433.
